Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem

How what happened applies to you | Lenten Journey 2025 | Jesus Christ | Christianity

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Lent 2025: Week 1 | Lent 2025: Week 2 | Lent 2025: Week 3 | Lent 2025: Week 4 | Lent 2025: Week 5

From One Mountain to Another

After Jesus’ Transfiguration, a lot happened before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (near Mount Zion) where He would soon die on the cross. If you missed my post about what happened on Mount Hermon, read “An Extraordinary Mountain Top Experience”.

Then, we have this:

Mark 9:10-11 (BSB)
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus admonished them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept this matter to themselves, discussing what it meant to rise from the dead.

Why did He ask them to wait? One reason is that the disciples, after three years with Jesus, didn’t yet understand His mission. Jesus told them more than once that the Son of Man would be turned over to those who would kill him, and then be raised to life. They still didn’t grasp why He came. So how could they understand His Transfiguration?

(They would after He was raised from the dead and they looked into His face.)

What Did Jesus Do before He Entered Jerusalem?

A lot. He continued His ministry knowing He would soon face His accusers and the cross. I can’t wrap my thoughts around any of this. What would I do, what would my focus be, if I knew I was walking toward where I would be killed? I would want to turn around and run in the opposite direction.

Jesus pressed ahead. He knew His purpose. As He journeyed to Jerusalem, He left a legacy of teachings He wanted His followers to remember. Let’s do a quick review of the gospel accounts:

After His Transfiguration, Jesus:

• Rebuked demons

• Admonished His followers for their lack of faith

• Declared to them that faith the size of a mustard seed would move mountains

• Presented a little child to His followers when they asked Him who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven

• Admonished His followers that unless they change and become like little children they will never enter the kingdom of heaven

• Preached very strong words against sinful acts and causing others, especially little children, to stumble or go astray (from Him)

• Taught how to deal with someone who sins against them, and the steps to take to admonish and (hopefully) restore the person

• Instructed His followers to pray in His name, and where two or three are gathered He’s also there with them

And much more! This list is nowhere near complete. The apostle John closed his account of Jesus’ earthly ministry with these words:

John 21:25 (BSB)
25 There are many more things that Jesus did. If all of them were written down, I suppose that not even the world itself would have space for the books that would be written.

Does this Apply to Our Lenten Journey?

Yes. Here’s my meager attempt at paraphrasing the list above to help us apply Jesus’ teachings as we commemorate His journey to the cross this Lenten season.

Jesus wants us to:

• Live in spiritual confidence for He is Lord over the evil ones (they’re doomed anyway)

• Walk in faith (daily); believe His promises, always

• Be like a child in your faith journey (think about this one)

• Protect little children

• Reject sinful behavior, and never cause another to sin or stray from God

• Counsel and restore someone who sins against you

• Be a prayer warrior, and pray often with fellow Jesus followers

Your Turn

As you read the lists above, did you sense the Lord impressing on you what applies to your life, to your faith walk with Him? If yes, take time to think about those things and pray. What would Jesus like you to do?

Are there areas of sin in your life you struggle with? If yes, come to your Lord as a little child and talk with Him about your sin. Ask Him to rebuke any evil ones that may be influencing and tempting you. Tell him you reject your sin and want to live for Him.

Are you struggling in your faith walk? If yes, Jesus says even if your faith is as teeny tiny as a mustard seed, that’s enough. Walk in faith, five minutes at a time, trusting in Him like a little child.

Maranatha, come (again) Lord Jesus.
Soli Deo Gloria!

If you’re a not-yet follower of Jesus Christ, please come along on this journey with us. You are welcome here.

And, I invite you to read my series on the book “What Does God Want?”.

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