Rejected, But Resolute

No Turning Back

The Mercy Road

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:51–56

“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, 

Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” 

Luke 9:51

As Lent draws us into the story of Christ’s suffering and love, Luke 9:51 marks a turning point. Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem, fully aware of what awaits—betrayal, mocking, crucifixion. Yet He moves forward, not hesitating. The phrase “resolutely set out” reveals not just direction, but determination. He is walking the road of obedience, no matter the cost.

On this journey, Jesus sends messengers ahead into a Samaritan village to prepare for His arrival. But they are turned away. The people refuse to welcome Him—not out of ignorance, but because He is heading to Jerusalem. Centuries of animosity between Jews and Samaritans explode in a closed door. For them, the holy place was Mount Gerizim, not Jerusalem. Jesus’ very direction was offensive.

The disciples, outraged, want revenge. “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven?” they ask, perhaps recalling Elijah. But Jesus rebukes them. He will not force faith, nor punish refusal. He simply continues on to another village. His mission is not one of destruction, but of redemption.

This moment reflects the path of Lent: a Savior rejected, yet merciful. Even when love is refused, He continues in love. The cross ahead will show this most clearly—rejection answered not with wrath, but with forgiveness.

We, too, will face rejection if we follow Him. Not everyone will understand a life shaped by the cross. But Jesus teaches us to respond not with fire, but with grace. We don’t need to win every argument or prove every point. We need only to keep walking with Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, when love is refused, teach me to love still. When doors close and hearts grow cold, give me courage to walk on in grace. Thank You for setting Your face toward Jerusalem—and toward the cross—for me. Let me follow You there, step by step. Amen.