A Man Who Was Determined Series

B. Why was Jesus determined? He loved the lost! Even thought this was a city that had rejected him, and would reject him, he loved the people. Luke 13:34 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" It was for this city, for all people, that he would give his life when he got there. We must be determined to follow God’s will because we love the lost! If we get discouraged and lose heart, how many will be lost because of it? Let the determination of Jesus inspire and encourage your faithfulness!

C. Why was Jesus determined? Because what looked like defeat to his enemies was not the final word.Jesus was sure of his coming death. He was equally sure that his death would not put a grim, black period to all of his holy hopes. He was not going to Jerusalem as a defeated victim, but as a conqueror. John 12:32 "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." In your life you may be able to point to many things that didn’t turn out like you wanted them to, but do not think you are defeated when you are following God’s path! Human observation is not the final word! Let the determination of Jesus inspire and encourage your faithfulness!

Conclusion:

1. Jesus was a man who was determined. He made this trip to Jerusalem because*It was the will of God *He loved the lost *He did not view it as a defeat

As we look at faces around the cross, it is the face of Jesus – determined to follow God’s will through whatever obstacle in his path… enemies … faithlessness of believers … suffering.

2. The fact that Jesus was determined to do God’s will ought to inspire and encourage us to be as determined as he was. Such a course is not always easy….we must be determined….as Jesus was. Hebrews 13:6 "So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Nothing demands more courage than being a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ.

It takes courage to begin; it demands courage and strength for every step of the journey. Many fail, turn back, do not have the determination.

3. Many years ago Charles G. Finney was preaching in Rochester, New York. Far up in the balcony was a brilliant and able lawyer. He was chief justice of the

court of New York. As he listened to the minister, he became convicted of his need to follow Christ. "That man is speaking the truth," he said to himself. "I ought to act up on it. Here and now I ought to make a public confession of Jesus Christ." But there was another voice that spoke, reminding him of the prominent position he held, also how humiliating it would be for him to go forward and make his confession just as any ordinary sinner. "But why not?" came the more manly voice! Then, lest his cowardice might get the better of him, while the minister was still speaking, he arose and went down the stairway and the long aisle. He stepped into the pulpit, plucked the minister by the sleeve, and said, "If you will call for decisions for Christ now, I am ready to come." By that courageous decision he not only found Christ for himself, but was the means of helping to bring a new spiritual springtime to his entire city.