The Relentless March to the Cross; Luke 18:31-34

Delivered during the Sunday Morning Worship Service, 12/22/2024. As Jesus and His disciples make their approach to Jericho, He takes the opportunity to tell His closest disciples (the twelve) for the third time how He will suffer, be killed and rise again once they reach Jerusalem. We will analyze the various aspects of this Passion-announcement, paying particular attention to the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament. We will study this profound sequence of events in the context of the important principle we have learned from Luke's recent stories and parables-- that Redemption is by grace and grace alone. But salvation by grace alone raises what some see to be a Theological dilemma. In other words, how can God be merciful and just at the same time? Does not one preclude the other when punishment for sin is demanded by His holiness? Luke brilliantly positions this story to answer that question as Jesus reveals His relentless march to the Cross-- not just in this Gospel, but all throughout God's history of Redemption.