Luke 9 51

Luke 9:51 kjv

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

Luke 9:51 nkjv

Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem,

Luke 9:51 niv

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

Luke 9:51 esv

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.

Luke 9:51 nlt

As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

Luke 9 verses

Luke 9 51 Meaning

Luke 9:51 marks a pivotal turning point in Jesus' earthly ministry, signaling a decisive shift from His Galilean teaching and healing to His final, purposeful journey towards Jerusalem. The verse conveys Jesus' unwavering resolve to fulfill His divine mission, which includes His suffering, death, resurrection, and ultimate ascension. It highlights His full awareness of His impending fate and His absolute determination to proceed according to God's predetermined plan. This "setting of His face" signifies a deep commitment to the cross and subsequent glorification, marking the commencement of Luke's unique travel narrative.

Luke 9 51 Context

Luke 9:51 is a pivotal hinge point in Luke's Gospel. The first part of the chapter concludes Jesus' active Galilean ministry, marked by the feeding of the five thousand (9:10-17), Peter's confession of Christ's identity (9:18-22), Jesus' first clear prophecy of His suffering (9:22), and the transfiguration (9:28-36) where Moses and Elijah spoke of His "departure" or "exodus" (9:31). Immediately after this verse (9:52-56), Jesus is rejected by a Samaritan village, which serves as an early example of the challenges He will face on His journey. The subsequent narrative, spanning chapters 10-19, details Jesus' extended and deliberate journey through Perea and Judea, making His way toward Jerusalem, with His passion as the ultimate goal. Historically and culturally, Jerusalem was the capital, the seat of the Temple, and the center of Jewish religious and political life, especially for major feasts like Passover. "Going up to Jerusalem" physically denoted an ascent in elevation but also signified a significant, intentional pilgrimage to the sacred center, where all major redemptive events associated with the Messiah were expected to occur. This passage signifies a clear shift in focus from broad public ministry to intense, focused instruction for His disciples as He heads toward His ultimate sacrifice.

Luke 9 51 Word analysis

• Now (De): This transitional particle signifies a critical narrative shift, marking the beginning of a new section or phase in the Gospel's story.
• when the days (en tō symplērousthai tas hēmeras): This phrase highlights the divine orchestration of events. It's not a random occurrence, but a preordained, divinely appointed time that is reaching its fulfillment.
• were completed (symplērousthai - συμπληροῦσθαι): The verb means to "complete," "fill up," or "fulfill." It strongly emphasizes that a set period, leading to a specific divine event, has fully run its course. Scholars highlight that this signifies a moment of divine initiative and consummation of prophetic timing, rather than merely passing time.
• for Him to be taken up (tēs analēmpseōs autou - τῆς ἀναλήψεως αὐτοῦ):
  • "taken up" (Analēmpsis): This is a profound and significant term. While it directly anticipates Jesus' ascension into heaven (Acts 1:2, 9; Lk 24:51), its use here at the beginning of Jesus' final journey suggests a broader meaning. It encompasses His entire "exodus" (Lk 9:31) from this world—His suffering, death, resurrection, and glorification—culminating in His ultimate exaltation. It's a strategic choice by Luke to imply triumph even at the onset of His journey to suffering, avoiding only focusing on His death. This term has no direct parallel with "taken away" or "died." It signifies a glorious departure to heaven, linking the crucifixion to the ascension.
• He steadfastly set His face (auton to prosōpon estērixen - αὐτὸν τὸ πρόσωπον ἐστήριξεν):
  • "steadfastly set His face": This powerful idiom conveys an absolute, unshakeable determination and resolute purpose. It is a Hebraism (from Aramaic, like 'smth gzyty pnw), reminiscent of the prophet Isaiah (Isa 50:7), where the suffering servant sets his face like flint toward a difficult, divinely appointed task, despite potential shame or opposition. It speaks of single-minded resolve and unflinching commitment to endure whatever lies ahead. It communicates total alignment with the Father's will, rejecting any diversion.
• to go to Jerusalem (poreuesthai eis Ierousalem):
  • "to go": Indicates a definitive action and direction. This isn't a casual journey but a mission.
  • "to Jerusalem": Not merely a geographic destination, but the predestined place for the Messiah to suffer and to accomplish His "exodus" (Lk 9:31), thus fulfilling ancient prophecies (Lk 13:33-35). It is the stage where God's ultimate plan of redemption will unfold. This phrase sets the trajectory for the remainder of the Gospel narrative.

Luke 9 51 Bonus section

• This verse effectively marks the beginning of Luke's "travel narrative," a unique literary feature comprising over 10 chapters, wherein Jesus slowly but purposefully moves toward Jerusalem, imparting crucial teachings on discipleship and the nature of the Kingdom of God along the way.
• The connection between Jesus' "analēmpsis" (being taken up) here and His "exodus" (departing) at the Transfiguration (Lk 9:31) is significant. Luke portrays Jesus' mission not merely as a suffering servant, but as the new Moses leading a new exodus for His people through His ultimate redemptive act.
• Scholars often note the contrast with the disciples' limited understanding and hesitation (as seen in Mk 10:32 where they were amazed and afraid) compared to Jesus' absolute resolve. This emphasizes Jesus' unique divine insight and unwavering purpose.
• The immediate aftermath of this verse shows Jesus being rejected by Samaritans (Lk 9:52-56), which foreshadows the greater rejection He will face in Jerusalem, but also highlights His journey's difficulties from the very start.

Luke 9 51 Commentary

Luke 9:51 serves as a seismic shift in the narrative, delineating the end of Jesus' early ministry and the beginning of His purposeful journey toward Jerusalem. This single verse captures Jesus' divine resolve and intentional movement towards His passion. The emphasis on "the days being completed for Him to be taken up" highlights God's perfect timing and preordained plan for Christ's suffering and glorification, connecting His death and resurrection to His ultimate ascension. This demonstrates Jesus' foreknowledge and unwavering obedience to the Father's will. The strong phrase "He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem" paints a picture of courageous, unswerving commitment. Despite knowing the rejection, suffering, and death awaiting Him, Jesus faced it with absolute determination. This is not passive submission but active resolve. Luke intends for his readers to understand that the events in Jerusalem, including the crucifixion, were not accidental but part of a necessary, divine design, which Jesus embraced fully for the salvation of humanity.