Tag Archives: Advent

Luke 4- Through The Wilderness

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And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.Luke 4:1-7

When you think about Jesus’s forty days in the wilderness, you can’t help but see the parallel or comparison to the Exodus of the Israelites. Here we see Jesus led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, in the Exodus the Israelites were led into the wilderness by Moses. We also see the symbolic number of 40, the number 40 in the Bible typically means a time of testing or trial. We see this with Jesus 40 days in the wilderness and the Israelites 40 years in the wilderness.

Here we see 3 main temptations by Satan, as you read through these are broken down into 3 categories , temptation of the flesh, temptation of pride, and the temptation of lust. What is amazing to remember is that even though Jesus is fully God , he was also fully human (Philippians 2) therefore Jesus overcame these temptations while in the human flesh. This is something that is impossible for all of us to do, as we have all fallen short of the glory of God. 

The first temptation , Satan tempts Jesus with food, the temptation of the flesh. Remember Jesus was fasting 40 days and nights, he was extremely hungry. Satan challenged him,  “if you’re really the Son of God, then turn these stones into bread” As tempting as that sounded , Jesus knew he must resist Satan and do the will of God instead. Jesus put our Heavenly Fathers purpose ahead of his own, this is total obedience to God

Secondly Satan, deceivingly says “He will give Jesus all the power in the world, if he worships him” Now lets fact check, can Satan really give Jesus all the power and kingdoms in the world? I doubt it, also did Satan forget Jesus is the Son of God? Alot of times I think we give Satan more credit than he deserves! 

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Luke 4:8-12

Now this second temptation was of pride, but notice Jesus always answers Satan with the Word of God, remember the Word of God is called a sword (Hebrews 4) use it to rebuke the devil. Again Satan doesn’t realize Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, all nations, kingdoms, and people belong to Him! 

The third temptation, Satan actually tried to quote scripture but twists it to fit his agenda, does that sound familiar? We still see alot of “devils” doing this today! Again Jesus rebukes Satan with the Word of God, You should not tempt the Lord your God! On that day, Satan probably knew he was already defeated and Jesus is the Son of God! Amen!

Luke 3- Baptism of Fire

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And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. Luke 3:15-17

Many people were moved by Johns preaching of repentance, some of them started to wonder if John was the Messiah? But John the Baptist made it very clear “there is One greater than me, that I’m not worthy to tie his shoe” John never tried to exalt himself in his ministry, his ministry was completely focused on exalting Christ and the need for repentance.

Secondly , John taught about the “second baptism” , there is a water baptism and a baptism of the Holy Spirit. The second baptism can only be done by Jesus , this is Christ referred to us becoming “Born Again” , the baptism of the Holy Spirit

And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison. Luke 3:18-20

 John the Baptist was not looking for people’s approval, he was simply preaching the word of God. So when John rebuked King Herod for marrying his brother’s wife, it didn’t go well for him. John called him out on his sin, so instead of Herod repenting , he had John thrown in prison. This was obviously the work of Satan to try and stop the gospel from being preached. But as we know the more the Church is persecuted, the greater the gospel is spread!

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. Luke 3:21-22

One day while John was baptising people, along came Jesus and asked John to baptise him. When John saw Jesus he declared “Behold the Lamb of God , who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) The question is why would Jesus have John baptise him, since he is the Son of God? I believe Jesus was doing this as an example for us, Jesus never asked us to do anything that he hasn’t already done

Secondly we see the Triunity of God in this scene, the Son Jesus being baptised in the Water, The Holy Spirit descending upon him like a dove, and the Father proclaiming from Heaven “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”! 

Baptism is an essential sacrament of the Christian faith, have you made your public profession of Christ yet? Have you become Born Again by the Holy Spirit? Thanks be to God in Jesus name, Amen!

Luke 3- Ministry of John The Baptist

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Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Luke 3:2-6

Today we take a look at the ministry of John the Baptist, as we discussed earlier John the Baptist was the fulfillment of the coming of Elijah. This was affirmed by Jesus himself (Matthew 17:12) and now we see the fulfillment of Isaiah prophecy (Isaiah 40) as the messenger who will prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah

Now John’s ministry was not a watered down, sugar coated ministry we see mostly today, John preached the requirement of repentance and baptism. Prepare for the coming of Jesus by turning away from your sin with Godly sorrow. John also taught the importance of making a public profession of your faith through baptism. Hence why John was known as the Baptiser. 

Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? Luke 3:7-10

John called out the religious leaders and the corruption of their religious system. You see, Jesus is not about a religion, Jesus is about having a personal relationship with God. John also pointed out that salvation doesn’t come from being a Jew, it comes from Christ alone!

So what happens to those who reject Jesus? As John states “every tree that doesn’t produce fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire (Hell)” The peoples response was “What shall we do then”? 

He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. Luke 3:11-14

So you might ask “What is the fruits of repentance, that John was referring to earlier” The fruits are to live like Christ, because he loved us first! Saying your a Christian is not just a statement, its a lifestyle, its a way of life. John the Baptist was like a farmer, tilling the ground and sowing the seed of God. This was his purpose to prepare people for Jesus Christ!

Are you ready? Have you received Jesus Christ yet? Have you repented of your sin and been baptised? Prepare for the return of Christ, because He is coming in the clouds soon Amen!

Luke 2- The Sign

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And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luke 2:15-17

After the Shepherds received the “good news” from the angel, they immediately went to Bethlehem to see the Messiah. But how would they find the Messiah? Because the angel told them there is a sign, the sign is a baby lying in the manger. This is the same sign foretold to Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

The virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus in the manger is the sign of the Messiah, as foretold 700 years before Christ birth to Isaiah. Imagine how many must have pondered this prophecy for hundreds of years , trying to figure out its fulfillment, here it is the Christ has come!

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:18-20

How did the shepherds respond when they finally seen Jesus? They went out and told the world, they declared the good news (gospel) to everyone! How do we respond when we finally receive Christ? Do you tell the good news to everyone? The good news that salvation has finally come into the world and we can inherit eternal life and be a child of God? 

Notice it says “Mary pondered these things in her heart” Imagine what must be going through the mind of Mary at this moment. She gave birth to the Son of God in a stable, she has strangers visiting her and glorifying God, and she still has the worries and uncertainty of how they are going to raise Jesus and where to live. 

If the birth of Christ gives you hope and joy, why don’t you tell someone the good news today! These shepherds had no theological training or even any social status, but they know what they saw, they saw the sign from God, the Christ has come! Amen!

Luke 2- Birth of Christ

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And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7

God works in mysterious ways, this is very prevalent in the birth of Jesus. First we see Mary and Joseph were forced to go back to Bethlehem because of a census. Now this all happened because of the prophecy of Micah 5:2, King Herod heard about the prophecy, that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, so he forced everyone back to their hometowns. What Herod didn’t realize is that the King of Kings would come to this world as an infant. The amazing part is Herod actually helped fulfill prophecy by forcing Mary and Joseph back to Bethlehem

The events that happened when Jesus was born seemed like a disaster, however they played out perfectly according to God’s plan. Having the Son of God born in a stable seems wrong, however it is perfect when you understand that Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1) If you need a sign that Jesus is the Messiah, look to the manger!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11

 Again at first glance, sharing the good news about Jesus to a bunch of lowly shepherds doesn’t seem to make much sense, however when you understand who Jesus is and why he came here, it makes perfect sense. Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1) so sharing the news to the shepherds who were tending to the passover lambs of Israel makes great sense. 

Secondly, Jesus didn’t come to save the rich and powerful or the highly religious people, Jesus came for the outcasts, the poor in spirit, the lowly, the Shepherds represent us perfectly. The people nobody cared about,  God cared about them first!

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:12-14

God sent us a sign of hope, a sign of peace, a sign of salvation, that sign is Jesus Christ, a baby lying in the manger. Nobody could have ever predicted God would come to Earth as an infant, but God’s ways are higher than our ways

We notice the first Christmas celebration began, as the sky was filled with angels celebrating the birth of Christ, singing “Glory to God in the highest” What an amazing scene this must have been. God becoming flesh to make us children of God, Amen!

Luke 1- Song of Zechariah

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And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; Luke 1:69-72

When John the Baptist was finally born, his father Zechariah was allowed by God to finally speak, and declared his son would be named John, because God told him so. Everyone knew John the Baptist was born to be a prophet of God, but everyone was wondering what his mission was going to be. Well his father Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied about the coming of the Messiah and the role his son John would play

Zechariah mentions the “Horn of Salvation” has been raised up, this title was also used for God in the Old Testament (Psalm 18:2), this was a reference to Jesus coming as  fulfillment of the Messiah. Notice the deity reference of Jesus and Yahweh both being called “Horn of Salvation”, as Zechariah said this was foretold by the prophets, the entire Old Testament is about Jesus!

The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Luke 1:73-77

Next Zechariah reveals who John the Baptist will be, the prophet of God who shall prepare the way for The Lord (Isaiah 40) This is a fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah, a messenger to declare the coming of the Messiah, and preach a message of repentance!

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:78-79

Immanuel, God is with us, (Isaiah 7) also revealing Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8) to expose the sin in the world and lead people to repentance and salvation. Another reference is Jesus is the way of peace or the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) , Amen!

Luke 1- Mary’s Song

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And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. Luke 1:46-49

I think one of the beautiful moments in the Bible is when Mary sang this song after she found out she was giving birth to Jesus. Oftentimes I think Protestants avoid giving any praise or respect to Mary, because of their separation with the Catholic Church. However, just as we show respect to the Apostles, I think we should show some love and respect to Mary also. 

Mary starts out with the statement “My soul magnifies The Lord” Mary became a bondservant to God, even though she knew her life was going to be difficult and in some cases persecuted, she went through with it to magnify God. Her spirit rejoiced in God, her savior. Mary becoming the mother of the Messiah, was not a glamorous title or position at the time. But she accepted her mission from God because she loved and was obedient to God

Notice Mary regards herself as a servant to God, yet she knew once everyone realized that her child is the Son of God, that many generations would call her blessed. And holy is the name of Jesus! Many people today use the name of Jesus in a curse word, this is blasphemy , as Jesus is the name above all names (Philippians 2)

And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. Luke 1:50-52

Notice Mary is revealing the New Covenant, Christ mercy will be from generation to generation , meaning forever! As Jesus revealed he will exalt the humble, and bring down the proud and mighty. I like the phrase, “the imagination of their hearts”. Many people misunderstood what and who the Messiah would be. Israel had this imagination of a ruthless King who would crush the world. However Christ came as the Lamb of God, who took away the sin of the world!

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. Luke 1:53-55

Mary reveals that the seed of Abraham is Christ, as God promised Abraham through him he would bless the world and be numerous as the stars, this was a reference to Jesus and the New Covenant. Its through Israel that the Messiah was born, and it was through Christ that the world came to salvation

The Messiah has been revealed to Mary and will come through Mary to the world, what a wonderful gift from God, to save his people from their sin Amen!

Luke 1- Mary Did You Know?

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And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. Luke 1:26-29

Around Chrstmas time you usually hear the song “Mary did you know”? Well in the scriptures we are reading today, Mary did know because the angel Gabrielle told her. The virgin Mary was chosen by God to give birth to the Messiah, the Son of God. The incarnation of God becoming flesh is an amazing mystery to ponder. But God is now going to provide salvation by sending his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into the world

Notice Mary’s reaction upon receiving this news, “she was troubled” imagine if you were just told you were going to give birth to the Son of God! You can only imagine the range of emotions going through Mary’s mind at this point. The Bible is clear, Mary was chosen and highly favored by God, what an amazing calling to receive by The Lord

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:30-33

The angel Gabriel revealed many things about the coming of the Messiah. First he revealed his name, the name is Jesus. For centuries the Jews could never mention the name of God in fear of breaking the commandment, now we know the name of God, and we can call out upon the name of Jesus! Next it’s revealed that He is the Son of God and the Son of David, wait what? How can Jesus be the Son of God and David? 

Son of David is in reference to the Messianic Kingship line that was foretold throughout the Bible, however many didn’t understand or realize that the Messiah would literally be God in the flesh (John 1:14) The last thing that is revealed is this Kingdom will be eternal, meaning the Kingdom of God is coming to Earth (Revelation 21, Isaiah 65) All this has been revealed by the angel Gabriel

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:34-35

The obvious question , as stated by Mary, is “how can this be”? How can the virgin Mary give birth to the Son of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus wasn’t physically conceived by a man, he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, as he is God incarnate. It’s infallible for our human minds to try and comprehend this

The greatest message was delivered, Jesus is coming to save the world from sin and death, Amen!

Luke 1- John The Baptist Foretold

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And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. Luke 1:11-15

As we begin the gospel of Luke, the first event we see is the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist. This should tells us the importance of John’s appearance and his ministry. The first thing we notice here, is Zechariah was a high priest, therefore John was also from the line of high priest. Often when we think of John the Baptist, we think of a crazy guy wandering the wilderness. But this was not the case, as John the Baptist was not only from the line of high priests, but Jesus called John “The greatest of all prophets” (Matthew 11:11)

John the Baptist was also the fulfillment of prophecy as foretold by Malachi (3:1) and Isaiah (40:1) John was the one who was preparing Israel for the coming of The Messiah by a message of repentance, and he was the one who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, to signify that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God

An interesting note is John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, and was great in the sight of The Lord. We can probably assume, John was also taught the scriptures by his father Zechariah since he was a high priest. John the Baptist whole mission in life was to reveal the Messiah to Israel

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. Luke 1:16-19

John the Baptist was also a fulfillment of the coming of Elijah. Jesus confirmed this in Matthew 17:12-13. Many Jews today are still waiting for Elijah to come, but Christ confirmed it is already fulfilled. As the angel Gabriel revealed this messenger was to prepare the way for The Lord, the same as Isaiah foretold about John the Baptist

Notice what the Angel Gabriel says in verse 19, “to bring you this good news (glad tidings) meaning the gospel. Jesus is the gospel message, the salvation for the world, this is the good news!

And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. Luke 1:20-23

 However Zechariah didn’t believe the angel Gabriel, and because of his disobedience he would not be able to speak until John the Baptist was born. Zechariah was an old man at this time, and he didn’t see how it was possible for God to fulfill his promise, however as the angel say “With God all things are possible”

I find it interesting the similarity between Abraham and Zechariah, the fulfillment of the Messiah is coming into place. John the Baptist will be the messenger to prepare the way for Jesus, for everyone to come to repentance and receive Christ, Amen!

Acts 21- City of God

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And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Acts 21:8-12

While Paul was on his journey to Jerusalem, he stopped and visited Philip the evangelist. While he was staying there a prophet named Agabus, stopped and gave Paul a prophecy that he would be taken prisoner by the Jews and handed over to the Gentiles. The Christians who heard this pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem.

Earlier in this chapter when Paul was visiting Christians in Tyre, by the Holy Spirit they pleaded with him also to not go to Jerusalem. It’s interesting though Paul still continued his journey despite several warnings by the Holy Spirit. Was Paul really doing the will of God or was God testing Paul? Its interesting to ponder, but Paul kept saying “Let the will of The Lord be done”

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.Acts 21:13-16

Paul didn’t want anyone to weep over him, because Paul was ready to die for the Lord Jesus Christ! Paul ran his race and now was ready to finish his work, but it was only by the will of The Lord and not his own. Its amazing how focused Paul was on God’s eternal kingdom and not focused on this temporary world

Notice also how Jerusalem is the center of the world in Paul’s eyes. Even though Paul evangelized all throughout Asia Minor, he wanted to end his ministry in Jerusalem, the city of God. Just as the Bible said Jesus would return on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4) It’s interesting Jerusalem has and always will be the City of God and the center of prophecy