What Jesus Did! 'No Control over the Christ' — Luke 13:31-33

Thursday, August 31, 2023

At that time some Pharisees said to [Jesus], "Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!"

Jesus replied, "Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose. Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way. For it wouldn't do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem!"

— Luke 13:31-33 NLT

Key Thought

God's will and Jesus' sense of mission determined the timing, the place, and the extent of the Messiah's ministry and sacrifice. Herod's threats did not frighten or derail the Lord Jesus from his purpose. Like every great prophet who preceded him, Jesus' destiny would be fulfilled in Jerusalem. He would not be manipulated or controlled by political pressure, unfair opposition, or empty religious propriety. Jesus walked his own way to accomplish God's will and fulfill his prophesied ministry.

Today's Prayer

Father, please give your servants of your Son, especially those ministering in foreign and unfamiliar places, all the courage, boldness, integrity, and passion they need to serve you effectively with righteousness, mercy, and grace. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Timothy 2:20-21
  • John 7:25-31
  • John 4:34

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, August 31, 2023

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Fighting the Good Fight' (2 Ti. 4:7-8)
"Dear Father, warrior against evil, Help me to fight the good fight. Help me to finish the race. Help me to keep the faith, so that I will receive the..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Revelation 14:13
"Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor,....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Alternative Voice but the Only Truth'
"The Spirit said to [Ezekiel], "Son of man, these are the men who are planning evil and giving wicked counsel in this city. They say to the people, 'Is it not a...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Decaying into Glory'
"Dear Disciple, Paul's words in your verses today are as beautiful as they are powerful. They can help you deal with an inescapable reality of your..."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 13:31-33 NLT — "Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!