Jesus was born in Bethlehem and He died in Jerusalem.  There He was resurrected to life from the grave. 

  Jesus is a historical fact…His birth (which will be celebrated by His followers around the world) and His death, His resurrection (which will also be celebrated later this coming spring).  And while Jesus walked this earth, He had a purpose…He was on God the Father’s schedule for Him.  He purposely turned His face toward Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him there.

  Jesus did not hurry…He steadily kept on course for He had many people to reach with His teachings and His touch of healing before arriving in Jerusalem.
  Toward Jerusalem…knowing that suffering was waiting there.
  Toward Jerusalem…one step at a time – knowing that He would die an agonizing death on a cross.
  Toward Jerusalem…knowing that by His suffering and death He would be achieving victory over sins (yours and mine), death and Satan.
  Toward Jerusalem…knowing that His Father’s will was going to be accomplished.
  Toward Jerusalem…knowing that He would die for your sins and mine.
  Toward Jerusalem…knowing that the proof of God the Father’s acceptance of His sacrifice would be His resurrection.

(Amplified Bible) Luke 13:33 “Nevertheless I must continue on My way today and tomorrow and the day after that – for it will never do for a prophet to be destroyed away from Jerusalem!” 

  Who was the prophet about whom Jesus spoke?  Himself!  He is the Prophet.  He foretold His death and resurrection a multiple of times to His disciples.
  He also prophesied of the end times and of His return in Matthew 24; Luke 21 and in other Scriptures in the Gospels.  Throughout His parables (stories with a central truth) He pointed prophetically to His coming again and the time of judgment (Matthew 25).

  Toward Jerusalem…step by step…never turning back…for His Father’s plan and purpose to be accomplished…until His cry came from the cross…“It is finished!”  (John 19:30)  Then, only then, did He die…and His resurrection would be the proof of His finished work on the cross.
  Toward Jerusalem…knowing that He would be resurrected and would go back to His Father in heaven, taking His rightful place on the right hand of God the Father. 

  As a follower of Christ, knowing Him as my Savior and Lord, I know that when I die I will be in the presence of my living Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ! 

  Toward Jerusalem…for you and me…this is the Savior Who offers life after death.  No other gods can do this in this way…only through Christ Jesus can anyone be saved because Jesus kept His focus on His Father’s plan as He walked…toward Jerusalem…