Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem.  (Luke 13:22 NLT)

Jerusalem.

No matter where Jesus preached, no matter where he performed miracles, Jerusalem was always on his mind.  His destiny lay before him in Jerusalem.  But it was not an easy destiny.

He knew he would be betrayed by those closest to him.  He knew he would be ridiculed and humiliated.  Yet, he pressed on to Jerusalem.

He knew he would be spat upon, flogged, tortured, and crucified by Roman soldiers.  Yet, he pressed on to Jerusalem.

He knew on the Cross the Father would pour into him our sin so that we might receive his righteousness.  He who enjoyed a sublime relationship with the Father would experience a separation from the Father because of that sin.  Yet he pressed on to Jerusalem.

Indeed, the choice to press was on was not easy.  In fact, once in Jerusalem that choice brought anguish and deep sorrow.  That choice brought sweating drops of blood.  Yet he never let the pain or anguish side-track him.  He remained resolute to press on to Jerusalem.

Jesus pressed on because he knew the joy that was on the other side of the suffering. 

“He endured the cross . . .  because He focused on the joy that was set before Him.” Heb. 12:2 (The Voice)

He pressed on because he knew what his suffering would accomplish.  He knew that from the “ashes” of the Cross would come the “beauty” of salvation for all mankind.  He pressed on because he knew the joy it would bring the Father to bestow upon His Son glory and honor for this work of redemption.

“Oh, Lord, when I face trouble, when adversity surrounds me, let me be just a resolute as you were.  I believe your Word that declares You will work all things together for good.  Even when all I see is pain and struggle, let me see where the adversity is leading.  Let me see the joy that the Father has for me on the other side of the struggle.  Lord, I choose to press on.”