The journey to Jerusalem meant intense suffering and death.

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must (emphasis) go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life (Matthew 16: 21).

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must (emphasis) go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life (Matthew 16: 21).

The journey to Jerusalem meant intense suffering and death. Yet Jesus was determined (some translations use the word resolved) to go through with it. Earlier Jesus had established His identity to the disciples. He would then reveal and explain the Father’s will to them, which climaxed at Jerusalem.

Many believers have drawn inspiration from Jesus’ absolute determination to do His Father’s will. Our reflection then is – are we ready to suffer for the sake of Christ and His church if the need arises?

Certainly, as a believer of Jesus, we encounter difficulties, both large and small. However, God has promised to give us His grace to undergo all the painful oppositions and struggles. Indeed, we are unable to fulfil God’s will in our lives if our first reaction is to look for easier alternatives whenever we see problems ahead. We must be where God intends us to be and avoid the urge to make our own plans according to our conveniences and end up being in our own desired and secure places.

The Season of Lent is the period of 40 days leading to the suffering and death of Jesus. It is the time of self-reflection and abstinence as signs of repentance. This year, Lent starts on the 22 February, being Ash Wednesday.

Let us imitate the example of Jesus, and be resolute to seek after him and do His will.