Mountain Peaks and God's Plan
Matthew 20:17-19
17 As Yeshua was going up to Yerushalayim, he took the twelve talmidim (disciples/students) aside by themselves and said to them, as they went on their way,18 “We are now going up to Yerushalayim, where the Son of Man will be handed over to the head cohanim (high priest) and Torah-teachers. They will sentence him to death 19 and turn him over to the Goyim (Gentiles), who will jeer at him, beat him and execute him on a stake as a criminal. But on the third day, he will be raised.”
Jesus given information about His death. Jesus knew what was going to happen. He did His best to prepare His disciples. He gave them a play-by-play prediction of what it would happen.
The key in the beginning of these verses is to note that Jesus was going "up to Jerusalem." The disciples and Jesus have been in the North, by the Sea of Galilee. This is where they lived and had community. Jerusalem is South of the Galilee. Why would someone say they are going "up" if they are "down" when you look at a map?
We must understand that the terminology is always used to go "up to Jerusalem." It doesn't matter where in the world you live, you "go up" to visit this important city. It sits on a hill. It isn't the highest point in Israel, but it is high enough that it can receive snow in winter. There are seven mountain peaks that bring the city together.
Jesus only went to Jerusalem when the Father required Him too. He definitely went when the Feasts occurred. The required Festivals for all Jewish people to ascend "the Hill of the Lord" were: Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). We all know that Jesus died at Passover, which is why He was going "up to Jerusalem."
There has often been accusations that the Jews killed Jesus. That the Jewish leaders of the day were the ones who caused His death. We must look at these verses to realize that everyone's hands were part of the process. The Jewish leaders of the day were opposed to Jesus and His teachings. It can happen in many settings where leaders do not appreciate the teachings of those under them and they persecute until something changes. However, the Gentile leaders did nothing to stop the execution. They washed their hands of the matter when they could have said it should not occur.
What we gain from these three verses, is this: Jesus KNEW what was coming. He carefully explained and taught it to His disciples. No one could stop what the Father ordained.
God's plan is always the highest one possible. It takes us to the mountain peaks. We must go through the valleys to get there, but HE will bring us to the top.
Even at the "top" the going will be tough. Jesus died on a mountain top. That was not a great experience for those who loved Him. But, God brought them through.
It is always about letting HIM lead and guide. Listening to Him. Walking with Him.
Love and blessings,
Rose
All donations are tax deductible through TBG. Click the picture below to take you to the TBG homepage and from there you can "Give Online.”
