How can understanding Jesus' "departure" in Luke 9:31 strengthen our faith today? Setting the Scene “ ‘They appeared in glory and spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.’ ” (Luke 9:31) What “Departure” Signifies • Greek term is exodos—echoes Israel’s Exodus • Points to Jesus’ cross, resurrection, and ascension as one unified “journey” • Highlights that He would “accomplish” it; the plan was deliberate, not accidental (cf. Acts 2:23) Strength for Today: Knowing the Plan Was Always Certain • Jesus discussed the event before it happened, proving His foreknowledge and sovereignty (John 10:18) • Fulfilled prophecy verifies Scripture’s reliability (Isaiah 53:10–11; Psalm 16:10) • Our faith rests on a completed work, not on wishful thinking (Hebrews 10:12–14) Deliverance Revisited: From Egypt to Calvary • Moses led Israel out of slavery; Jesus leads believers out of sin’s bondage (John 8:36) • The first exodus brought a nation into covenant; the second secures an everlasting covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20) • Just as God parted the sea, He now “opened a new and living way” through His flesh (Hebrews 10:20) Hope Anchored in a Living Savior • “Departure” includes resurrection: death could not hold Him (Acts 2:24) • Includes ascension: He now intercedes for us (Romans 8:34) • Guarantees return: “I will come again and receive you to Myself” (John 14:3) Daily Encouragement: Walking in Light of His Exodus • Face trials knowing Jesus has already blazed the trail through suffering to glory (1 Peter 1:6–7) • Live as pilgrims—our ultimate home is where He has gone (Philippians 3:20) • Share the gospel confidently; the same power that accomplished His departure still rescues today (Romans 1:16) |
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