Geography matters in the gospels. Over half of the gospel of Luke follows Jesus’ journey from Galilee in the north, uphill to Jerusalem in the south. It’s a movement from the backwaters to the center. And it’s a movement away from safety to the violent suppression of God’s message. Jesus knows where the journey will lead and how it will end. Luke’s first readers knew it too. And the gospel writer still gives us little foreshadowing clues: “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51)
Along the journey we’ll hear stories of deep gratitude and unexpected grace. The outcasts and the outsiders will be healed and welcomed. Jesus’ journey will take us on a journey, as we grow in our spiritual lives along the way.
Peace,
Pastor Mia