Journey to Jerusalem part 1

Joyce Voysey signing in after a long absence – I see my last blogging was on the 12^th of October, and I have missed it very much.  Having finished reading the book of Luke, I find that I have gained only a tiny understanding of it.  There's lots of room for inspiration in future readings.

During the reading the idea “Jerusalem” became a focal point for me.  I here quote all the references to Jerusalem that I found in Luke.

1 - Luke 2:22

When the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord.

 

2 - Luke 2:25

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

 

3 - Luke 2:38 

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

 

4- Luke 2:43 

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

 

5 - Luke 2:45

And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

 

6 - Luke 6:17

And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases.

 

7 - Luke 9:31

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.  

 

This is the wording that first took my attention – “decease” seemed so unusual.  Some other Bible versions offer:

·       “he must go through with his death and departure at Jerusalem.” Moffatt

·       “his death at Jerusalem, to be carried out in accordance with his plan” The Living Bible

·       “their talk was about the way he must take and the end he must fulfil in Jerusalem.” JB Phillips

 

8 - Luke 9:51-53

 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

 And he sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 

 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

 

9 - Luke 13:4

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower of Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwell in Jerusalem?

 

10 - Luke 13:33, 34

Nevertheless, I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killed the prophets, and stoned them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

 

In an article called “An Allegory” Mary Baker Eddy quotes “O Jerusalem”, though here the quote is from Matthew.  (See Miscellaneous Writings p. 326:25.)  The article speaks of a journey and the up-hill way. 

 

11 - Luke 18:31

Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

 

12 - Luke 19:11

And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

 

13 - Luke 21:20

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

 

14 - Luke 21:24

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

 

15 - Luke 23:7

As soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

 

16 - Luke 23:27, 28

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed him and lamented him.  But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

 

17 - Luke 24:13

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

 

18 - Luke 24:18

And the one of the, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

 

19 - Luke 24:33

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with him.

 

20 - Luke 24:45-53

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 

And we are witnesses of these things. 

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 

And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.  Amen.

 

More tomorrow...