Focus. Priority. Perseverance. Keep first things first. All of these words and more describe our LORD JESUS. Reading in Luke 20, we discover the actions of “the chief priests, and the scribes, together with the elders.” They confronted JESUS (verse 1). They questioned his authority (verse 2). They “sought to lay hands of Him” (verse 19). They watched Him (verse 20). They questioned Him (verse 22). They displayed craftiness (verse 23).
In spite of this ongoing opposition, JESUS refused to be derailed from the purpose to which GOD sent Him to earth. He remained focused on/in His mission. His mission was His priority. He persevered in His mission. He indeed kept first things first.
What was the first thing? Verse 1: “He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel.” Nothing deterred Him. With courage and conviction, JESUS understood His mission – Luke 19:10. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Wherever He traveled, JESUS taught the Word and preached the gospel. It was His mission.
And, as you know, JESUS has also authorized us to be on mission. John 20:21 declares, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” His mission is our mission. So, let’s follow the example JESUS gives us: teach the Word and proclaim the Word (witness).
Pastor Mike