Journey with Jesus: A Lenten Call to Surrender
March 6, 2025

Journey with Jesus: A Lenten Call to Surrender

Intro Video

Lent is more than just a season of fasting or preparation—it is a journey of transformation. Just as Jesus “set His face toward Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51), we are called to follow Him in a life of surrender and faith. This journey isn’t simply about reaching Easter Sunday; it’s about what we learn, how we grow, and the ways we encounter Jesus along the way.

The

of Surrender (Luke 9:51-56)
Jesus knew the suffering that awaited Him in Jerusalem, yet He resolutely set out on the path. His courage was not just for a moment but a steadfast, deliberate choice. Isaiah 50:7 prophesied this kind of determined faith: “I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.”

Like Jesus, we are called to surrender our own desires, trusting that God’s plans are greater. Galatians 2:20 reminds us: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” This journey of discipleship requires a willingness to die to self, trusting that God will bring life through our surrender.

The

of Surrender (Luke 9:52-56)
As Jesus traveled, He and His disciples encountered opposition from the Samaritans. In response, James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven in judgment. Though they were zealous for Jesus, their response did not align with His mission. Instead, Jesus rebuked them, showing that true surrender means trusting in God’s grace rather than reacting out of pride or anger.

How often do we act out of a sense of righteousness but in a way that does not reflect Jesus’ heart? Surrendering to Christ means letting go of our own ideas of justice, control, and timing, allowing Him to lead us in grace and truth.

The

of Surrender (Luke 9:57-62)
Three individuals approached Jesus, expressing a desire to follow Him. However, each was met with a challenging response. Jesus made it clear that discipleship is costly—it requires full commitment, undivided loyalty, and a willingness to leave behind comfort, obligations, and divided affections.

The eager follower (v. 57-58) – Jesus warned him that following Him meant embracing discomfort: “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” True discipleship is not about ease but faithfulness.

The hesitant follower (v. 59-60) – He wanted to delay following Jesus to attend to family matters, but Jesus emphasized that proclaiming the Kingdom must take priority. Are we willing to put Christ above all other concerns?

The divided follower (v. 61-62) – This man wanted to follow Jesus but first say goodbye to his old life. Jesus warned against looking back, using the image of a plowman who must stay focused ahead. Psalm 16:8 says, “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”

The Challenge of Lent
Lent is a season to reflect on our own journey with Jesus. Are we truly surrendered to Him? Are we holding onto things that keep us from following wholeheartedly? Jesus’ path led to the cross, but beyond the cross was resurrection. In the same way, when we surrender our lives to Him, we find true life.