Weekly Update – May 22nd, 2025
In Luke 9:51, we see an interesting phrase that will set out for us the rest of Jesus’ ministry on earth. Luke says, “he (Jesus) set his face to go to Jerusalem.” Now, on the surface of it, this may seem like Luke is only giving us the physical direction as to where Jesus is going. He is now headed to Jerusalem. In actuality though, I believe that Luke says this phrase with a bit more intentionality to refer to not only the physical location that Jesus is now headed, but the unflinching resolve by which Jesus will have to complete the mission that was given to him on this earth.
So far in our journey through the gospel of Luke we have seen the rise of Jesus to national popularity. Everywhere he turns there are crowds of people waiting to be healed, restored or redeemed. His power has been on display, his works have been made known, and many have appeared to receive his message of the kingdom of God and commit to following him. In his disciples’ minds, the revolution against Rome is about to begin. Jesus is going to bring about the prominence of Israel, crush all their physical enemies and raise them up to positions of importance. That is why, I believe, Luke concludes the first section of his gospel with the disciples arguing over who of them is the greatest (9:46).
Yet, there is a shift in Luke 9:51. As Jesus “sets his face to go to Jerusalem”, he and his disciples begin to experience rejection (9:53), and now, there is a clear cost given to those who would follow Jesus (9:57-62). He has already prepared his disciples, and us, for what is to come by predicting his death (9:22; 9:44), but now we are about to see the unfolding of events that will lead to the fulfillment of his time on earth. And for all who would claim to be his followers, they too must be willing to walk the road of suffering and even death.
Consider further what it means for us, as Jesus’ followers when Jesus “sets his face to go to Jerusalem”. It now means that as his disciples, we give up our comfort (9:58), obey him fully (9:60) and follow him immediately (9:62). As a disciple of Jesus Christ, we should not expect the popularity of the world, but instead to suffer at the hands of the world. We can’t keep our options open for better success in this world. Instead, we must be prepared for loss. We must press forward, without hesitation, seeking to go wherever the Lord directs us.
Too often in our church culture we forget the implications of what it means for Jesus “to set his face to go to Jerusalem”. We have no problem acknowledging Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection, but, I think, we tend to struggle with the cost this brings for those who would commit to be his disciples. What Jesus is calling us to, as his disciples, is something far more radical than the expectations this world might place upon us. For through his death, he redeems us from our sin, sets us free from shame and guilt and releases us from the fear of the curse. Then, by rising again, he guarantees us eternal life, reconciled to God the Father, through him. But we must count the cost. And in counting the cost, we too, must follow him, as he sets his face to Jerusalem.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- Colossians 3:16-17
Announcements:
Friday Night Worship Jam: Do you play an instrument or sing? Everyone is invited to come play or sing during this informal time of worship held at 6:30pm on the last Friday of each month. See Martin Maharas for details.
Vacation Bible School: Mark your calendar. This year, we will host Vacation Bible School on Monday, June 16th-Friday, June 20th from 5:45-8:00pm. We need lots of volunteers. Check out the sign up sheet in the hall.
Men’s Study: On the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from 8:00-9:15pm, a men’s study through the book, The Measure of a Man, takes place. See Clint Blankenship for more information.
Food Pantry: The food pantry is currently in need of peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti noodles and spaghetti sauce, canned soup, canned vegetables, canned tuna, boxes of macaroni and cheese, cereal, and oatmeal. For a complete list of food pantry needs, click HERE.
Awana Bible Club
Awana is held at 6:30pm on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm. Children can be registered HERE.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Firm Foundations” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Isaiah in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the New Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Home Groups
Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-4 years is available during the worship hour.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
YouTube: HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Ages 0-2 and 3–k meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1-3rd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 4th-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.