Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 6 — Journey to Jerusalem
Season 6 — Journey to Jerusalem: Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem and the mission He came to fulfill.
Season 6 — Journey to Jerusalem
The Road to the Cross
Jesus had revealed Himself as the Messiah.
The disciples had witnessed His miracles.
They had heard His teaching.
They had seen His glory on the mountain.
They had learned about humility, forgiveness, mercy, faith, and service.
Now the journey begins to change.
Jesus turns His attention toward Jerusalem.
The city that had long stood at the center of Israel’s worship and history would soon become the setting for the most important events in human history.
As Jesus travels south, He continues teaching, healing, and preparing His disciples.
The lessons become more urgent.
The opposition becomes stronger.
The crowds continue to gather.
Yet Jesus knows exactly where the journey is leading.
The cross is drawing nearer.
The disciples still do not fully understand.
They expect a kingdom.
Jesus is preparing to give His life.
Season 6 follows Jesus on the final journey toward Jerusalem and explores the lessons He taught along the way.
Scripture References
Luke 9:51–19:28
Matthew 19–20
Mark 10
John 10–11
Isaiah 53
Zechariah 9:9
Psalm 118
Understanding the Season
A major turning point occurs in Luke’s Gospel.
Luke writes:
“When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem.”
From this point forward, Jesus intentionally moves toward the events that will lead to His arrest, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.
The journey is not merely geographical.
It is spiritual.
Every conversation, miracle, parable, and encounter helps prepare His followers for what lies ahead.
Jesus continues revealing the nature of God’s Kingdom while teaching His disciples what true faith looks like.
Major Themes
Jesus continues calling people to repentance, faith, and discipleship.
The Kingdom of God remains at the center of His teaching.
Mercy, compassion, and grace are repeatedly displayed.
The cost of following Jesus becomes increasingly clear.
Opposition from religious leaders grows stronger.
The disciples continue learning what it means to trust and follow Christ.
Most importantly, Jesus moves steadily toward the cross according to God’s plan.
Lessons in This Season
6.1 — Zacchaeus: A Life Changed
A tax collector discovers that Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
6.2 — The Parable of the Lost Son
One of Jesus’ most powerful teachings about grace, forgiveness, and restoration.
6.3 — The Rich Man and Lazarus
A warning about priorities, compassion, and eternity.
6.4 — The Persistent Widow
Jesus teaches perseverance in prayer and trust in God.
6.5 — The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
A lesson about humility, repentance, and genuine faith.
6.6 — Blessing the Children
Jesus welcomes those often overlooked and teaches childlike faith.
6.7 — Blind Bartimaeus
A blind man sees what many others miss and responds in faith.
6.8 — Raising Lazarus
Jesus demonstrates His authority over death and reveals Himself as the Resurrection and the Life.
6.9 — The Ten Lepers
A lesson about gratitude, faith, and recognizing God’s blessings.
Understanding Jesus
As the journey continues, readers will encounter important cultural and historical background that helps explain the Gospel accounts.
The road to Jerusalem.
First-century travel.
Tax collectors.
Jewish expectations of the Messiah.
The relationship between Samaritans and Jews.
Prayer practices.
Burial customs.
The village of Bethany.
The significance of Jerusalem itself.
These topics connect to:
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
The Four Messianic Miracles
Demons
Old Testament Connections
Jerusalem occupies a central place throughout Scripture.
David established it as Israel’s capital.
Solomon built the Temple there.
The prophets spoke of future events that would unfold there.
Now Jesus journeys toward the city where prophecy will be fulfilled.
The suffering servant described in Isaiah.
The coming King foretold by Zechariah.
The rejected cornerstone described in the Psalms.
All point toward what lies ahead.
Missing Context Check
Why Is Jerusalem So Important?
Jerusalem was the religious center of Jewish life.
The Temple stood there.
Major feasts were celebrated there.
Pilgrims traveled there from across the Jewish world.
Many of the most important events of Scripture took place there.
Did Jesus Know What Was Coming?
Yes.
Throughout this season, Jesus repeatedly tells His disciples about His coming suffering, death, and resurrection.
The cross was not an accident.
It was part of God’s redemptive plan.
Why Didn’t the Disciples Understand?
They expected a conquering king.
Jesus came first as the suffering servant.
Only after the resurrection would they fully understand His mission.
Key Themes
Jesus is moving toward His mission.
The Kingdom of God is being revealed.
Faith requires trust and obedience.
God’s grace is available to all people.
The cross is drawing near.
The Savior is preparing to give His life for the world.
Why This Season 6 Matters
Many people spend their lives avoiding difficulty.
Jesus willingly moved toward the mission God had given Him.
This season reminds believers that faithfulness sometimes requires courage, perseverance, and trust.
It also reveals God’s love and determination to accomplish salvation.
Every step toward Jerusalem was a step toward the cross.
Every step toward the cross was a step toward redemption.
Connecting to Jesus
This season reveals Jesus as:
The Messiah.
The Teacher.
The Good Shepherd.
The Savior.
The Resurrection and the Life.
The Suffering Servant.
The King who willingly walks toward the cross.
Living the Message
As you study this season, consider what it means to follow Jesus with faith and courage.
Reflect on areas where God may be calling you to trust Him more deeply.
Notice how Jesus responds to outsiders, sinners, the poor, the sick, and the overlooked.
Ask God to help you walk faithfully even when the path ahead is difficult.
Related Lessons
5.3 The Greatest in the Kingdom
Season 4: Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith
4.9 Counting the Cost of Following Jesus
Related Pages
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.1 Zacchaeus: A Life Changed
Jesus has revealed who He is.
Now He begins the final journey toward Jerusalem.
The road will lead through villages, homes, and encounters with ordinary people.
But ultimately, it will lead to a cross.
And beyond the cross, to resurrection and hope.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
