THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE - Chapter 9 - Verse 51

Verse 51. Should be received up. The word here translated "received up" means literally a removal from a lower to a higher place, and here it refers evidently to the solemn ascension of Jesus to heaven. It is often used to describe that great event. See Ac 1:11,22; Mr 16:19, 1 Ti 3:16. The time appointed for him to remain on the earth was about expiring, and he resolved to go to Jerusalem and die. And from this we learn that Jesus made a voluntary sacrifice; that he chose to give his life for the sins of men. Humanly speaking, had he remained in Galilee he would have been safe; but that it might appear that he did not shun danger, and that he was really a voluntary sacrifice— that no man had power over his life except as he was permitted (Joh 19:11)—he chose to put himself in the way of danger, and even to go into scenes which he knew would end in his death.

He steadfastly set his face. He determined to go to Jerusalem, or he set out resolutely. When a man goes toward an object, he may be said to set his face toward it. The expression here means only that he resolved to go, and it implies that he was not appalled by the dangers—that he was determined to brave all, and go up into the midst of his enemies— to die.

{u} "received up" Mr 16:19; Ac 1:2.