Matthew 20:17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said to them, Who shall hereafter " have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city" (Psalm 24:3 and Revelation 22:14). Those whose conduct shows that they are going up to Jerusalem. This may be said to imply — I. A growth and an advancement in those things which are good. Those who "go up" to the heavenly Jerusalem gradually increase in holiness by a diligent use of the appointed means. II. Another evidence that we are " going up to Jerusalem" is love to God. III. If our faces are indeed turned to Jerusalem, like travellers who have a long journey to accomplish, we shall be most anxious to lay aside any unnecessary weight, and to overcome the corrupting influence of our besetting sins. We cannot be going up to Jerusalem if our affections are rooted in the earth; we must be conscious that our course is turned thitherward. Why this loitering by the way. Let us refresh our souls with spiritual food. Let the world offer what attractions it may, our purpose is firmly fixed "to go up to Jerusalem." (J. H. Norton.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, |
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