Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of following Christ, as exemplified in Luke 9:51, where Jesus resolutely heads to Jerusalem despite knowing the suffering that awaits Him. He reflects on how Jesus viewed Jerusalem with a mix of sorrow and hope, understanding both its impending destruction and future glory. Smith discusses the challenges of discipleship, highlighting that true loyalty to Christ may require sacrificing personal comforts and familial ties. He urges believers to not let anything hinder their commitment to follow Jesus, as He Himself faced hardships without looking back. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a steadfast heart focused on the victory that lies beyond present struggles.

"FOLLOWING CHRIST" Intro: Peter tells us that Christ has left us an example that we shoul follow in His steps. What does it mean to follow Christ? What difficulties might we encounter? I. "HE STEADFASTLY SET HIS FACE TO GO TO JERUSALEM." A. How did He see Jerusalem? 1. The Son of man must be betrayed etc. hostile. a. He could see the angry mobs. b. He could see the ugly cross. c. "When the time had come to be received up." 1. He saw beyond to the ultimate victory. 2. "Who for the joy that was set before Him." 2. He saw Jerusalem desolate. a. As He approached within view He wept over it and spoke of its desolation. b. As He looked at the streets He knew before long they would be running with blood. c. Within forty years city would be crushed. 3. He saw it triumphant, the city of God. a. Righteousness and peace would fill the earth. b. He would be sitting on the throne. c. "The children would be playing safely in the streets." B. He was headed for the cross and He knew it. "Set His face stedfastly." 1. His heart was set upon the victory of the other side. C. The Samaritan incident. 1. "Why would they consume the Samaritans?" a. Because of loyalty to Christ. b. It was a loyalty that was out of harmony with His Spirit. c. Possible to be loyal still out of harmony. 2. He would not destroy them but later He would send them back to bring salvation , that He was not to provide by His cross. "And ye shall be witnesses unto Me..." II. THE THREE MEN. A. "Lord, I will follow thee withersoever thou goest." 1. The foxes have holes, the birds have nests, the Son of man hath no where to lay His head. 2. I used to feel sorry for Him because of this. a. How beautiful, nothing holding me back. b. Sometimes our~possessions can be a stumbling block in our desire to follow Him. c. Don't pity Christ when you read this, pity yourself, if there are things holding you back from God's will. B. "Follow Me." 1. "Suffer me first ...to bury my father." a. Typical cliche. 1. Father might be 40 years old in excellent health. 2. I am not yet ready to leave comforts of home. b. "Let the dead bury the dead" not disrespectful. 1. Even families should not hold us back from the call of the Lord. 2. The dearest earthly tie should be cut if it hinders. C. "Lord, I will follow thee, but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at my house." 1. Nothing should hinder, even for a moment. 2. "No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back.." a. It's impossible to plow a straight furrow looking backwards. III. THOSE THINGS JESUS DEMANDED, HE HAD DONE. A. Foxes have holes. B. Once when mother came to rescue Him. C. "He set His face stedfastly to go to Jerusalem." 1. No looking back.