The Road to Jerusalem

Part Four

Following Jesus

The Messiah and the Cross

Once Jesus is confessed as Messiah, he begins to speak openly about the cross. Glory and suffering, costly discipleship, mounting opposition, and deliberate movement toward Jerusalem now define the journey.

17 core lessons · 1 orientation, foundation, or companion study

Begin this part
Following Jesus home

The movement of this part

Follow the story as it unfolds

This part begins with the Messiah’s first clear passion prediction and the transfiguration. It then follows Jesus through the demanding life of discipleship, the feasts and controversy in Jerusalem, the long travel narrative through Judea and Perea, the raising of Lazarus, Jericho, and the final approach to Bethany.

Movement

The Messiah must suffer

Jesus joins his identity as Messiah to rejection, death, resurrection, and the call to take up the cross.

Movement

Glory and discipleship

The transfiguration reveals the Son’s glory while the disciples learn humility, faith, mercy, and forgiveness.

Movement

Light and opposition

At Jerusalem’s feasts, Jesus reveals himself while leaders grow more determined to reject him.

Movement

The journey south

Parables, meals, warnings, and encounters expose hearts as Jesus moves through Judea and Perea.

Movement

The final approach

Lazarus, Jericho, Zacchaeus, and Bethany bring the King to the threshold of his final week.

The complete study path

Explore every teaching in this part

Read the page introductions, study the passages, and watch the messages in order—or enter at the event you are ready to explore.

Part Orientation

These studies clarify the setting and deepen the main journey without interrupting its chronological progress.

Part Four orientation

Crowned in Suffering

An orientation to the crossward turning point in Jesus’ ministry

Core Chronological Journey

Follow the main sequence in order. Each lesson carries the story forward toward the next decisive movement.

Part Four · Lesson 1 of 17

The Messiah Must Suffer

Jesus predicts his death and calls his followers to take up the cross

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Part Four · Lesson 3 of 17

Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed

Jesus delivers a boy, predicts his death, and teaches dependent faith

Scripture: Matthew 17:14-27

Part Four · Lesson 4 of 17

He Set His Face Toward Jerusalem

The second passion prediction and the uncompromising cost of discipleship

Scripture: Luke 9:44-62

Part Four · Lesson 6 of 17

Shouldn’t You Have Had Mercy?

Jesus teaches unlimited forgiveness through the unforgiving servant

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Part Four · Lesson 7 of 17

Judge with Right Judgment

Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles: authority, judgment, and obedience

Scripture: John 7:1-24

Part Four · Lesson 8 of 17

Come to Me and Drink

Living water and the divided response to Jesus at the feast

Scripture: John 7:25-52

Part Four · Lesson 10 of 17

Go and Do Likewise

The Good Samaritan, Mary and Martha, and neighboring love

Scripture: Luke 10:25-42

Part Four · Lesson 11 of 17

Hear the Word and Obey It

Jesus gives sight to a blind man and reveals himself as the Good Shepherd

Scripture: John 9:1-10:21

Part Four · Lesson 12 of 17

Ready When the Master Comes

Prayer, watchfulness, and readiness for the Master’s return

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13 · Luke 12:1-48

Why this movement matters

The theological center

Jesus is not trapped by events at Jerusalem; he sets his face toward them. Along the road he teaches his followers how the cross reshapes greatness, mercy, forgiveness, possessions, prayer, readiness, and love. The anointing at Bethany closes the movement with Jesus poised to enter the city as King.

Read with all four Gospels

One life, four complementary witnesses

The chronology helps us see when and where events unfold. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John also preserve distinct emphases that should be heard on their own terms. The lesson pages identify the relevant Gospel accounts so the movement can be studied without flattening their witness.

Continue the journey

Move to the next major movement, return to the series hub, or revisit the preceding part.