John’s death marks a turn toward the cross in Jesus’
ministry. This was His destiny. John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it.
Then they went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard what
had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of
this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When
Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their
sick – Matthew 14:12-14
Using Jesus’ example let’s look at three markers that occur
as we fulfill our destiny:
1. Turning Point (towards your destiny) - Alone on that mountain in prayerful
mourning, Jesus grieved John’s death, as He anticipated His own. What
events happen in our lives that can become “turning points”?
2. Change in Behavior (to purposeful ministry) - From this point forward, Jesus more
intensely taught upon and demonstrated the revolutionary nature of His “upside
down” kingdom. What kind of changes happen as we give ourselves to Jesus?
3. Resistance increases (world vs. Christ) - Consequently, the religious tension that
eventually nailed Jesus to the cross dramatically escalated. What
do we experience in the form of resistance by those who do not follow Jesus?
Turn to your destiny –
turn to Christ.
