Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 9:51

"And it came to pass, when the days were well-nigh come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem," — Luke 9:51 (ASV)

As just observed, there is now a major change in Jesus’ orientation; he is heading to Jerusalem where he would die. At this significant turning point, Luke once again uses a word expressing fulfillment (unfortunately translated “approached” in NIV; GK 5230, a compound of GK 4444). God’s plan is another step nearer fulfillment. The approaching goal is not only Christ’s death and resurrection but especially his ascension (see introductory note on ch. 26). Now that Jesus faces the Cross, Luke mentions the exaltation that would follow his “exodus” (see v.31).