Main Text: Luke 13:31–33 (NLT)
“At that time some Pharisees said to him, ‘Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose. Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way. For it wouldn’t do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem!’” (Luke 13:31–33, NLT)
Introduction:
There are moments in life when we’re confronted with threats—some external, some internal. Jesus faced both in this passage. Herod Antipas had already executed John the Baptist. Now, the threat is against Jesus. But Jesus didn’t retreat. He didn’t slow down. Instead, He discerned the enemy, refused to back down, and declared with divine resolve: “I will accomplish my purpose.”
You and I must carry that same spiritual fire. In this generation, in these trying times, we need people who are determined to finish what God has started in them.
Movement #1: Discern the Enemy
“At that time some Pharisees said to him, ‘Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!’” (Luke 13:31, NLT)
Jesus was not naïve. He didn’t just see Herod as a threat—He called him a fox. Jesus discerned that this threat was not just political but spiritual. He recognized the manipulative and cunning nature behind it.
We, too, must be spiritually aware. Our Herod may not be a Roman ruler—it may be fear, doubt, compromise, temptation, or a spirit of distraction.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, NLT)
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you discernment—not just to detect danger but to detect distractions. The enemy will often attempt to intimidate you with voices that seem urgent but are really designed to detour you from your calling.
Movement #2: Refuse to Back Down
“Jesus replied, ‘Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose.’” (Luke 13:32, NLT)
Jesus didn’t slow down; He intensified His efforts. He said, “I will keep on…” That’s determination in the face of adversity.
When the enemy threatens your peace, your progress, or your purpose, don’t shrink back. You weren’t filled with the Holy Ghost to live a timid life.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT)
God didn’t save you so you could live in fear. He empowered you so you could walk in victory—casting out darkness, healing wounds, and moving forward with purpose.
Movement #3: Determined to Accomplish the Father’s Purpose
“And the third day I will accomplish my purpose. Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way. For it wouldn’t do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem!” (Luke 13:32b–33, NLT)
Jesus didn’t just try to fulfill His assignment—He declared completion. He said, “I will accomplish my purpose.” That is the resolve of someone who knows that His life is ordered by the Father.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6, NLT)
He who started the good work in you will be faithful to complete it. You are not an accident. You are not random. You are anointed for purpose.
Final Encouragement:
You may not be up against Herod, but you are up against something:
– Maybe it’s the temptation to quit.
– Maybe it’s a voice telling you you’re not enough.
– Maybe it’s the exhaustion of spiritual warfare.
But hear the words of Jesus again: “I will keep on… I will accomplish my purpose.”
And if He lives in you—then that same fire burns in your bones.
Altar Call & Prayer Focus:
- Discernment – “Lord, help me see clearly. Expose the real enemy.”
- Boldness – “Holy Spirit, baptize me again with courage to keep going.”
- Endurance – “I want to finish strong. Help me run my race with joy.”
“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35–36, NLT)
Closing Declaration:
“I will not be moved by threats. I will not retreat because of fear. I am filled with power, love, and self-discipline. I am determined to finish my race!”