Why did Jesus use the word 'must' so many times?
Entry into Jerusalem from the large cycle in the Scrovegni Chapel by Giotto, c. 1266. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." ( John 9:4 ) It is striking how often the Lord Jesus used the term "must" in connection with the different aspects of the work He came to do. Since He is our example, we also must be serious and urgent about our Father's work. Even as a boy in the temple He told His parents, "I must be about my Father's business" ( Luke 2:49 ). Then early in His ministry , as He went from place to place, He said, "I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent" ( Luke 4:43 ). Toward the end of His earthly ministry, He said one day, "I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem " ( Luke 13:33 ). He also said to His disciples th...