He went before, ascending up to Jerusalem. — Better, going up, as elsewhere throughout the New Testament. The words indicate the same mode of journeying as that which we have traced before — the Master going on in advance, and the disciples following. (See Notes on Luke 8:1; Mark 10:32.)
The journey from Jericho to Jerusalem was literally an ascent all the way (see Note on Luke 10:30), and in this sense, as well as following the language common to most nations, in speaking of their capitals, the verb might well be used. The English word “ascend,” however, is not used elsewhere in the New Testament of any earthly journeys.