Using the Revised Standard Version (RSV) Bible.
Visual Aids are used in this talk.
A Cross is made of textile material large enough to accommodate items on the following list.
Jewelled crown
Towel
Picture of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey
Picture of the empty cross
Purple Robe & Crown
Aid Agencies Brochure
Bunch of grapes
These are placed inside the cross.
Each one is pulled out in turn and its significance explained.
The verses of scripture can be handed out and read at the appropriate time.
Material large enough to accommodate the largest object. (An A3 piece of paper would be quite large enough)
A piece of cloth is cut to form two crosses and then sewn together along the dotted lines.
Leave open the four ends to enable the objects to be placed inside the cross and pulled out at the appropriate time. This cross does not have an image of Jesus on it because it represents the risen Christ.
The cross a place of change, a cross roads.
Life is often described as a journey and at some point we may be challenged to take a step of faith in the direction of Jesus.
Faith
A couple sat in their car on the hard should of a motorway as their car had broken down. Eventually someone stopped and asked if they could help. Only to find that the couple were deaf and they had been praying and waiting for some one to stop and give assistance. Their prayers had been answered.
Jesus born a King
When wise men from the East came to Jerusalem they asked Herod, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?” Matthew 2: 1, 2.
These men who visited Jerusalem were eastern in origin and probably came from Persia or Media.
They used a significant term; “Born a King” Jesus’ was not anointed a King by the chief priest or by a prophet like Samuel who had anointed Saul and David to be King. Jesus was born a king.
Jesus the Servant King
The description of the Servant King found in the Old Testament.
King Solomon had died and his son Rehoboam was made King by the people at Shechem. Afterwards they asked the new King to relieve them of the heavy yoke that his father Solomon had placed upon them.” Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke upon us, and we will serve you.” 1 Kings 12: 4
Wisely King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served under Solomon. The advice that they gave him pointed to the mark of a good King.
“And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants for ever.” 1 Kings 12: 7.King Rehoboam took no notice of the elder’s advice; instead he took the advice of his friends who encouraged him to increase the burdens upon his people.
The Elders description of the Servant King verse 7 in two parts:
Part 1 “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them.”Jesus taught his disciples, if anyone would be first, he must be last and servant of all.
Jesus demonstrated this when he himself took upon the servants role in doing the menial task of washing his disciples feet. On arrival at the house were they were to eat the Passover meal. With Jesus showing complete loss of distinction, the greatest man who has ever lived becoming the servant of all. Jesus took off his garments and wrapped a towel around his waist and washed his disciples feet, afterwards he put his garments back on and said to them, ”Do you understand what I have done to you. You call me teacher and Lord. You are right for so I am.” Their Lord and teacher had taken off his garments and became their servant.
Jesus must have seen the basin, towel and water were already there in the room. It was customary to have their feet washed on arrival. No one from among his disciples had offered to do the servants job of washing their feet on entering the house. So Jesus used this every day task to demonstrate the greatest becoming the servant of all.
Part 2 “And speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants for ever.”
“Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28 – 30.
These are the good words of our servant King, ‘Come to me,’ Jesus’ personal testimony of suffering being weary and burdened with well doing and the cost of laying down his life. We learn to give our burdens to the one who was willing to shoulder them on the cross. At some point on our Christian journey we will suffer, if we lean on Jesus as we go through it, then we find suffering strengthens us. This results in lightening the burden. His call upon us, to follow him, and enter into his rest. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God for ever.
Jesus King of Peace
From my reading of the gospels Jesus had a great presence of peace about him. He always spoke the truth and with great authority interpreted the Hebrew Scriptures, with signs following his message of healing and miracles. I also see a side to him of meekness, unassuming kindness, being at everyone’s beck and call. It is not surprising that the people wanted to make him their King.
Leaders of the Jewish Sanhedrin would be aware of Jesus’ growing influence upon the people especially after Lazarus had been raised from the dead. The crowd who had witnessed this bore witness to others. The reason many of the people who laid down palm branches when Jesus entered Jerusalem was because they had heard about Lazarus. They recognised Jesus as their King, they shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
John records the fulfilment of Zechariah’s prophecy, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, sitting on an ass’s colt!” John 12: 13 – 17.
After Jesus entered the city he was soon surrounded by a crowd, when he finished speaking with them, John wrote, “When Jesus said this, he departed and hid himself from the crowd.” John 12: 36. Jesus knew that being recognised by the people as their King was good, but it was not the time to make him their King.
On another occasion
“Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him King, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” John 6: 15
After the miracle of feeding of the 5,000 people on the hillside, some of them wanted make Jesus their King. When Jesus heard of their plan, he withdrew himself, walked away.
Had the people taken Jesus by force to be their King without the approval, acceptance of the Sanhedrin. It would have been unlawful, insurrection. God would not allow that to take place, it was for the nation’s leaders to recognise Jesus as the Messiah. But that couldn’t take place until after Jesus’ death and resurrection and ascension. He had first had to accomplish God’s plan of salvation for Israel and the rest of the world.
The Jews did not believe that the Christ would come and die.
“And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and the other on his left. And they who passed by derided him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross”” So also the chief priests mocked him to one another with the scribes, saying,” He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.” Mark 15:26 – 32
They were taught under law that the Christ would not come and die. “The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that when the Christ comes he will remain for ever.” John 12: 34
The Jews at that time didn’t believe that God would allow their Messiah to come and die. They expected the Christ to come and take up the throne of King David and rule from Jerusalem the eternal kingdom of God. 2 Samuel 7: 12 – 17
Even Jesus’ own brothers did not understand his secrecy.
The Messiah’s Secret” page 72“His brothers tried to advise Jesus to go to Judea even though they knew that the Jews sought to kill him there. They said,”For no man works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his brothers did not believe in him” John7: 3-5
After the ascension we read that his brothers were in the house waiting with the other disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1: 14.
Jesus’ brothers discovered the truth about Jesus and they were open about it. Our hearts search for the truth, but when we find it, it is not easy to overcome our pride and be open to others acknowledging a change of heart.
Jesus prophesied his death and resurrection on many occasions.
“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Matthew 16: 21
“And taking the twelve, Jesus said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and everything that is written of the Son of man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon; they will scourge him and kill him, and on the third day he will rise. But they understood none of these things; this saying was hid from them, and they did not grasp what was said.” Luke 18:31-34
After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension Peter at Pentecost proclaims that Jesus’ death was in the plan of God. “Men of Israel hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs which God did through him in you midst, as you yourselves know this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God . . . . .”Acts 2: 22,23.
Jesus the king of the Jews
One of the charges brought against Jesus by the council, was that they accused him of making himself a king like Cesar. The soldiers platted a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple robe; mocking him they came up to him saying,”Hail, King of the Jews!” They also put a reed in his hand.
The chief priest opposed the inscription “This is the King of the Jews” being nailed to Jesus’ cross. Inspite of this the inscription was put on the cross in several languages.
Those authorities who did believe in him did not acknowledge Jesus openly for fear of being put out of the synagogue. John12: 42. The leading Jews had already agreed if any one should acknowledge Jesus as being the Christ they would be put out of the synagogue. John 9: 22.
Jesus the King of Love
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3: 16
Jesus descended to the dead
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took Jesus’ dead body down from the cross. They carried him to Joseph of Arimathea’s empty tomb. Matthew 27: 57 – 60.
Peter wrote in his letter to the Jews of the dispersion wrote that Jesus during those three days after his death he went and preached the gospel to those who were being held in what Peter described as a prison. Those who had died, without having the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Saviour during their life time.
“For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. In which he went and preached to the spirits in prison, who in former days did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.” 1 Peter 3:18 – 20
“For this is why the gospel was preached even to the dead, that though judged in the flesh like men, they might live in the spirit like God.” 1 Peter 4: 6.
Those who accepted Jesus rose with him on the day of his resurrection. “”And coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared too many.” Matthew 27: 53. “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men. (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth?”)
Ephesians 4: 8, 9.
Another teaching from this is the separation between the flesh and the spirit.
When God created us he gave a physical body and he breathed life into us so we became a living being. Comprising of body, soul and spirit. The soul and the spirit being the parts of us that leaves the body at death.
Taking an envelope in it we place the letter. The envelope is like our bodies and the letter like our spirit. When we remove the letter from the envelope it is like the separation that takes place when we die our soul/spirit leaves our bodies.
The envelope of our bodies returns to dust, dead matter, which cannot be destroyed and will one day be gathered by God, to form our resurrected body. Our soul/spirit is escorted by angels to be with Jesus in a place prepared for us in his Father’s house in heaven.
Living our lives in the Spirit
Just as in death a separation takes place between the flesh and the spirit/soul. When we accepted Jesus as our Saviour a transformation takes place within our human soul/spirit, this change unites us with Jesus, God our Father and his Holy Spirit, separating us from our former way of life.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4: 12.
As we progress on our Christian journey there can be a struggle between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit of God dwelling within us. Please myself rather than pleasing the Lord. The Holy Spirit will help us to discern and how to apply scripture to enable us to overcome them.
Jesus King of Kings
He said to Pilate, “My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world.” Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth.”
Most Kings have titles: Supreme governor, Chief of Military, Defender of the Faith etc. Some of Jesus’ titles: King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah wrote, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called . . . . . . . . .of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9: 6, 7. Isaiah prophesied the Messiah’s reign.
The prophesies of King David had been fulfilled by Jesus.
“But God raised Jesus up, having loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. For David says concerning him ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will dwell in hope. For thou will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor let thy Holy One see corruption. “ Acts 2: 24 – 27. Psalm 16: 8 -11.”For David did not ascend into the heavens; but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I make all your enemies a stool for your feet.” Acts 2: 34,35.
Jesus could only be received by the nation of Israel as their Messiah, after Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension.
Jesus would have brought in the times of refreshing, restoration of the land, establishing the eternal kingdom and throne of King David. If he had been recognised as the Messiah at and after Pentecost by the leaders of Israel.
It was at Pentecost when for the first time the disciples proclaimed Jesus as the promised Messiah. “Peter and John spoke to the crowd in Solomon’s Portico, ‘and now brethren, I know you acted in ignorance as did your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus. . . . . . ’” Acts 3:17 - 20.
Now was the time for the leaders of Israel to recognise their King and Messiah.
A word I was given on 30th May 1996 was that, “The disciples were setting up the kingdom in at the beginning of Acts.” It was as I understood to be in preparation for his return with the angels of God. Mark 8:38
The Aid agencies have schemes to buy a goat for Africans etc as a present for a friend.
It really does work! In a village in Bangladesh villagers have been given goats paid for by these gifts that make the difference between survival or death. 5 goats then sold to buy a cow.
Christian prophet Agabus prophesied a great famine over the entire world.
In the days of Emperor Claudius there was a famine over the entire known world. The Christians at Antioch sent relief to the Christians who lived in Judea.
King Herod was in authority to distribute grain and other food grown in Galilee. The people in Tyre and Sidon depended on their trade links with Galilee to obtain food.
“Herod Agrippa grandson of Herod the great was born in 11BC. He grew up in Rome. In AD37 Herod was given the tetrarchies of Iturea, Trachonitis and Gaulinitis by the Roman Emperor Gaius, who also conferred on him the title of King. Later he was given rule over Galilee and Perea, and still later, under Claudius, his rule was extended to include Judea and Sameria. (Eyre and Spottiswoode Study Bible.)
Centuries before trade links had been established, when Hiram King of Sidon had made a treaty with King Solomon. Hiram would supply Solomon with Lebanon Cedars and Cypress trees along with carpenters to help build Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. In exchange for 20,000 cors of wheat and 20,000 cors of beaten oil. 1 Kings 5: 1 – 12.
Much later in Ezekiel time he records the trade between Judah and Tyre. Tyre exchanged there merchandise for wheat, olives, early figs, honey, oil and balm. Ezekiel 27: 17
Herod Agrippa was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. The reason for his displeasure is not known. A delegation from Tyre and Sidon seeking peace had arranged with Herod’s Chamberlain Blastus to meet with King Herod.
Herod put on his kingly robes and sat on his throne gave an oration to the delegates from Tyre and Sidon. After Herod had spoken the delegates shouted, “The voice of a god and not of man!”
Herod’s demise, “Immediately an angel of the Lord struck Herod with an illness. He died 5 days later. First century historian Josephus wrote: “Herod fell into the deepest sorrow; a severe pain arose in his bowels, and he died after 5 days of illness.”
Herod’s death was seen by the writer of this account as an act of God because he did not give God the glory. In the following verse he wrote, “But the word of God grew and multiplied.”
Herod had earlier Killed James the brother of John and had arrested Peter and later by a miracle was freed from the jail by an angel. With the death of Herod Agrippa 1, the threat of Christians being arrested was diminished.
King of the Kingdom of God
Taking the view of the writer of this account in Acts 12: 23 “Immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not givethe glory to God; and he was eaten up by worms and died.” I saw this as evidence that God was upholding the disciples and followers of Jesus in their preparation for Jesus’ return within their life time. They were setting up the Kingdom of God in anticipation of Jesus’ return with the angels of God. Mark 8: 38.
Moses and John the Apostle prophesied the Messiah’s ruling with a rod of iron.
“Moses said, “The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up. You shall listen to him in what ever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed from the people.” Acts 3: 22, 23
“He who conquers and who keeps my works until the end. I will give power over the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received power from my Father.” Revelations 2: 27
Jesus’ parable of the Vineyard
Israel the tenants were left in charge of the vineyard, the owner of the vineyard sent a servant to collect a proportion of the fruit. He was beaten and sent away empty handed. Another servant was sent but he was wounded and sent away. Finally the owner sent his son thinking that they would respect him. They killed him, casting him out of the vineyard. Jesus asked them a question, “What will the owner do? Jesus told them, “He will destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others to produce the fruit of it.”
The Pharisees who were listening when they heard, they said, “God forbid.”
Jesus continued and quoted from Psalm 118: 22 “The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. Every one who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but when it falls on any one it will crush him.” These words at the end speak of the ruling rod of iron of the Messiah’s reign.
The Jews were a rebellious people. During their history they were constantly falling away from the Laws of Moses. Prophets had been sent by God to make them aware of their sin, but they were treated with contempt. Finally God sent his Son and the leaders took no notice of his word and when he was proclaimed the Messiah by the Apostles at Pentecost the leaders rejected their witness of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.
Those who did accept him were broken, “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart and said this to the apostles. What shall we do? And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2: 37, 38.
Those who rejected the message would be crushed. Woe to you Lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” Luke 11: 52
Jesus’ return delayed.
Clearly Jesus did not return within the life time of the Apostles. The authority the apostles had in setting up the Kingdom of God in preparation for Jesus’ return, changed with the destruction of the temple in AD70.
Daniel’s Vision of 70 Week’s“Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince there shall be 7 weeks. And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off, and shall have nothing; and the people and the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and sanctuary.”
Daniel 9:25, 26.
One week in Daniel’s vision is counted as 7 years
Total 69 weeks 483 years. 1 week still to be fulfilled.
The rebuilding of the second temple took place during the reign of Darius 522 – 486 BC and was completed in the sixth year of his reign 516 BC. Ezra 6: 15.
(Abraham’s prophecy of Israel’s slavery was 400 years Genesis 15: 13. Prophecy was fulfilled after 430 years Exodus 12: 40. Not to the exact prophesied year)
The Jews were expecting Daniel’s prophesy in to be fulfilled with the coming of the Messiah. The leaders of the council of the Jews considered whether John the Baptist was the Messiah.
“As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ.” Luke 3: 15
Fulfilment of these two verses of Daniel’s vision with Jesus’ coming near to the prophesied time and ‘The anointed one cut off’ speaks of his rejection as being the King and Messiah of Israel and as Daniel’s prophecy predicted the destruction of Jerusalem along with the temple by the Romans in AD70
