The apostles were expecting Jesus to return shortly after Pentecost and bring in the times of refreshing: the establishing of the eternal kingdom and throne of King David.
“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. Whom heaven must receive until the time for establishing all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old”
Acts 3:17 - 21.
The leaders and people had acted in ignorance as they did not know the prophesies before Jesus death relating to the Messiah’s suffering and death, neither were they revealed by God to them because Jesus’ identity was deliberately hidden from their understanding by him.
It was call to the nations leaders to accept Jesus as their Messiah, that “God may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.” confirmed by Jesus himself, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God has come with power.”
Jesus in conversation with Peter about John the disciple “What is that to you if he remain until I come.” Jesus would have returned had the leaders of the nation accepted him as their Messiah. It was a national calling.
At and after Pentecost the apostles proclaim for the first time that Jesus was the Messiah. Old Testament prophesies were revealed by them concerning the Messiah’s death and resurrection and that they had been fulfilled by Jesus.
Daniel’s Prophecy Fulfilled
It was just over 500 years since the temple at Jerusalem had been rebuilt, the leaders and people of Israel ‘were in expectation’ of the prophecy of Daniel to be fulfilled with the coming of the Christ or Messiah – ‘the anointed one.’ Daniel had prophesied the Christ would come after 70 weeks, 490 years after the rebuilding of the temple at Jerusalem.
“Seventy weeks of years are decreed concerning your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet and to anoint a most holy place.” Daniel 9: 24
“As the people were in expectation, (of Daniel’s prophecy being fulfilled) and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ. John answered them all. I baptise you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the throng of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Luke 3: 15-17
The Jewish leaders were on the look out for a person who stood out and who measured up to what they thought the Christ would say and do. John the Baptist fitted their criteria. John was of the priestly line, the division of Abijah, a descendant of Samuel. He was recognised by everyone as a holy man, he lived in the solitude of the desert until the time came for him to preach the baptism of repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah.
John the Apostle wrote that priests and Levites were sent by the Jews from Jerusalem to ask John the Baptist was he the Christ? John replied, “No” They then asked was he Elijah? John replied, “No” Was he the prophet? He said, “No” but then he answered their question, he was the one preparing the way for the Christ’s coming.
The people wondered if John was the Christ, but John denied being the Christ he described the Christ as being mightier than him. (blog Jesus our Redeemer - Qumran Scrolls the Essene Community were in existence before the Pharisees and Sadducees. "Many scholars believe that they were connected with rise of the Pharisees in the centuries before the birth of Jesus," Introducing the Old Testament" by John Drane. The scrolls indicate that they believed in two or even three Messiahs.)
Prophecy of Elijah’s coming The prophecy given by the angel to John’s father Zachariah concerning his son, “And he (John) will go before him (the Christ) in the power and spirit of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” Luke 1: 17
Jesus’ disciples asked him,” Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” Jesus replied, “Elijah does come, and he is to restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him, but they to him what ever they please. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
We hear from the discourse of Paul at the synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia that John the Baptist had gone throughout the whole of Israel preaching a baptism of repentance.
“Of this man’s posterity (King David) God has brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus, as he promised. Before his coming John had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said, ’what do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but after me one is coming, the sandals of whom I am not worthy to untie.’” Acts 13: 23-25
The sandals of whom I am not worthy to untie.
People came to John to be baptised by him in the river Jordon. John in conversation with some of the people who were there he humbled himself before them. He spoke about the Messiah who was to come whose sandals he did not feel worthy to untie. Maybe some of the people present were themselves household servants, so they would know what he was probably referring to; On entering a house it was customary after travelling on the dusty roads for the servant to wash the visitor’s feet. John was so reverential towards Jesus he did not feel worthy even to untie the laces of his sandals to do that menial task. Also he saw Jesus’ feet as being clean already.
When Jesus came to John to be baptised by him, John would have prevented him when he said to Jesus, “I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me? But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.”
Matthew 3: 14
In our Communion service we say in the prayer of Humble Access:
“We do not presume to come to this your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs from under your table. But you are the same Lord whose nature is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat his flesh and drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.”
This prayer is about having reverential humility, a Godly fear of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We are baptised ‘washed through his most precious blood,’ baptised into his death and resurrection, and celebrate with thanksgiving through the tokens of the bread and wine, the victory Jesus has won for us.
Last Easter several of the Anglican Bishops in Manchester during Holy Week went out onto the streets cleaning the shoes of people, to replicate the command of Jesus to serve one another in humility and love.
Fire of judgement
John spoke of the fire of judgement that the Messiah would administer. “Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.. . . . His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Luke 3: 9, 17
By what John said, he did not know, that before the Day of Judgement could be brought in, Christ had first had to suffer death, be resurrected and ascend into heaven and be seated at the right hand of God.
Jesus said, “I came to cast a fire upon the earth; and how I would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptised with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished!”
Luke 12: 49,50.
The Messiah’s Secret page 47
Jesus was referring to the fire of the Day of Vengeance, the Day of the Lord. The fire not yet kindled, not until after he brought in the good news of the impending kingdom, gathering the nation together. A loving heavenly Father giving the outcast, the people who had fallen away from his laws, the opportunity to receive salvation through the Laws of Moses, without the added generations of added precepts, whereby the Jew was blameless through good works, deeds, feeding the hungry, giving to the poor, helping the widows . . . . Jesus did not come as judge to condemn the people.” For I have a baptism to be baptised with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished.” Meaning - the baptism of his death followed by his resurrection. He was constrained to bring in the fire of judgement until his death and resurrection had been accomplished. His death was a secret; it was hidden from the Jews. Even the disciples didn’t understand about his death and what rising from the dead meant. . . . He was constrained until after his ascension to cleanse the nation of sin and the causes of sin, to bring in the Day of Judgement.”
Messiah’s Secret
During Jesus’ ministry his identity was hidden from the understanding of the Jewish leaders and the vast majority of the people including the disciples.
“When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. Jesus said this to show by what death he was to die. The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever, How can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?” John 12: 32 – 34
Jesus told his disciples that he was going to be put to death and be raised from the dead.
“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
The title ‘Son of man’ was a title in association with the prophets and the Christ.
When Jesus asked his disciples ‘Who do they say the Son of man is? They at first mentioned the names of prophets: John the Baptist, Elijah and Jeremiah, but it was Peter who made the association with the Christ, he said that Jesus was the Son of man, the Christ. Jesus went on to say that they were not to tell anyone who he was.
“And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marvelling at everything he did, he said to his disciples. “Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of man.” But they didn’t understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.” Luke 9:43-45
The Messiah’s Secret revealed at Pentecost the disciples proclaimed that Jesus is the Christ.
Christ had to die and become the atoning sacrifice for sin and be raised up from the dead by God.
Peter speaking at Pentecost, “This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed by the hands of lawless men.”
“This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. (Peter was standing with the eleven disciples)
“Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2: 9-36
Baptism of John and the Baptism of Jesus, the difference between them
The Holy Spirit came in response to the devoted prayers of the 120 disciples in the upper room. Fulfilling the promise Jesus gave to his disciples. He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. “For John baptised with water, but before many days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1: 4,5.
The people only knew the water baptism of John, the forgiveness of sin under the Law of Moses. The water baptism of Jesus for forgiveness of sin was to be administered in the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit was received as a gift.
A person baptised in Jesus’ name today, my sister received the gift of the Holy Spirit when her children were baptised at her local Anglican Church. I’ve also heard of people today, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit as they were baptised through full immersion in water.
At Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came there was no water baptism.
They waited in the upper room of the house where they were staying. On the day of Pentecost the Feast of Weeks also known as The Feast of the First Fruits, the gathering in of wheat harvest, the Holy Spirit came and made his presence felt. He filled the whole house with his Spirit especially the disciples and followers in the upper room. They found themselves seeing a flame like that of fire, upon each others heads, and they spoke in the languages of other nations. Acts 2: 1-4
The Holy Spirit is received as a gift through faith in Jesus. It is the operation of our Saviour God.
The coming of the Holy Spirit into a person’s life is still going on today. It is real; it is not suggestive thought or emotional hysteria.
There are different ways of receiving him into a person’s life: He comes as promised through the prayers of those asking to receive him through repentance and faith in Jesus’ name. I received him through prayer accompanied by the laying on of hands. Also when persons head knowledge about Jesus, drops down into the heart, that can happen whilst singing a hymn or a chorus or reading a passage in the Bible or through hearing the scriptures expounded.
There are those who can not hear due to deafness, but hear the movement of the Holy Spirit within them or because of blindness, to handle the cross is a powerful symbol, feeling its shape and sensing the truth as the Holy Spirit reveals it into a person’s heart.
Thirst for the Holy Spirit
1983 Martin Nystrom. Restoration Music Ltd/Lifestyle Music Ltd. Mission Praise published by Harper Collins.
As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after You,
You alone are my hearts desire and I long to worship You.
You alone are my strength, my shield,
to You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire
and I long to worship You.
I want You more than gold or silver only You can satisfy,
You alone are the real joy giver, and the apple of my eye.
You alone are my strength and shield,
to You alone will my spirit yield.
You alone are my hearts desire
and I long to worship You.
You’re my friend and You’re my brother, even though You are a king.
I love You more than any other, so much more than anything.
You alone are my strength and shield,
to You alone will my spirit yield.
You alone are my hearts desire
and I long to worship You.
In the Acts of the Apostles we read that when Paul came to Ephesus he found that the Christians there had not received the Holy Spirit. They had not even heard of the Holy Spirit.
It is true for some Christians today, we hear his name mentioned, but we do not hear anything about him. For some it maybe that they are hesitant because they are not convinced it’s true or are perhaps worried at the prospect of his coming to dwell within.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is the Spirit of God’s Love. The love and peace of God is shed abroad in our hearts through faith in Jesus. He works hand in hand with Jesus. He convicts us of sin through the fire of God’s love and holiness, the goodness of God, his righteousness. He judges and helps us to discern the spirits and to resist temptation, as our nature has changed we feel as God our Father feels about unrighteousness. He reveals Jesus the living word to our understanding and he works through the gifts he has given to us. He is our comforter in times of distress and trouble. He is gentle and kind, filling us with the joy of our salvation which is our strength.
The disciple’s eyes of their understanding concerning the Messiah’s suffering and death were opened by Jesus.
On the evening of the day of the resurrection Jesus opened the disciples understanding to the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection that it was necessary for these prophesies to be fulfilled. “These are the words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, ”Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.’” Luke 24: 44-48
On the Mount Olives the disciples waited to watch Jesus ascend into heaven.
"So when they came together they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority." Acts 1: 6,7.
Jesus was about to leave his disciples, clearly they thought that with his departure the nation had missed the opportunity to see the times of refreshing brought in by the Messiah: the restoration of the throne and eternal kingdom of King David.
Times or seasons
In the parable of the pounds Jesus responded to the supposition that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. "A nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return."
Jesus was about to leave them and ascend into heaven to be with his Father God.
These scriptures relate to this: "The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at my right hand, till I make his enemies a stool for thy feet.'" Acts 2:34,35
Jesus is waiting in heaven, "Until the time for establishing all that God spoke by his holy prophets from of old." Acts 3:21
In his absence his disciples would proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. But like in the parable the citizens did not want him to reign over them.
In the parable on his return having received the kingdom, rewards were given to the faithfull, followed by judgement of his enemies.
On Jesus' return, which is future, he will take up with the nation of Israel. The church will come with Jesus on his return and reign with him, having received rewards from him. Luke 19: 11-27
The Leaders of Israel would not accept Jesus as their Messiah.
The same leaders who had witnessed Jesus death and heard of his resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit as prophesied by the prophet Joel and were recounted by Peter at Pentecost. “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and daughters will prophesy and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams . . . . . the sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the day of the Lord comes, the great and manifest day. And it shall be whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” Acts 2: 17-21.
Several thousands of Jewish people responded to his message and joined the disciples. However, the Jewish leaders they were still not convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Even though Caiaphas the high priest that year had been given a prophecy that proved the Christ had to die to save the nation.
”But one of them who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all; you do not understand that it is expedient that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish.” He did not say this of his own accord, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation.” John 11:49-51
The church is waiting and watching for Jesus’ return
Mean while after 2,000 years the time is drawing nearer we are expected to look for the signs like the people of Jesus’ day who were watching, looking for the two witnesses.
John the Apostle in his revelation wrote about the end days that the two witnesses will be given power to prophesy and with signs, showing that God is working with them. Revelation 11: 1-13
Jerusalem today has the occasional person who proclaims themselves as: the Messiah or one of the two witnesses of latter day prophesies.
In David Dolan’s book ‘Israel in Crisis’ published in 2001 by Fleming H Revell page 134. He writes,” If the two prophets are actual men, as I obviously believe, then who on earth are they? They might be two humble prayer warriors who receive an unimaginable divine calling one day. This has happened to many prophets of old. It certainly was the case with Peter and Andrew, called from their Sea of Galilee fishing nets to follow the Fisher of Men. One thing seems eminently undeniable: They will not be Harold McGrath from Cleveland and Sven Olaf from Stockholm or Chou Lee from Hong Kong and Abu Banu from Lagos. They will be Jews, most likely Israelis.”
Watch and pray
I have put on a mug I use at home, “Come, Jesus Come.” When I say the Lord’s Prayer; I pray for the Lord to come soon, with all of my heart.
