Tag Archives: messiah

John

Jesus at the Feast of the Dedication John 10:22-42

In the first half of John 10 Christ is proclaiming that He is the true Shepherd. He will give His life for the flock, and we are told that His words left division among the Jews.

We pick up in verse 22. Many people believe there is a break between verse 21 and 22. I tend to agree, however this is all still linked to the 6th sign, the healing of the blind man, which proves Jesus is Messiah.

John 10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

I know I have said it before, but when we are giving a time and place, it is important so pay attention.

The feast of the dedication is, in short, Hanukkah . It is not a feast that was given by God to us through Moses. (Leviticus 23, Deuteronomy 16).  Still we need to understand this feast in order to understand the mindset of Jesus’ audience here.

In 168 B.C., Antiochus IV demanded the Jews take on Greek culture. He disallowed circumcision and sacrificed swine in the temple, thus ending sacrifice until we come to the time of the Maccabees.

Judas Maccabee was a priest that was confronted by soldiers and told to sacrifice to an idol. Instead, he killed the soldiers and led a revolt that led to Israel becoming an independent nation. Under his rule they rededicated the temple. I am sure most of us are familiar with the menorah and the story of how they lit the lamp and only had oil for one day. The lamp was not supposed to go out, and it took eight days to prepare more, but they felt it would be better to get the lamp lit, even for a little time, than not at all. So they lit the lamp and, instead of the oil lasting only one day, it lasted until the new oil was ready.

Why is all this important to know? Because it is at this time of year that the Jews looked for a messiah more than any other time. It was when they were thinking of the last time they had become free from foreign rule. What they wanted was another David or Judas Maccabee to rise up and free them this time from the Romans. That is why there were so many rising up and proclaiming themselves messiah, and trying to take back Israel by force.

“…And it was winter.” This is a strange thing to add to the end of verse 22 because the feast of the dedication is always in the winter. It is like saying it was Passover and it was Spring. Thus we know that it is there is for a reason. In Matthew 23:20 and Mark 13:18, the two chapters where He explains His return, Jesus tells us to pray our flight is not in the winter.  Why? because He is not going to come in the winter. Therefore, by giving us “…and it was winter,” we are being told that it isn’t the time for Him to take up the sword. That this isn’t the advent where He comes with a rod of iron to slay the wicked also that He wouldn’t be coming during this festival.

John 10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.

Again a location. Solomon’s porch is on the East side of the temple, and historically was the place where the king would pass judgement. This is also where the Levites lived, and the doctors of the law heard and answered questions.

John 10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

Here we have Christ standing in the place where kings of old passed judgement during the festival the Jews looked for a messiah, with them demanding of Him to state if He is the messiah. Thus the King of kings and Lord of lords tells them and passes judgement:

John 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. (26) But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. (27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (29) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

Once you acknowledge who the Shepherd is and follow Him, nobody can take your salvation. That doesn’t mean you might not turn from Him and start to follow other shepherds, but there will be severe consequences.

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

If you have seen the Son you have seen the Father.

John 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

Imagine that, they ask Him if He is the messiah, He answers, so they want to stone Him.

John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

I love this question.

John 10:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

Hey they have at point, at least at first glace: Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Non-Christians have made a lot of traction with this verse. A lot of Christians see this verse and either want to ignore it’s existence or start to lose faith. What does it say? It says God doesn’t have to lie like man does, and it says that He isn’t the son of man, that He should repent. Jesus is sinless and therefore doesn’t have to repent.

John 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

It does. Let’s pull it up:

Psalms 82:1 A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

And who was just passing judgement?

Psalms 82:2 (How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. (3) Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. (4) Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. (5) They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.

Christ just finished telling them they are not His sheep and they do not understand.

Psalms 82:6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. (7) But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. (8) Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

Ok back to John

John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

Remember in Matthew 5 He says He is not changing one jot or tittle to the law.

John 10:36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? (37) If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

Actions speak louder than words. When Jannes and Jambres stood against Moses and turned their rods to snakes. The rod of Moses ate them up telling us that God does not mess around. Meaning that even if Jesus had pulled off some “miraculous” healing or was able to rile the people up with some fancy words God would have taken care of him. Just look at Simon the magician in the New Testament.

John 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

Even if they didn’t understand what Christ was saying they should’ve known that His works were from God. His sheep know. They did then and they do now. It is the so-called wise men that always stumble.
John 10:39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

Because it wasn’t time yet.

John 10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

The Jordan marks the edge of the promised land so essentially He left Israel.

John 10:41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. (42) And many believed on him there.

Wherever He goes, His sheep will follow. John the baptist was the voice crying out in the wilderness. His job was the make the path straight to the Lord. He certainly did his job. Is it no wonder Jesus said there was none greater that was born of woman.

God Bless you all, until next time.

Reference Notes

Mark of the Beast

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The Mark of the Beast is often misunderstood as a physical mark (or chip) placed on people, during the time antichrist is on earth, for those who worship antichrist and his system. However, that is an assumption based on misunderstanding of scripture.

The Mark of the Beast will be dealt to most of the people on earth (Mat 24:24, Rev 7:3-4, 12:9-15, 13:11-16) while antichrist is here because they will have been deceived into worshiping him and his system (Rev 14:9), and they will have served him because they will believe he is the Messiah. This mark is not a physical mark because it is based on what people feel in their hearts; and therefore it goes much deeper than a physical trait. No one can hold us down and force us to feel something in our hearts and therefore a physical mark cannot change our minds. God cares more about where our loyalties lie, than what someone has made us do to ourselves physically.

This mark is in one’s forehead and in one’s right hand (Rev 13:16), and these terms are symbolic. The mark that is in people’s foreheads is in their brains, and it is those people’s belief that antichrist is the Messiah or God, which he will claim to be. This is the mark of deception that is brought forth in the flood of lies from satan’s mouth (Rev 12:15). The mark in the right hand represents someone’s works in serving the system of antichrist, and doing his will. The right hand in biblical times was always symbolic of power or work.

The Mark of the Beast is mutually exclusive with the Seal of God, meaning that everyone on earth will have either the mark or the seal. The Seal of God is protection against the torment that those with the Mark of the Beast will suffer (Rev 7:3, 9:1-11, 14:9-11,16:1-4, 8-14, 17-21). Those with the Mark of the Beast will continue to be plagued through the tribulation unless they wake up and repent, and turn against antichrist (Mar 3:28-29, Luk 21-12-19, 1Jo 1:9, Rev 16:1-4, 8-14, 17-21) before Jesus returns.

Those without the Mark of the Beast will not be allowed to buy or sell (Rev 13:17), and that can be accomplished by many ways even though the mark is not a physical mark. One such way as there may be a card issued to those who have proven their loyalty to antichrist when they have worshipped him, but that card would not be the mark. God’s people will be provided-for none-the-less because they will remain faithful to Jesus Christ and not fall for antichrist.

The only way to avoid receiving the Mark of the Beast is to read, study, and understand the Bible (2Th 7-12, 2Ti 2:15, Rev 7:1-4), as even many professing Christians will be deceived, along with the rest of the world (Mat 24:22-24, Mar 13:20-23, Rev 12:9-15, 13:11-14), because they don’t care enough for Jesus to pick up God’s Word and read it. Those people who will be sealed by the Holy Spirit as protection are those who know and love Jesus Christ and His Word (2Ti 2:15, Rev 7:3-4), as He is the Living Word, and this sealing will be accomplished before antichrist arrives (Rev 7, 9:1-12).

The receiving of the Mark of the Beast does not condemn someone to die in the Lake of Fire, however, they will be in danger of this sentence (Rev 20:4-6, 11-15) if they do not repent and turn back to and serve Jesus Christ once they realize what they have done. Those who do not do so by the time Jesus Christ returns will have a chance in the Millennium Kingdom to be taught and disciplined to learn the ways of God and forsake their selfish ways (Eze 44, Rev 20:1-6). During this time, they will be considered spiritually dead (Eze 44:23:25, Rev 20:4-6, 12-13), and at the end of the Millennium, they will be tested one last time (Rev 20:7-9), and if they fail this test, after the Great White Throne Judgment, they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:11-15). If they instead pass and are found in the Book of Life, they will be granted eternal life at that time (Rev 20:5, 21, 22).

If someone is truly saved by Jesus Christ, though they may be deceived when antichrist is here, they will overcome in the Millennium, or perhaps before, because they love Jesus Christ and they will do what it takes to make it right (Rom 1:16, 11:23-27, 1Ti 2:10). The only way to salvation is to accept it through Jesus Christ (Joh 14:6-7, 1Th 5:9, 1Ti 2:10, 3:15), and our lives will reflect that salvation if we are truly saved (Tit 2:7-15, 3:1-8, 14-15, Jam 2:14-26, Rev 2:4-5, 20:11-13).

For more information check out the article, RFID Chips Short Circuit Salvation???

John

Can Flesh Understand Christ? John 8:21-8:32

Today when you speak to someone about Jesus or God they have a lot of preconceived ideas about what you believe and are going to say which can make it hard for someone come to Christianity with an open mind. Some of this has to do with how our liberal television shows, movies, news, radio and schools cast unfavorable lights upon Christians as a whole. Some has to do with the money grabbing, or the worthless excuses for shepherds we have parading about on those same televisions and radios thumping their bibles and saying some of the most ridiculous things you have ever heard.

The Pharisees here are no different. They have preconceived ideas about who the Messiah will be, what His mission is, and how He will accomplish it. Truth be told, some believed the Messiah would be a woman, or so I have heard. Fighting preconceptions can be extremely difficult, and oft times people can believe that if they had just said the right thing or did it just a little bit differently that they would’ve gotten someone to “see.” Don’t worry about that; God has a plan for everyone, and it isn’t for us to judge when that someone’s time to “see” is. Remember that this chapter of John started out with Christ on the Mount of Olives, which means this chapter gives us a look at what will happen when He returns.

John 8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

This verse calls to mind: Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

It also makes me think if the Millennial Temple where only the overcomers can go into Him.

John 8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.

Without the Holy Spirit, the only thing they can see is the flesh, and their minds work in the flesh. Be patient with those that think this way.

John 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

Heaven isn’t in the sky, and hell isn’t in the dirt, yet that was how people of they day thought about and/or visualized heaven. What He is talking about is the same thing that Paul told us here:

1 Corinthians 15:47-48 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. (48) As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Flesh man cannot understand the heavenly, but they can believe upon it and thereby transform themselves into spiritual beings that can.

John 8:25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.

He began (in the last section) by saying that He is the light of the world and His story hasn’t changed.

John 8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. (27) They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

Again, many wont understand, but it is not understanding that is required, it is belief. The belief and faith of a mustard seed.

John 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. (29) And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

He is speaking of both advents here, His crucifixion and His return. Many believed upon Him after the first crucifixion, however every knee shall bow at His ultimate return, and everyone will KNOW who He is.

John 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.

Think about this as it pertains to both advents.

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

A disciple is a disciplined student. Remember what the Parable of the Sower taught us:

Matthew 13:18-22 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. (19) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. (20) But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; (21) Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (22) He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Many people will take this verse and run with it, but it is only half the sentence. It starts with “If ye continue in my word.” To know anything it takes time. God doesn’t use magic to give us full understanding. The seed needs to grow and we must strive to set down roots. Sitting upon a seedling cannot give you the same view as sitting upon a hundred year old oak. Continue in His word, ponder it, and you will know Christ.

John

We will have Jesus as our King 6:14-15

Last time we spent our time together digging deep into the meanings behind what was being said and true to form I’d like to take you back there, but first we are going to look at things from a more historical perspective. To begin with, you have to understand that the Israelites did not have a unified belief just as Christians. Even though we all believe that God is God and almost all believe that Christ is God that does not mean that Baptist, Catholics and Pentecostals all believe the same thing. For example, the Pharisees held to an Oral Law that they used to further explain the Torah, where as the Sadducees believed that you only needed the Torah and they put great stock in the temple all the while the Essenes rejected the temple and instead moved to wilderness. Scholars say that for the most part Israel was looking for not one, but two Messiahs. For Christians today this may seem odd because the Messiah is God right? No. Messiah simply means anointed one. David was a messiah, as he was anointed, as should be every priest. Exodus 28:41 And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office.

Who then were these two messiahs that Israel was looking for? First they were looking for a priest like unto Ezra and second a king like unto Nehemiah (who, though it cannot be confirmed, was believed to be of the tribe of Judah). I could post a lot of scripture, but I’ll just give you these to compare on your own, Deuteronomy 18:18 (priest) and Isaiah 7:14 (king from the house of David).

Jesus was not the messiah Israel was looking for. They wanted a king to rise up and free them from the Romans and retake the land that God had given them.

John 6:14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

These are the five thousand that Jesus just fed and they are excited. Their bellies are full and they are ready to take back the promised land.

John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

You could say that these people are not looking for two messiahs. They see the prophet and the king as one man, but remember David was a prophet and certainly no priest.

Putting all of that aside, why didn’t Jesus let them make him king? He is the king after all, isn’t he? I am sure most of you reading this know that Christ’s kingdom was not of this flesh world, but even knowing that isn’t this what God is after? Doesn’t He want the people to accept him as king? Yes, but you noticed they were going to FORCE Him? Next time you try and force God to do anything let me know how that works out for you.

There is also another point that the Gospel is trying to point us to. Do you remember the first time Israel forced someone to be king? Do you remember Saul? Whose name means desired. Saul was the man king Israel wanted and Christ is showing us that he is the exact opposite of Saul. You can, and I encourage you to, read how Saul became king beginning in I Samuel 9. Here we are just going to pull up the first few verses: 1 Samuel 9:2-3 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. (3) And the asses of Kish Saul’s father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses.

Saul seemed like a good guy and he was taller than everyone else. Wouldn’t be make for a nice king? But compare him to David. David was a shepherd and defended his flock against lions and bears. Saul, on the other hand, lost his asses and had to go on a mission to find them. Saul was the flesh king that Israel wanted, even after God warned them that a king would take their sons to be warriors and their daughters to be dancers and cooks. Even after God said they would take their fields, they wanted a king. Christ was not going to be that kind of king. Not then and not now.