Category: Jesus
Subject: Jesus
Mining the Scriptures: Matthew 2:19-23
After Matthew records the departure of the young Jesus to Egypt (a fulfillment of Hosea 11:1), the massacre of the infants in Bethlehem, and finally the death of Herod; an angel appeared to Joseph to return with the child and His mother back to Israel.
However, Joseph was afraid to return to Judea because the son of Herod, Archelaus was reigning the place of his father. Apparently Joseph’s fear was legitimate as God warned him in a dream about the danger there, and Joseph instead turned to Galilee.
The city of Nazareth was where Joseph settled, and where Jesus was raised. In fact, he was often referred to and known as Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament. Nathanael, in John 1:46 asked about Jesus, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Indicating the city did not have a good reputation in Israel at the time.
This was also a fulfillment of a prophecy concerning the Christ. “He shall be called a Nazarene”, which was written hundreds of years previously, in Judges 13:5.
Mining the Scriptures: Revelation 1:17-20
The text refers to John’s reaction seeing Jesus, “I fell to his feet as dead” (17). It must have been an awesome and overwhelming vision.
But, Jesus quickly assured Him, identifying Himself in this first vision, not as a foe, but as God the Son. The eternal being who had directed this, and subsequent visions, for John to record through the written word. The visions had reference to the past, present and future and were designed to give Christians faith and confidence despite their present trials.
Christ also began to explain what it was that John was seeing. The seven stars were the seven angels (or messengers) for the seven churches of Asia, to which Christ wrote letters in the next two chapters. The context makes it difficult to know whether these angels were divine or men associated with those churches. The seven lampstands were the churches themselves, the number seven indicating a full representation of such congregations.
Sermon: Water to Wine (John 2:1-11)
A discussion of Jesus’ miracle, turning water into wine in John 2:1-11. We discuss the miracle, the conversation between Jesus and His mother, and the purpose of the signs Jesus performed.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Sermon: The Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36)
Luke 9 narrates an amazing event, the transfiguration of Jesus, and His conversation with Moses and Elijah. The event ends with the Father’s endorsement of His Son. “Hear Him.”
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Sermon: One Long Sentence (Ephesians 1:3-6)
An exegesis of Ephesians 1:3-5, which the apostle Paul, in one long sentence teaches three important points about God’s plan for redeeming man.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Mining the Scriptures: Luke 1:46-56
Our text reflects Mary’s praise to God while she visited her relative Elizabeth in the preceding verses.
In the first three verses she gave thanks for God’s consideration for her. She was to give birth to the prophesied Messiah, the son of David, “Immanuel” (cf. Matthew 1:23), and she praised the Lord saying, “And holy is His name” (49).
Verses 50-55 are a statement of Christ’s purpose in being sent. God’s plan for redeeming man from their sins. God’s mercy is shown to those who fear Him. He resists pride and willfulness, but shows His mercy to the lowly, exalting them; and the hungry, feeding them. As Mary said, “He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever” (54-55).
Verse 56 says Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months before returning to her own home. John the Baptist and Jesus were about 6 months different in age (cf. 36, 41, 56-57).
Comparing High Priests
Aaron, the older brother of Moses, was appointed to be the first High Priest of the nation of Israel. This was an office established by God under the Old Covenant, the Law that God gave to Moses to govern the Jews. Aaron was the first of many men who served in this capacity before Jesus. He was a descendent of Levi, hence the priesthood is known as the Levitical or Aaronic priesthood. Put simply, these were mere men, themselves guilty of sin, who yearly had to offer the blood of bulls and goats for atonement, first for themselves, and then for the people of Israel, (cf. Leviticus 16:1-5).
In the letter to the Hebrews, the Holy Spirit makes clear the differences between Jesus as High Priest, and those who went on before. Consider the following: Continue reading “Comparing High Priests”
Jesus Our Shepherd
Jesus lived in a pastoral society. The images He used to illustrate points were very well known to his listeners. Fortunately for us urbanites, they are simple figures, and easily understood even by us 2000 years later. For example, John records these words of the Lord, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers” (John 10:1-5). Continue reading “Jesus Our Shepherd”
Jesus Christ – Done, Doing, Will Do
The lesson examines the ascension of Jesus, His present reign upon His throne, and His promise of a future return. All to benefit you and me!
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Mining the Scriptures: Matthew 2:13-18
In this text we have an example of great inhumanity. Herod the Great, concerned that his position might be threatened, committed clear murder of innocent children. The purpose was to destroy what he perceived to be a possible rival. However, the parents of Jesus were warned by an angel of God, and escaped from Herod to Egypt. They remained there until Herod died. The date is not exactly known, as differing assumptions render the birth of Jesus in different years. However, the interval was not long, as Herod died soon after, and his son reigned in his place. Hosea 11:1 was fulfilled, a foreshadowing of the Lord’s time spent in that foreign land.
In the interim, Herod had all the male children of Bethlehem and the region who were at or below the age of 2 killed, in a paranoid attempt to destroy Jesus. Traditional estimates of 14,000 to 144,00 infants killed are no doubt wildly exaggerated. It was more probably between 12-40 children. Regardless, it was brutality. It was also a fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:15, causing great pain and agony to many.
Jesus on the Cross
A discussion of the events of Jesus’ Crucifixion, and the words John recorded said by Jesus on that occasion.
Sermon: Jesus’ Questioning by the High Priest
Our 51st lesson in our series on Jesus’ Words in John’s gospel references the conversation Jesus had with Annas in John 18:19-24.
The Arrest of Jesus
Continuing our series of Jesus’ words in John’s gospel, Stan addresses the arrest of Jesus in the Garden recorded in John 18:1-11.
Short Sermon: Jesus, A Servant of Men
David Hightower relates in this short lesson how Jesus showed Himself willing to serve others. He washed the feet of the disciples. More to the point, He willingly gave up His life by dying on the cross. We should be servants as well.
Sermon: Jesus’ Prayer for You and Me
Stan discusses the final part of Jesus’ prayer in John 17. He prayer for disciples like you and me!
