As noted last week, the theme of Romans is the gospel of God (v. 1). Paul had been set apart to that gospel, which was to be preached in all the world, calling both Jews and Gentiles to faith in Christ. This plan of God became a real problem to the Jews who regarded themselves as the sole people of God. Romans argues that there is no difference for "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

Romans is the gateway to the New Testament. It is the longest of Paul's letters, but its significance belongs to its being foundational to Christian doctrine. In this message, we introduce both its author and the book itself.

This message from Luke 23 focuses on the necessity of Jesus' death on the cross. The principle is that victory often comes through great suffering. In this case, kingdom realization required Jesus to suffer death as the wrath of God was released on Him to redeem those who would become citizens of the kingdom.

Jesus died according to the Divine plan (Acts 2:23). His death was carried out by wicked hands. Even though it was the plan of God, the evil of it brought both the Jews and the Romans under the judgment of God. This message documents that truth.

In the text of this sermon, the Jews, having tried Jesus by the Sanhedrin at the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, they too Him to the Roman Procurator, Pilate. They wanted Pilate to execute Him because the Jews were forbidden by the Romans to do so. There are many interesting details unnoticed by English readers that give this incident greater clarity. It was God's plan to have His divine Son offered as the Passover Lamb to redeem His people as stated in Acts 2:22-24.

In this forth section on the consummation of Jesus' earthly life and ministry, Luke documents how the disciples failed Him in the hours before His crucifixion. They fully expected Jesus to restore the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6). Thus, they were blind to Judas' betrayal and when Jesus was arrested, they fled to their own homes. Although Peter followed at a distance, He also failed, as Jesus informed him, denying that he knew the Lord. This would all change when Jesus was raised, and the Spirit was poured out upon them.

This third sermon in Luke's final details of Jesus' life cover chapter 22:20-38, in which Jesus prepares His followers for His inevitable arrest and death at the hands of wicked men. In these verses, Jesus warns, assures, informs, and promises that although they will fail Him soon, they will be restored and stand before Him and to sit with Him in the kingdom He was bring in.

What many Gentile readers do not realize is that Jesus' death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Spirit fulfilled major old covenant Feasts of the Lord--Passover and Pentecost. Jesus, our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthains 5:7, 8) was crucified on the day of preparation to fulfill the type.

The elite ruling class of the Jews were determined to rid themselves of Jesus because He was not playing by their rules. The problem, however, was Jesus' popularity among the people. Satan, however, resolved the problem for them. He entered Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, and tempted him to confer with the rulers to betray Him to them in the absence of the people.

Jesus closed His Olivet Discourse by exhorting His followers that there was coming a day of the Lord when judgment would fall on all unbelievers. That day should not catch them distracted by the flesh or the cares of this life. Rather, they should watch and pray so that they might be worthy to stand before the Son of Man.