CICQ8

"Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned he stood..." In my place? In my place. Left to ourselves, we would ultimately crucify our Savior. Yet, the strength, power, and love of God are most vividly revealed in the excruciating death of Jesus. For in his hour of sacrifice, he is revealed to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

The gospels are Passion narratives with extended introductions. From the beginning we see Jesus Christ, through his words and deeds, painting faint sketches that point to the cross. As we walk with Jesus and his disciples, we begin to see these outlines filled in with deep shadows. By the end, we will hear direct declarations that point to his sacrificial atoning death on the cross. He is the King and he will endure suffering to glory.

Hostility and fame are on the rise at the midway point of Jesus' earthly ministry. He begins to speak to the crowds in a puzzling mysterious form—parables. These earthly stories are filled with heavenly meaning that is revealed only to disciples. Jesus strengthens his confused and weary followers by giving them a deep understanding of the truth and nature of his Kingdom. He helps his disciples hear, see, and understand so that they—and we—might endure to the end.

It has been said that all roads lead to Heaven. Of course, that isn’t true. Jesus himself said, there are only two roads and “the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many” (Matt. 7:13). However, in a very real sense all roads do lead to God. All roads lead to Judgment. Hebrews 9:27 says, “...It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” But judgment for those in Christ and those outside of Christ will be fundamentally different. Eternal souls stand before us every day. May our hearts be fixed on eternity.

The King has declared, "Come to me...and I will give you rest" (11:28). Theological controversy arises concerning the purpose and application of such rest. Do you find God's Word and work in your life liberating or constricting? Jesus sets the captive free and confronts the religious leaders concerning their evil hearts. Yet, in doing so, he powerfully reveals who he is. Even in the midst of rising hostility.

John is in prison for preaching the righteousness of God with courage and clarity. However, he begins to doubt when he does not see the King immediately swinging the axe as expected (Mt. 3:10a). As the King, Jesus delivers from doubt, pronounces judgement on those who refuse to repent and believe, and offers soul rest to all who come to the Father through him.

A Christian can easily avoid persecution by denying that he or she is Jesus' disciple. However, Jesus requires unqualified allegiance. He is on mission and those who follow him must deny self-will and embrace God's will at any cost. Kingdom harvest comes through sacrifice.

"What sort of man is this?" Walk with Jesus and his disciples in Matthew 8-9 to encounter the King's merciful and exceedingly powerful presence. Jesus has authority to heal and forgive. He brings mercy through sacrifice.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote, "The glory of the gospel is that when the Church is absolutely different from the world, she invariably attracts it." In the Sermon on the Mount, the King teaches about the character of his Kingdom. He speaks of fulfillment, Father, and judgement with astonishing authority.

With the arrival of King Jesus, comes the dawning of his kingdom. In Matthew 4:12-25, we see the light of Christ breaking in and beginning to rule this dark world. Disciples and crowds are captured by his proclamation and power. Death's dark shadow begins to flee. This King will reverse the curse and this is but the beginning.