
The Lord Jesus
Christ (Continued)
- His teaching.
- we know that thou art a teacher come from God." Jn 3:2.
- "Never man spake like this man." Jn 7:46.
- He stands as the peerless teacher of the ages
- 45 times the Gospels call Him 'Teacher' or 'Master'. see Jn
13:13
- His followers were called disciples, or learners,
- His manner.
- It was dogmatic.
- "I say unto you..." Jn 3:3, 5:24-25,
- "he taught them as one having authority." Matt
7:29.
- this authority was repugnant to some, but always
unmistakable,
- He spoke as a Divine messenger.
- It was simple.
- NO :- striving after effect : parade of learning : confusing
sentences; references to science or philosophy : technical terms : secondary topics :
shallow or trivial subjects : misunderstanding of the human mind. Jn 2:25,
- FEW :- theological expressions : speculative or theoretical
passages.
- MANY :- commonplace illustrations : concise and pointed
stories : vivid and lucid sentences : plain and direct statements : repetitions.
- a unique combination of simplicity and profundity
- "and the common people heard him gladly." Mk
12:37.
- It was practical.
- when the Sermon began, the application began. He made it
pointedly personal.
- everybody knew who the sermon was FOR, and were either
enraptured or enraged.
- He showed that doctrine must be translated into holy living.
- It is not enough to 'talk the walk'. We must 'walk the
talk',
- He did not scale down His demands to meet the limitations of
sinful human nature.
- Our Lord's method, then, was - State :
Illustrate : Apply
- For an excellent example of this, see Matthew 6:24:34.
- His subject matter.
- God.
- God the Father - He had come to reveal Him, and spoke about
Him constantly.
- God the Son - He sought to reveal both the fact and the
meaning of His coming death and resurrection.
- God the Holy Spirit - Teaching about His Person and ministry
assumed increasing prominence as the time of His departure drew nearer.
- The kingdom of God - He mentioned this 78 times, on 30
occasions, He stressed that God rules over all, Yet He has a spiritual kingdom, where
Christ reigns in the heart of the believer. He spoke of this kingdom's nature, growth, and
consummation
- Godliness
- Salvation - Typical themes are the reality and wickedness of
sin the necessity and availability of righteousness : repentance conversion; the new birth
: eternal life begun now : the end of the world : the judgement : heaven and hell.
- Edification - He spoke about the nature of true worship :
true and counterfeit faith: distinctive Christian behaviour : the believer's privileges :
the believer's responsibilities to God, fellow-believers, others, himself, the state
etc...
- " And all bare him witness, and wondered
at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth," Luke 4:22,
- His humility.
- "I am meek and lowly in heart." Matt 11:29.
- He had humility within; spoke of it often; and was a living
example of it.
- The world despises it.
- no ancient philosopher considered humility to be a virtue;
but a vice
- they had no word for it: only a word for 'faint-hearted', or
'mean spirited'.
- the Lord Jesus Christ showed humility to be a primary virtue
- it is the opposite of the first and greatest sin - pride
- His teaching on the subject was radical. Lk 9:48, 14:11.
- His disciples found it all but impossible to look upon
humility as something to be desired, and not despised.
- yet the world still confuses meekness with weakness, and
lowliness with 'an inferiority complex'
- it applauds those who seek attention, or strive after effect
- it considers the humble to be insignificant.
- He exemplified it.
- "He made himself of no reputation.. humbled
himself." Phil 2:7-8.
- became "the carpenter's son." Matt 13:55.
- poor. 2 Cor 8:9
- a servant. Lk 22:27
- a suffering servant ! Lk 12:50, yet see Is 53:7.
- in complete subordination to His Father. Jn 5:19, 30, 7:16,
28, 8:28, 50
- lovingly serving men, because He liked to do so. Matt 20:28,
Jn 13:1-17:
- yet all the time conscious of His divine origin and nature,
and accepting men's worship as His due. Jn 13:1, Lk 7:38.
- We should pursue it.
- His washing of the disciples' feet is specifically said to
have been an example. Jn 13.15.
- We should carefully consider the following references, each
of which teaches us that God's way up is down.
- Matt 5:3-5
- Matt 11:29
- Matt 18:1-4
- Lk 9:46-48
- Lk 14:7-11
- Lk 22:24-27
- "In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves.
- Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on
the things of others.
- Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ
Jesus...." Philippians 2:3-5.
- His transfiguration
- this was one of the most astonishing experiences of our Lord
on earth
- the full glory of the Godhead was permitted to blaze forth
- it is recorded in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-10, Luke 9:28-36.
- Where ?
- almost certainly Mt. Hermon in the north, not Mt. Tabor
near Nazareth this fits the facts better (Mk 8:27, 9:2, 30, 33, 10:1)
- Mt. Tabor was capped with a fortified city
- Mt. Hermon is higher, and known for its rapid cloud
formations (Mk 9:7)
- only three intimates were present : probably at night. Lk
9:32
- years later they were still filled with awe and wonder. Jn
1:14, 2 Pet 1:16-18.
- Why ?
- the incident must have meant much to the Lord Himself.
- the voice of His Father again confirmed His divine Sonship.
Matt 16:16, 17:5,
- Moses & Elijah conversed with Him about His cross. Lk
9:32
- His disciples were spiritually dull, and after such an
absence of sympathy, the experience must have done much to nerve and fortify the Lord for
the ordeal ahead.
- the incident meant much to His disciples.
- before them He was transfigured: to them the voice came. Mk
9:2, Matt 17:5
- His predictions of His cross were confirmed, in a glorious
way. Lk 9:30-31.
- His essential deity was displayed, so as to dispel doubt. 2
Pet 1:16-18.
- It was clear He was not speaking empty words when He spoke
of resurrection, and meeting the saints in glory.
- They also received a pledge of their own immortality.
- And the pre-eminence of Christ was made plain. Matt 17:8.
- What ?
- The three disciples were granted a threefold vision :-
- A vision of His glory.
- The impression of glory was overcoming. Matt 17:2, Mk 9:3,
Lk 9:29.
- Some actual physical change took place as our Lord prayed.
- The change came from within - it was not merely external.
- There was dazzling whiteness, and blazing light.
- No wonder Peter wanted the experience perpetuated !!
- A vision of His cross.
- The glorious conversation was about Christ's decease or
'exodus' Lk 9:31
- The cross is foolishness to the unregenerate (1 Cor 1:23),
but not to heaven's inhabitants!
- Both Moses and Elijah had had an unusual 'Exodus'.
- They represent the Law, and the prophets
- Both point to Christ, and acknowledge Him as supreme.
- The cross is central to them both; and is the talk of
heaven.
- The transfiguration helps us to see the cross from the
viewpoint of heaven.
- A vision of His coming.
- the transfiguration is a foretaste and a foreshadowing of
our Lord's second coming. 2 Pet 1:16.
- it was a momentary glimpse of the final setting-up of
Christ's kingdom. Lk 9:27.
- as He appeared on the mount - so He will come again. Rev
1:7, Matt 25:31, 2 Thess 1:7-10.
- those of whom Moses and Elijah were representatives will
then enter into their eternal bliss. 1 Thess 4:13-18, 1 Cor 15:51-58.
- the pre-eminence of Christ, seen on the mount, will then be
seen fully and eternally. Lk 9:27, 1 Cor 15:22-28.
- His agony
- The place.
- the garden of Gethsemane - the oil press - still exists
- Christ's prayer there was in stark contrast to that of John
chapter 17
- He withdrew from His intimates, and prayed alone
- His agony in prayer is recorded in Matt 26:36-46, Mk
14:32-42, Lk 22:39-46
- immediately afterwards He was arrested.... tried...
crucified.
- The experience.
- this is described in six statements, using intense language
- each describes a different facet of His suffering
- we understand but little: and reverently examine the sacred
record.
- He became "exceeding sorrowful" Matt 26:38.
pressed upon. He experienced sorrow of the utmost intensity
- He "began to be sore amazed" Mk 14:33. Terrified
surprise. He was overwhelmed and awed as He saw the ingredients of the cup. Its terrors
exceeded His anticipation's.
- He was "very heavy" Matt 26:37, Mk 14:33.
Confused, restless, 'away from home'.
- He was "exceeding sorrowful unto death" Matt 26:38
His anguish was unfathomable, and His physical frame unable to bear it. An angel was sent
to infuse new strength. Lk 22:43.
- He was 'in an agony" Lk 22:44. A conflict such as He
had never before experienced. He prayed more earnestly, even "with strong crying; and
tears." Heb 5:7.
- He sweated "as it were great drops of blood falling
down to the ground" Lk 22:44. The sufferings of the God-Man are clothed with mystery.
There is no parallel between them and the sufferings of the martyrs.
- The reasons
- not the fear of death, but :-
- The renewed attack of Satan.
- it was an unprecedented hour of darkness. Lk 22:53
- but He was not deflected from the way of the Cross.
- The anticipated bearing of His people's sin.
- this was the purpose of the Cross. Is 53:6, 1 Pet 2:21-24,
3:18
- He was to be made sin : to become a curse. 2 Cor 5:21, Gal
3:13
- He would drink the cup of wrath without mercy
- His holy nature shrank, not from death as death, but from
the cursed death which was the punishment for His people's sin, imputed to Him.
- The anticipated turning-away of His Father's face.
- He enjoyed perfect fellowship with His Father. Jn 10:30
- Soon He would be cut off from Him. Matt 27:46
- the anticipation of this was the soul of His agony.
- The outcome.
- He was heard ! Heb 5:7, Jn 11:42
- The cup revolted Him. But He was not trying to escape it.
He had consistently taught that it was inevitable. Jn 3:14, Matt 16:21
- He prayed that the Father's will would be done, and that
there would be no deflection, or falling short. His prayer was answered. Acts 2:23, Phil
2:8.
- "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren,
that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by him all that
believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of
Moses." Acts 13:38-39.
- His trial
- All the legal proceedings were irregular and the verdict
unjust.
- The Jewish proceedings
- The arrest
- This was illegal because :- it took place after sunset
- through a bribed traitor. Ex 23:8
- some of the judges taking part
- The trials
- there were three, before Annas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin
- each took place before the morning sacrifice - and was
therefore illegal
- other illegalities included
- Annas and Caiaphas sitting alone. Deut 19:16-18
- requirement for 2 or 3 witnesses ignored. Deut 17:6
- Caiaphas tried to get Christ to incriminate Himself. Matt
26:63
- 24 hours did not elapse between the trial and the verdict
- the court was held in secret; and on a feast day
- the judges themselves brought the charge of blaspheme
- the witnesses were known perjurers, unsworn, &
contradictory. Matt 26:59-60 Deut 19:16-21
- Jesus was struck before any charge was proved. Jn 18:22
- The verdict.
- the judges unanimously condemned Jesus on His own
unsupported testimony. Deut 17:6
- the high priest tore his garments, in defiance of - Lev
21:10
- the Lord's words were distorted, & His defence unheard.
Jn 2:19-21, Matt 26:60 19:15.
- the voting was not individual, but simultaneous. Matt 26:66
- the Jewish proceedings were full of prejudice, fraud, and
illegality.
- the religious leaders were determined to secure a conviction
at all costs, whether the evidence demanded it or not.
- The Roman proceedings
- before Pilate
- Pilate came out to listen to Jewish charges Jn 18:24-29
- these were now changed from blasphemy to sedition Lk 23:2.
- Pilate illegally tried to make the prisoner incriminate
Himself Jn 18:34-37
- but ended by declaring His innocence. Jn 18:38, Lk 23:4.
- before Herod
- the verdict should have led to the immediate release of
Jesus
- but the vacillating Pilate heeded a new torrent of
accusations, Lk 23:5
- he sent Jesus to Herod, who had authority over Palestine. Lk
23:6-7
- Jesus hurt his royal pride by performing no miracle before
him. Lk 23:8
- no evidence of guilt was forthcoming, after mocking Jesus,
Herod returned Him to Pilate. Lk 23:9-11
- Pilate and Herod now became firm friends. Lk 23:12.
- before Pilate again.
- Pilate resorted to every device to release Jesus. Lk
23:13-25
- yet he was sensitive concerning his own position at Rome. Jn
19:12
- the Jews would not be appeased, preferring Barabbas to
Jesus. Matt 27:20-23
- at last the true charge surfaced - Jn 19:7
- Pilate washed his hands of the affair; the Jews accepted
full responsibility Matt 27:24-25
- Jesus was declared innocent; yet mocked & tortured. Matt
27:26-31
- and then delivered to be crucified
- yet Pilate insisted on a certain superscription - Jn
19:19-22
- The Lord Jesus Christ was not condemned on any legal
grounds. He was acquitted three times yet sentenced to death
- His claim to be the Son of God, the Messiah, was
intolerable, and this was the real reason for His murder.
- This continues to be the real reason why men and women
despise and reject Him today.
- His silence
- "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak."
Eccl. 3:6.
- throughout the irregularities of His six trials, our Lord
maintained the dignified calm and loving forbearance which had always characterised Him.
- sometimes He remained silent, sometimes He spoke. what
principles governed His actions?
- A time to keep silence,
- Our Lord remained silent
- when He was falsely accused
- when He was the object of curiosity, entertainment, or
scorn.
- When falsely accused before the Sanhedrin. Mark 14:55-61a.
- When unjustly treated there. Matt 26:67-68, Lk 22:63-65.
- When falsely accused before Pilate. Matt 27:12-14.
- When sent to Herod. Lk 23:6-12.
- When tortured before His crucifixion, Matt 27:26-30.
- When finally questioned by Pilate. Jn 19:5-9.
- now let us read 1 Peter 2:21-23, and take to heart these
principles.
- A time to speak.
- Our Lord spoke :-
- when it was feasible that His questioner was seeking the
truth.
- when to remain silent would have been misleading.
- When Caiaphas opened his investigation. Jn 18:19-23.
- When put under oath before the Sanhedrin. Matt 26:62-65,.
- When Pilate opened his investigation. Matt 27:11, Jn
18:33-38.
- When Pilate made it plain that he thought Christ was in his
hands. John 19:10-11.
- let us also take to heart these principles. Ephesians 5:1
!!
- His Cross
- the Cross was not an incident in Christ's life - but the
purpose of it.
- it was an at-one-ment,
- the principle of atonement runs through the whole Bible
- What men say about the atonement,
- the example theory :- as we follow His example all
hindrances to our communion with God will be removed
- the moral influence theory :- by His sacrificial life He
unloosed a power within us
- the governmental theory :- God is not wounded by our sins,
but Christ was punished just so God's government might be upheld..
- the identification theory :- Sin, suffering and death are in
the way of our fellowship with God, so Christ took them upon Himself
- What we must remember as we consider the
atonement.
- You cannot separate God from His law.
- He Himself is personally affronted by sin. It offends Him.
Rom 1:18.
- any atonement must render satisfaction to His nature. He
demands appeasement
- The Deity of Christ meant He was able to give to God what He
demanded,
- There is a debt to pay. He paid. it. Redemption. 1 Pet
1:18-20.
- There is a penalty to bear, He bore it. Propitiation. Rom
3:25, see also Gal 3:13.
- His true humanity entitled Him to offer Himself as a
Substitute.
- humanity sinned, and humanity must pay.
- He was sinless, and qualified to take the sinner's place.
Sacrifice. Heb 10:12 see also 1 Pet 2:21-24,
- This is how reconciliation was effected ! Rom 5:10, 2 Cor
5,20.
- Some other important points to be clear about
- It was planned in eternity 1 Pet 1:19-20, Rev 13:8 17:8.
- It took place in time. John 19:16-18.
- Its results are retrospective & prospective and eternal.
Heb 9:15, 5:9.
- It was for a definite people John 10.11926-30
- "HIMSELF for ME" Gal 2:20
- His resurrection
- An important fact.
- to remove the resurrection is to remove the keystone of
Christianity without it -
- we cannot preach a living Saviour
- our faith has no factual basis
- the Scriptures are untrue
- the Lord was evidently mistaken, and is discredited
- we can hold out no future hope
- see 1 Corinthians 15:14-19
- A denied fact.
- "The resurrection is not denied because the evidence
is regarded as insufficient, but the evidence is rejected and repudiated because the
resurrection is denied." (W. Graham Scroggie).
- some deny it outright "I would not believe Jesus rose,
even if I saw it." (Ernest Renan).
- some deny it more subtlety. "There is no living Christ
who is a divine person, he is present only where the Word that testifies of Him is
proclaimed" ( Rudolf Bultmann ).
- A fact - nonetheless.
- The evidence will stand up easily in a court of law.
- the grave was empty
- none of the other explanations hold water - wrong tomb,
swoon, thieves, disciples stole body, authorities stole body,
- the graveclothes were undisturbed.
- the Lord was seen
- on ten separate occasions
- the records do not have the characteristics of
hallucinations
- nor the characteristics of inventions.
- The disciples were changed.Take Peter, for example, or
James, the Lord's brother
- the very existence of the Christian church is tangible
evidence
- the witness of Paul confirms it
- the Lord's Day stems from it
- The Lord is risen indeed ! ( Lk 24~34 ).
- A significant fact.
- It declares to the world that Christ really is the Son of
God. Acts 13:33, 2:24, Rom 1:4
- It means that the salvation of believers has been definitely
secured Rom 4:25, 8:34, Phil 3:10
- It makes believers certain of their future hope. 1 Pet 1:3,
1 Cor 15:20, 23, Phil 3:21
- It assures all people everywhere that the world will be
judged. Acts 17:31.
- It illustrates that the last word is always with God. Acts
2:22-24.
- His ascension
- The forty days
- there were forty days between our Lord's resurrection and
His ascension
- Acts 1:1-8 gives us the most information about that period
- the forty days had :-
- an evidential value giving incontrovertible evidence that
the Lord really was alive
- an explanatory value
- He spoke about the nature of His kingdom
- He explained the nature of the apostolic mission
- He revealed the source of His, and their, power
- an evangelistic value
- He enthused His followers with evangelistic passion
- the ten - Jn 20:21
- the Seven - Jn 21: 1-12
- the eleven - Lk 24:44-53
- the whole band - Matt 28:16-20.
- an eschatological value: He promised His presence to the
end of the age Matt 28:20.
- The ascension
- this is recorded in Mk 16:19, Lk 24:50-53, Acts 1:9-12 but
referred to by eleven other New Testament books.
- its manner
- in broad daylight - visibly - bodily
- at Bethany
- to convince the disciples that they need not expect any
reappearences, such as they had witnessed in the last few days
- its necessity
- His resurrection body could not be permanently at home here
- His holy life and character made the ascension appropriate
- His redemptive work required such a consummation
- His gift of the Holy Spirit depended on it. Jn 7:37-39
- His disciples could now explain why the grave was empty, but
the Lord not seen
- Its significance
- It displaced the fact that His work was accepted, and His
claims to deity justified. Phil 2:9-11
- It inaugurated Him into His heavenly priesthood Heb 2:17-l8.
- It constituted Him Head of the Church. Eph 1:20-23, 4:8.
- It assures believers of their own ascension Jn 14:2,19.
- It causes them to understand the nature of His kingdom, and
excites in them an expectancy of His advent. Phil 3:20-21.
- Christ's qualifications.
- The qualifications required for a high priest are set out in
Hebrews 5:1-2.
- fellowship with man - taken from among them, and able to
have a moderating feeling towards them.
- authority from God - not self-appointed.
- Christ satisfies both requirements.
- see Heb 2:17 and 5:4-6.
- further, He was morally and spiritually qualified. Heb
7:25-26.
- Christ's capabilities
- Able to succour :- that is, to provide all necessary help.
This is because He Himself suffered. Heb 2:17-18.
- Able to sympathise :- able to enter all our experiences.
Heb 4:15-16. He does not condone our sin, but sympathises with our weaknesses.
- Able to save :- and to keep on saving, because His
high-priestly ministry is constant and endless. Heb 7:24-25.
- Christ's intercession.
- Job lamented : "There is no umpire between us, who
might lay his hand upon us both." (Job 9:33).
- Paul rejoiced: "There is one God, and one mediator
between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." ( 1 Tim 2:5 ).
- His intercession is silent.
- He appears as our Advocate
- not to appeal for clemency, with agonising entreaty and
tearful supplication.
- but to Claim justice
- to claim what we are entitled to by virtue of Calvary
- 1 John 1:8 - 2:2, Rom 8:34, Heb 9:24, 10:12-14
- Five bleeding wounds He bears,
- Received on Calvary,
- They pour effectual prayers,
- They strongly plead for me.
- Forgive him, 0 forgive, they cry,
- Nor let the ransomed sinner die
- (Charles Wesley).
- His intercession is personal; and perpetual.
- His intercession is availing.
- sinners may approach the throne !
- their prayers are heard there !
- Jn 14:6, Heb l0:18-22, Rev 5:8.
- "We have such an high priest, who is set on the right
hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens." ( Heb 8:1 ).
- His advent.
- Our Lord Jesus Christ is definitely coming
again.
- He Himself promised it. Jn 14:3
- the prophets promised it. Dan 7:13, Zech 14:5
- the apostles promised it. Acts 3:19-20
- the Lord's Supper promises it. 1 Cor 11:26
- early Christian greetings promised it. 1 Cor 16:22.
- We do not know WHEN He is coming.
- Only the Father knows that. He will send Him at the last
time. Mk 13:32, Acts 3:21
- He will come when least expected. Matt 24:27, 44. 1 Thess
5:2-3.
- the world will be caught unawares, but Christians need not
be. Matt 24:48 1 Thess 5:4-5
- we can see the Day approaching. The Lord is at hand. Heb
10:25, Phil 4:5
- if He appears to delay, it is because He is being merciful
to those who are still unrepentant. 2 Pet 3:9.
- But we do know HOW He is coming.
- in the same way as He went. Acts 1:9-11. from heaven,
visibly, gloriously, bodily
- with the glory of His Father, and His angels Matt 16:27
- with all His saints, in flaming fire. 1 Thess 3:13, 2 Thess
1:8
- We know that the resurrection will take place.
- our salvation will not be complete until He returns. Heb
9:28, 1 Pet 1:5, 13
- our bodies will be raised from the dead. Rom 8:11, 1 Cor 15.
- and we will take an the likeness of Christ. Phil 3:21, 1 Jn
3:2
- Christ will gather us to Himself. 2 Thess 2:1
- no believer will be left out. 1 Thess 4:13-18
- a glorious harvest ! Rev 14:14-16
- We know that the world will be judged.
- at His return, Christ will call all men to account. Lk
12:40-48
- Christians will be included in this. 2 Cor 5:10 ( but see
Rom 8:1, 1 Cor 3:13-14)
- open actions, secret things, and even thoughts will be
judged 1 Cor 4:5
- those who do not obey the Gospel will suffer terribly. 2
Thess 1:7-9
- but believers will go to be with Christ for ever. Jn 14:2-3,
1 Thess 4:17
- We know that all things, as we now know them,
will end.
- the present world Set-up will be over. 1 Pet 4:7, 2 Pet 3:10
- the physical universe will be dissolved, 2 Pet 3:7, 10-12.
- a new heavens and new earth will then be revealed. 2 Pet
3:13
- what God's Word has spoken will have came to pass. Acts 3:21
- our Lard Jesus Christ will be vindicated. Phil 2:5-11
- Christ will put all things under His feet, and then subject
Himself to His Father, that God may be all in all. 1 Cor 15:24-28.
- We know these truths should affect all our
living and thinking.
- unbelievers may scoff, but they will soon be put to shame. 2
Pet 3:3-10
- we should love this truth, expect Him, and long for Him. 1
Pet 1:13, Rev 22:20
- we should live in a holy way. 1 Pet 4.7-11, 2 Pet 3:11-12, 1
Jn 3:3
- we should always be ready, remembering that the time is
short. Mk 13:32-37, 1 Cor 7:29-31.
"Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye
look far such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and
blameless." 2 Peter 3:14.