26-0419p Transcript

(0:04) Good evening, good to see those that are here, and for those that are on the phone, the conference, (0:28) I am continuing tonight with the lesson I started this morning, Looking Unto Jesus. (0:41) This will be part two. I said that I delivered this once before here, and when I did deliver this lesson, (1:02) it was pretty lengthy.

It did go past what was usually the time to end. So since it’s a lengthy lesson, I divided it into two parts. (1:28) This lesson, you might think that when it is looked at, the title, Looking Unto Jesus, the thought may be that this is a lesson that deals with (1:48) helping people with problems and that.

But it is in the form of a panoramic view of Jesus. (2:05) And so we are focusing attention on Him. In Hebrews 12, verse 2, begins with looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

(2:32) This morning we looked at Jesus as creator of all things. He was in the beginning. He was the Word.

The Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2:54) And we learned from that that He created all things in that context, and then Colossians 1, verses 17 and 18, that He created all things. (3:22) We looked at Jesus' virgin birth.

We found that His virgin birth, it was one of His kinds, and for Jesus to be a Son of God, called the Son of God, (3:46) He needed to be born of a woman, but have no man to father Him. He needed it to be God. And Mary was a virgin, and we looked at Him as a divine healer.

(4:16) We saw that in Mark, chapters 1 through 12, that Jesus performs numerous healings. (4:41) We find that He kills Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever, and then people are brought to Him later in the day. (5:00) And in chapter 2, there is a lame man that has paralysis that is brought, but since they could not get in to where Jesus was, (5:20) those that were carrying him took them onto the roof and put a hole through there so they could lower him to where Jesus could heal him.

(5:37) And then we looked at Him as a master teacher. Now let us look at Jesus and the criticism that He received.

(5:58) I should have read the scripture reading, which is in 2 Corinthians 5, verse 21.

(6:12) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

(6:32) Anyway, Jesus, in Luke 26, tells the people, (6:42) Well, unto those that all men speak well of things that they do, we know that there are people that are put on the pedestal, (7:05) especially these so-called preachers that go around and teach falsehood. (7:20) They really put them high on a pedestal, and the very same men are caught committing adultery and other things.

(7:42) And then the people are surprised that they do that for their men. (7:51) Men subject to sin, as all of us are, that we should be careful. (8:04) But Jesus does receive a lot of criticism.

(8:08) It seems as if He invites some of the criticism, but He receives a lot of criticism. (8:24) He was accused of blasphemy. (8:28) John 10, verse 33, in this context, Jesus is talking to the people.

(8:44) And they realize that in this conversation that Jesus is saying that He is the same as God. (9:01) In John 10, verse 33, (9:11) The Jews answered Him, saying, (9:15) For a good work we do not stone you, but for blasphemy, and because you, being a man, make yourself God. (9:34) Certainly when a man, any man, that was saying that he is God or he is Jesus, even, is speaking blasphemous words.

(9:53) And as far as blasphemy goes, in those days, they were to be put to death. (10:05) It provided the death penalty, or the violation of it. (10:15) They deserved the punishment of death.

(10:20) And then in John 11, verse 48, (10:29) The Jews are going to see Jesus and are gathering to Jesus. (10:46) But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. (10:55) Then the Jew priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, (11:03) What shall we do? For this man works many miracles.

(11:10) Perhaps if we let him alone like this, everyone will believe in him and the Romans will come and take away our place and nation. (11:30) So it seems as if treason is involved in their accusations here. (11:40) That they’re afraid because many are believing that Jesus is the King, the Messiah, that’s supposed to come, that in the Old Testament speaks of.

(12:00) They’re thinking this, but they’re thinking in terms of a worldly kingdom. (12:09) So if the people gather unto Jesus, if all of them do, then they’re afraid the Romans are going to take them over. (12:26) But you know, not so much Jesus that’s going to be the father, but it’s going to be the Jews presenting the problem.

(12:42) And we may think that the Christians were involved in a lot of the persecutions, which they were. (12:51) But really the Romans became fed up with the Jewish people because of the way they were doing. (13:04) And that’s when Jerusalem was destroyed in AD 70.

(13:13) And the temple was destroyed and the records that they used had proved that they belonged to this tribe and that tribe. (13:31) That they belonged to whichever tribe they belonged to, they could check the records. (13:38) But with the records gone, that had disappeared.

(13:45) But it was because of the Jewish people that the Romans came against Jerusalem and came against the people. (14:00) But yes, the Romans did turn around and start persecuting Christians and started bringing heavy persecution on them. (14:18) Jesus was called crazy for his teaching and power to perform miracles.

(14:30) In Mark 3, verses 20 and 21, we’ve got these people after seeing Jesus perform a miracle. (14:46) And then hearing his teachings, they came to a conclusion. (14:55) Mark 3, verses 20 and 21.

(15:07) This is in verse 20. (15:21) Then the multitudes came together so they could not so much as eat bread. (15:29) But when his own people heard about this, they went out and they told of him.

(15:40) For they said, he is out of his mind. (15:47) So they’re calling him crazy because of his teachings and because of even the miracles that he was performing. (15:58) That he was out of his mind.

(16:01) And then in John 10, verse 20, he is called mad. (16:11) That’s another term for being crazy. (16:14) And so they accused him of being crazy for his teachings and power to perform miracles.

(16:25) They called him a liar for saying he was the light of the world. (16:32) In John 8, verses 12 and 13. (16:49) John 8. (16:51) Let me get to that.

(16:57) In verse 12. (17:00) Then Jesus spoke to them again saying, I am the light of the world. (17:06) He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.

(17:15) And the Pharisees then, in verse 13, therefore said to him, you bear witness of yourself. (17:28) Your witness is not true. (17:31) So they’re saying that he’s lying.

(17:35) That he’s lying for saying that he is the light of the world. (17:44) And then they call him a devil. (17:47) In John 8, in verse 52, he is called a devil.

(18:02) Then the Jews said to him, and this is after he says, most assuredly I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he shall never see death. (18:17) Then the Jews said to him, now we know that you have a demon. (18:23) Abraham is dead and the prophets.

(18:27) And you say, if anyone accepts my word, he shall never taste death. (18:34) So to them, they call him a devil for saying those things. (18:43) And then they ask in verse 53, are you greater than our father Abraham? (18:49) Who is dead and the prophets are dead? (18:54) Who do you make yourself out to be? (18:57) Jesus answered, if I honor myself, my honor is nothing.

(19:06) It is my father who honors me of whom you say he is your God. (19:13) Yet you have not known him, but I know him. (19:17) And if I say I do not know him, I shall be a liar like you.

(19:25) But I do know him and keep his word. (19:31) Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day and he saw it and was glad. (19:37) Then the Jews said to him, you are not yet 50 years old and you have seen Abraham.

(19:49) Jesus said to them, most assuredly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am. (20:01) They knew what that meant and they knew that that meant he was God. (20:10) He really was before Abraham.

(20:19) And as we saw this morning, that Jesus existed. (20:26) He was always existing and he’s there for the creation. (20:37) Now let us look unto Jesus' vicarious death.

(20:46) In the scripture that we read, that Jesus became sin. (20:55) He did not sin. He knew no sin.

(21:02) And he died for us. (21:07) And in this it is saying that he died in our place. (21:16) The psalm that would take issue with stating that Jesus took our place upon the cross.

(21:27) But if his death is vicarious, he died in our place. (21:35) He died for us. (21:38) He died for the ungodly.

(21:42) And he certainly died for his people, his church. (21:58) Now let us look unto Jesus' seeming defeat. (22:05) Jesus died.

(22:09) The Roman soldiers testified that he died. (22:15) When those that were sent to break the legs of these three that were on the cross, (22:29) they didn’t break Jesus' legs because he was already dead. (22:38) It surprised Pilate and it surprised those that he was dead so soon.

(22:51) His mother and the women coming to the grave are testifying that he’s dead. (23:04) Joseph of Arimathea said he died because he lent his tooth. (23:13) For a burial place for Jesus, they say he died.

(23:24) There’s one other thing that says that he died. (23:31) And one of the soldiers pierced his thigh. (23:36) Says that blood and water flowed forth.

(23:41) Because blood and water came forth, medically that indicated that he died. (23:54) And he died. (23:59) The next three days must have been three of the darkest days in history.

(24:12) You know, the disciples, when Jesus died, (24:20) they did not even know, could not even process that what was happening (24:32) was that which was purposed to happen. (24:39) But they couldn’t understand what was going on. (24:46) And those next three days that were spent, (24:52) we have a look at a couple of disciples (25:00) that were walking along on the way to Emmaus.

(25:09) These disciples were talking among themselves (25:22) and Jesus approaches from behind them. (25:30) Comes up to them and asks them what they were discussing. (25:38) And in essence they ask him, (25:42) Are you a strangler in this part and not know what happened? (25:55) What happened to Jesus? (25:57) They began to tell him that he died.

(26:00) Well, this was the one that we thought was the Messiah. (26:06) We thought, you see how they felt? (26:11) Well, you know, he died. (26:15) We’re thinking that he’s, but he died.

(26:21) But then we get word that the women saw him alive. (26:32) They couldn’t even fathom that. (26:36) They didn’t even know that was real.

(26:41) And so in verse 27, after Jesus is talking to them, (26:58) Jesus began that Moses and all the prophets, (27:03) he expanded to them and all the scriptures, (27:07) the things concerning himself. (27:12) Then they drew near the village where they were going, (27:17) and he indicated that he would have come farther. (27:23) They constrained him, saying, Abide with us, (27:27) for it is toward evening and the day is far spent.

(27:32) And he went in to stay with them. (27:34) Now notice, they finally had their eyes opened (27:39) as to who this man that they’re talking to, (27:46) he is the man that they were discussing about. (27:50) He’s Jesus, the resurrected Jesus.

(27:54) But don’t you see, they just couldn’t understand (27:58) the fact that when Jesus died, (28:03) to them, that just took away their hope (28:11) that he’s the one that’s been prophesied. (28:19) It just took that away. (28:20) So these three days were considerably (28:30) the darkest three days in history because of that.

(28:37) But now, let us look unto his complete triumph. (28:45) Now, his death may have seemed to be defeat, (28:56) but we see his complete triumph. (29:01) He resurrected from the grave.

(29:04) He lives. (29:08) In Revelation 118, you know, (29:13) the one that appears to John, (29:19) we learn that it is Jesus that is speaking to him. (29:27) And it is in this that Jesus tells him (29:36) in verse 18 of chapter one, (29:40) I am he who lives and was dead, (29:49) and behold, I am alive forevermore.

(29:55) Amen. (29:55) And I have the keys of Hades and death. (30:03) Before, Satan had the keys of Hades and death.

(30:09) But now Christ has them. (30:11) Because when he resurrected, (30:15) he took those keys away from Satan. (30:24) Now, in 1 Corinthians 15 and verse 19, (30:33) Paul is telling the Corinthians, (30:36) some of them who seem to not be able to grasp (30:42) that their own resurrection, (30:46) they’re wondering how can, you know, (30:52) it be happening.

(30:54) But he was building a foundation (30:57) that to them that Christ arose (31:02) and showed that Christ arose from the grave. (31:07) Now, he says if Christ arose, (31:12) Christ too will arise. (31:17) And that should give us hope.

(31:19) But then in verse 19, (31:25) he says if Christ did not rise, (31:29) then our faith is vain. (31:33) He didn’t come forth from the grave. (31:36) All what we’re doing is just empty.

(31:42) But he made a good case in the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians (31:51) for Jesus rising from the dead. (31:58) And you know that ought to give us faith and hope. (32:02) Because someday we as Christians (32:09) will also resurrect from the grave (32:14) if we’re not alive at the time Jesus returns.

(32:20) Well, let us look then (32:23) unto Jesus' return. (32:28) In Acts 1, 9-11, (32:35) when he is speaking to his disciples (32:41) what they ought to do, (32:45) that they ought to wait in Jerusalem, (32:48) he speaks unto them. (32:50) And as he is speaking to them, (32:54) he levitates, he goes upward (32:59) and disappears through the clouds.

(33:03) Well, they gaze into the heavens. (33:08) And while they’re gazing up in the heavens, (33:12) two men in white apparel (33:16) stand and ask them, (33:18) Why are you gazing? (33:22) Why are you looking so as you are? (33:26) And he says, (33:28) In the same manner that you have seen him (33:32) go up, (33:35) he will so come. (33:41) He is going to return.

(33:47) Revelations 1, 7-11 (33:52) In one of those verses he says, (33:58) Every eye shall see him, (34:02) even those that tear at him. (34:08) Then in 2 Thessalonians 1, 6-10 (34:17) we have Paul telling the Thessalonians (34:21) that what’s going to happen (34:25) when he returns, (34:28) that when he returns (34:33) he is going to take vengeance upon those (34:37) who know not God and obey not the gospel (34:47) and he is going to come in flaming fire (34:52) and he is going to (34:58) render punishment (35:01) on those that do not know God (35:04) and those who do not obey the gospel (35:08) of our Lord Jesus Christ. (35:12) He says, These shall be punished with everlasting destruction (35:16) from the presence of the Lord (35:18) and from the glory of his power (35:22) when he comes in that day (35:25) to be glorified in his saints (35:29) to be admired among all those who believe (35:34) because our testimony among you was believed.

(35:41) So he is wanting to give them rest (35:46) and give them comfort and encouragement (35:51) because of the things that they may be facing (35:55) because those who are troubling them (36:01) they are going to (36:04) when Jesus is revealed from heaven (36:08) with his mighty angels (36:10) in flaming fire taking vengeance upon those (36:14) who do not know God (36:16) and who do not obey the gospel (36:19) of our Lord Jesus Christ. (36:22) Well do you know at that same time (36:27) we who are Christ’s followers, Christians (36:35) will be glorified (36:39) he will be glorified in his saints (36:43) to be admired in that day. (36:48) That is what is going to happen.

(36:51) Now the question is are we ready? (36:57) Will we be ready when he does return? (37:03) We do not know when he is going to return. (37:12) Jesus said no man knows when he will come. (37:20) The day he is going to come.

(37:21) We find out in 1 Peter 3 (37:29) that he is going to come as a thief in the night. (37:36) We do not know when a thief is going to come. (37:40) We do not know the day.

(37:42) There are many that will say (37:47) such and such a day will be when Christ will come. (37:53) But we do not know. (37:56) There have been days that they have said (38:01) will be the day that Christ would come.

(38:09) But those days have come and gone (38:12) and we are still here. (38:17) The resurrection has not happened for us. (38:25) So we do not know.

(38:26) But are we ready for his return? (38:34) Let us be ready. (38:36) If we are subject in any way to the gospel invitation (38:42) to turn to Jesus and let him give us rest (38:49) let us do so while we stand and while we sing.