The Sacrificial Lamb

The Sacrificial Lamb

1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (NIV)

            Jesus’ main mission on earth was to save man from his sins and to show him the way of righteousness through faith. Romans 3:25-26 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood – to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished – he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. (NIV) Man had lost sight of God when he fell for deception in the Garden of Eden, yet God wanted to redeem man unto Himself once again. God longed for the intimacy, not physically as a husband and wife, but the spiritual connection that once existed prior to man’s fall where He could walk and talk with Him without having to cover himself because of the ugliness and destruction that sin had caused. Exodus 33:20 “But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” (NIV) Man was too sinful to see God face to face for sin cannot dwell in the presence of a holy God. Man would have been doomed to be lost without Jesus coming to be a sacrifice for all mankind. Revelation 9:12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.” (NIV)

            Jesus was betrayed by one with whom he had once called a friend. Psalm 41:9 Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. (NIV) Judas allowed the devil to use him to carry out the most wicked thing imaginable and that was to betray the Son of God. Luke 22:3-4 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. (NIV) Who would even think to do such a thing? Judas had heard all of Jesus’ teaching, seen Him heal the sick, raise the dead and do countless other miracles; nevertheless, that did not stop him from betraying his master. Matthew 26:24 “The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (NIV)

            Jesus was arrested, beat, mocked, spit upon and utterly humiliated as no other man had ever been done before. The agony that He went through could not be described in mere words for He not only endured physical pain, but He carried the weight of the sins of the world. With all that He went through, Jesus never said one unkind word, but only asked that his Father would forgive them. 1 Peter 2:23-24 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate, when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (NIV) Jesus loved us so much that He bore our sins so that we could have eternal life. He rose on the third day and now we have a choice of eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 ⁽³⁾For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, ⁽⁴⁾that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁽⁵⁾and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. (NIV) Jesus paid it all and now the choice is up to YOU.

Who is Jesus? The Humble Servant

The Humble Servant

Philippians 2:6-7 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (NIV)

            Servants were normally thought of as humble help during Biblical times. They did not have the same rights as those of a natural-born family member and were not entitled to receive any inheritance, but often built relationships with their masters as was the case with Abraham prior to God’s promise to give him an heir of his own. Genesis 15:2-3 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me not children, so a servant in my household will be my heir.” (NIV) Abraham seemed to have had a close bond with this particular servant and was going to leave him his inheritance until God promised him and his wife, Sarah a child of their own.

Servants fulfilled the tasks for which they were paid or enslaved to do, while staying in their appropriate place with regards to keeping silent about family and/or other affairs. They often did the tasks that others either did not want to do or needed help with doing. Nevertheless, this was not Jesus’ case. He willingly came down from His royal place in Heaven to take on the form of a servant to be subservient to his Father for us. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV) Jesus was entitled to everything because He was God’s son, yet He left it all to put on mortal flesh, so they we could one day take on immortality.

Jesus did not rule as the King that He was the first time around on earth because that would take place when He returns. John 18:36-37 ⁽³⁶⁾Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would  fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is form another place.”  ⁽³⁷⁾“You are a king, then!” said Pilate: Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (NIV) He came as a servant to help lead people to the Father and teach them the path to Salvation. Jesus knew that His day would come when He would be rewarded by his Father, once His mission was complete, and would one day return to earth as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Jesus showed the example of humility when he knelt down to wash the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. He, being the Son of God, did not show pride, but what it meant to be humble not only to God but with one another. John 13:2-5 ⁽²⁾The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. ⁽³⁾Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; ⁽⁴⁾so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. ⁽⁵⁾After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (NIV) Jesus’ example of humility shows us what it is to be pleasing to the Father for God wants a heart that is humble and submissive to His will. Jesus wanted us to follow His example in honoring his Father not in arrogance, selfishness, self-exaltation or pride, but Jesus showed that in becoming a servant, we too can honor the Father by denying self and submitting our whole hearts unto Him. Philippians 2:3-5 ⁽³⁾Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁽⁴⁾not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. ⁽⁵⁾In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. (NIV)d/or other affairs. They often did the tasks that others either did not want to do or needed help with doing. Nevertheless, this was not Jesus’ case. He willingly came down from His royal place in Heaven to take on the form of a servant to be subservient to his Father for us. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV) Jesus was entitled to everything because He was God’s son, yet He left it all to put on mortal flesh, so they we could one day take on immortality.

Jesus did not rule as the King that He was the first time around on earth because that would take place when He returns. John 18:36-37 ⁽³⁶⁾Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would  fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is form another place.”  ⁽³⁷⁾“You are a king, then!” said Pilate: Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (NIV) He came as a servant to help lead people to the Father and teach them the path to Salvation. Jesus knew that His day would come when He would be rewarded by his Father, once His mission was complete, and would one day return to earth as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Jesus showed the example of humility when he knelt down to wash the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. He, being the Son of God, did not show pride, but what it meant to be humble not only to God but with one another. John 13:2-5 ⁽²⁾The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. ⁽³⁾Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; ⁽⁴⁾so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. ⁽⁵⁾After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (NIV) Jesus’ example of humility shows us what it is to be pleasing to the Father for God wants a heart that is humble and submissive to His will. Jesus wanted us to follow His example in honoring his Father not in arrogance, selfishness, self-exaltation or pride, but Jesus showed that in becoming a servant, we too can honor the Father by denying self and submitting our whole hearts unto Him. Philippians 2:3-5 ⁽³⁾Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁽⁴⁾not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. ⁽⁵⁾In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Who is Jesus? The Friend

The Friend

John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (NIV)

            Many people flocked to Jesus to hear His many parables, messages, and receive healing in both body and spirit. The outcasts knew that He would accept them, the lonely knew that they would be comforted, the brokenhearted knew that they would be healed and the friendless knew that they had a Friend in Jesus. Jesus was everything to everyone and embodied the meaning of true friendship. Jesus had twelve disciples who followed Him everywhere He went, but even then, Jesus was more loyal to them than they were to Him. Proverbs 18:24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NIV)

            Jesus was the kind of friend who was willing to give up His own life in order to save the lives of others who were undeserving. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (NIV) Jesus left His heavenly home to come amidst those who would reject, forsake and even hate Him for being able to win the hearts and minds of others. Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. (NIV) The religious leaders of the day hated Jesus because they envied His ability to connect with the people and gain their respect. In Jesus, they found freedom and hope whereas with the religious leaders, they were bound by countless rules, superiority, and condemnation.   

            Jesus was a true friend who was there to show them the love of the Father, the selflessness of the Son, and to eventually leave them with the gift of the Holy Spirit. He came to give, but never take. He came to encourage, but never abuse. He came to heal, but never to destroy. He came to set prisoners free, but not to enslave. He came to save the lost so they wouldn’t be condemned to hell. Jesus is the Best Friend that the world can ever have. 

Who is Jesus? The Prophet

The Prophet

Matthew 21:10-11 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” (NIV)

            There were many prophets during Biblical times who God used to direct His people in the right way that they should go and to help turn their hearts towards Him. Prophets had the role of giving messages sent directly from God to the people. If God gave a message to His prophet, God expected it to be delivered just as He intended. Revelation 22:19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. (NIV) The role of a prophet was a serious one, and unlike many self-proclaimed modern-day prophets, they did not deliver messages of self-centered prosperity, greed, and worldly gain. Instead, they called the people to repent, turn from their idolatrous ways, and often gave words of warning should they decide to continue in their rebellion. The prophet would then deliver to them a word of hope that God had given as a condition once they turned from their rebellious ways. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

            Jesus, was no ordinary prophet; He came to deliver a word straight from the Father for He and the Father were One. God’s word did not have to be delivered in the same manner as the prophets of old for He was and still is the Living Word. John 1:1 In the beginning was the word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (NIV) All things that had been prophesied concerning Salvation was about Him for all things led directly to Him and without Him nothing would come to be. Jesus had  come to tell all who believed in Him that they would have a future with Him. John 14:1-3 ⁽¹⁾”Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ⁽²⁾My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ⁽³⁾And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (NIV) Jesus gave a promise that those who believe in God, his Father, and in Him would get to go to the place that He was preparing for them.

            As the prophets of old, Jesus often gave rebukes to the religious rulers of the day who always sought to find something wrong with His teachings and placed burdens on others, while being religious zealots and full of hypocrisy  themselves. Matthew 23:1-3 ⁽¹⁾Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: ⁽²⁾”The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. ⁽³⁾So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (NIV) Jesus sought to help people understand his Father and not be bound by the constraints of legalism.

            Jesus, however, gave dire warnings about the destruction of the temple and the end times. These warnings were not to fill His followers with fear, but they were to prepare them for the times to come. Matthew 24:2 “Do you see all these things? He asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (NIV) The disciples marveled at the beauty of the temple, but Jesus let them know that the temple would one day be destroyed. In 70 C.E., the Romans fulfilled that prophecy and the temple was destroyed.  

            The Prophet, Jesus, gave additional warnings that consisted of false messiahs, nations uprising and toppling one another, wars and plans for war, famines, and natural disasters would all take place in the end times. Matthew 24:5-7 ⁽⁵⁾For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah, and will deceive many.⁽⁶⁾You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. ⁽⁷⁾Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various place. (NIV) What Jesus foretold centuries ago is taking place now. We have seen those claiming to be Jesus and even false prophets who have arisen only to deceive and take advantage of the innocent. There are and have been threats of war from various countries around the world, while peace is spoken of, only to be broken. Jesus’ words are currently the top headlines of today and prophecy is being fulfilled right before our very eyes.

            Jesus warned that those who follow Him would be mistreated and persecuted for His name’s sake. Dedication to Him would even cause many their lives. Matthew 24:9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.” (NIV) Jesus’ warnings continued with those of a great fallen away from the faith, betrayal, an increase of wickedness, and the lack of love. As we see here today, Jesus’ words came true and they are becoming more evident today. Yet, He gave us hope that He would come back one day to take His children home where we will never have to encounter anything that is wicked ever again. That hope is the reason for our faith and His prophetic teachings and warnings should always stay in our hearts and minds for they were given to prepare us for that glorious day when we will one day see Him in the clouds and be with Him forever more. Matthew 24:30-31 “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (NIV)

Who is Jesus? The Counselor

The Counselor

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (NIV)

            People spend thousands of dollars a year to go to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and other advisors who can give them guidance concerning their lives. Many organizations and individuals pay for motivational speakers, life coaches, talk show hosts and the likes to help them sort through life’s problems in a desperate attempt to seek answers and confirmation of who they are and their purpose. A numerous amount of churches have become  houses of motivation rather than houses of worship because people’s ears are wanting to hear hope for today instead of change for tomorrow. Money have been spent on both legal and illegal drugs, alcohol, and other remedies to take away feelings of low self-esteem, depression, guilt, and loneliness when the answer is in none of the above, but in Jesus who is our Mighty Counselor.  Matthew 11:28-30 ⁽²⁸⁾”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ⁽²⁹⁾Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ⁽³⁰⁾For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)      

            If you noticed, Jesus did not refer the people to a doctor, a bottle of pills, or a self-help guru, but He referred them to Himself. Jesus wanted people to understand that He was the only One who could give them peace of mind from all life’s worries and anxieties. Matthew 6:25 “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (NIV) Pharmaceutical companies make millions of dollars on prescription drugs for high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, strokes and other illnesses brought on from people worrying about tomorrow.

They worry about keeping up with the rat race called LIFE. What will I wear? What car will I drive? How will I pay the bills? Where will I go to school? Will I make it to college? What if I fail? Will he divorce me? Will I get that promotion? The list of questions goes on and on concerning life’s list of uncertainties. This often sends people into panic mode when they need to turn all these matters over to JESUS. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.(NIV)

Jesus one day spoke with a Samaritan woman with whom the Jews would not have even given a second glance. As she began to draw water from the well, Jesus asked her for a drink. Surprised by this request, she thought it strange that He, being a Jew, would even request anything from her for the Jews thought that they were better than the Samaritans. Nevertheless, Jesus told her that He could give her water where she would never thirst again. He was the living water. John 4:10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” (NIV)

The lady thought that Jesus was speaking of natural water when Jesus was actually speaking of water in the Spirit. He was speaking of eternal water where she would never have to thirst again. Water that would solve all of her life’s disappointments, hurt, grief, and feelings in being inadequate. Water that could heal her pain, feelings of rejection and the side-effects from a broken heart. John 7:37-38 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”(NIV) Jesus went on to ask the Samaritan woman to go get her husband, but the woman replied that she had no husband.

The woman had indeed been with numerous men and the one that she was currently with was not her husband as well. Nevertheless, Jesus did not bring it up to shame her, but to let her know who HE was and what He could do for her life. John 4:19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet.” (NIV) Jesus was not only a prophet, but He was the Counselor who was there not to charge her a fee for an hour of her time, but He was there to give her knowledge concerning the Kingdom of God that no amount of money could pay for.

Jesus let her know that she did not have to worry about being inadequate due to the status that the Jews placed the Samaritans in or feeling like she needed a man to keep her happy. The true contentment could only be found in God and the Lord those who had a sincere heart for Him for He alone could fill the emptiness that she unknowingly had. John 4:23-24 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (NIV)

Jesus is the only Counselor that we need. This doesn’t mean that you can’t get spiritual advice from a pastor, Christian counselor or someone who has experience in God, but all roads should point directly to Christ. He is the only one who can heal and make your life straight. All you have to do is to trust in His guidance and your life will never be the same. Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honour is humility. (KJV)

Who is Jesus? The Physician

The Physician

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (NIV)

            Sin brought about consequences far worse than man could have ever imagined. The perfect bodies that God created became subject to complete breakdowns. In the Garden of Eden, the Tree of Life was given for man to enjoy at his leisure, but due to his disobedience, man could no longer stay there so that he would not be able to live forever in sin. Therefore, man was kicked out of the garden; he had to suffer the consequences of his actions, with one of them being the deterioration of his body that would eventually lead to a physical death. Genesis 3:22-24 ⁽²²⁾And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” ⁽²³⁾So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. ⁽²⁴⁾After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. (NIV)

            When Jesus came on the scene, He wanted to show people the power of His Father who was in Heaven. He sought to heal them of the detrimental effects that sin had over their bodies. Many people who flocked to Jesus to receive healing. Some of them had suffered many years with various ailments, but the news quickly spread of His healing power. They often came in droves once they heard that there was a Man who could cure them of all their diseases. Luke 4:40 When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. (NIV) Jesus was the Master Physician who could cure any disease and He healed many by laying His hands on them, but some had faith enough to just touch the hem of His garment and received instant healing as well such as the case with the woman who had a blood disorder.

            A man by the name of Jairus came to Jesus to heal his 12-year-old dying daughter who was at home. As Jesus was getting ready to go to the synagogue ruler’s home, a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years touched His garment. Jesus noticed that power had left from Him as He questioned the disciples as to who had touched him. Due to the size of the crowd that were pressing up against Jesus, the disciples were puzzled as to how He could single out one individual when there were so many. Yet, Jesus knew that someone, with whom he had not spoken to, had received power from Him. Luke 8:47-48 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (NIV) The woman had been afraid because the Mosaic laws considered her as unclean and by law, she was not to even had been among other people. She took a risk even coming to see Jesus. Nevertheless, she did not let anything stop her and faith made her well.

            Right after this took place, Jairus received word that his daughter had died. The messenger did not see the need for him to bother Jesus into coming. The same faith, however, that the woman who had just been healed had was lacking in the messenger who had delivered the sad news. Nevertheless, Jesus was not deterred by the gloomy report. Luke 8:50 Hearing that, Jesus said to Jairus, “Dong be afraid, just believe, and she will be healed.” (NIV) Jesus was letting the ruler know that it didn’t matter what the report said for He had authority over disease and death.

            Jesus was not limited by man’s constraints, but He was the Creator who designated the time of man’s departure. Jesus saw that there were those who were wailing over the passing of the child. Jesus seeing this told them to stop for the child was only asleep. The people who were present, however, must had thought that Jesus had taken a leave of His senses for everything in the natural told them that this child was dead. They did not understand that Jesus, the Victor over death had arrived and nothing could remain dead in His presence. John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (NIV) Jesus raised the child back to life and in so doing,  He was teaching a lesson that faith in Him, even though one may die in the natural, would not be the end for He had come to give eternal life.

            Jesus not only healed people in the natural, but He healed them spiritually. There were people who were possessed by demons and the demonic possession affected them both in the natural and spiritual realm. The demons feared when they were confronted by Jesus as was the case with a man who lived in the cemetery because he was possessed by demons. Luke 8:28-29 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me,” Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. (NIV)

            The demons knew that they would not be able to remain in an individual once they were in the presence of Jesus. They had to free the individual’s mind and body for the Light and dark could not reside in the same space. The demons, however, wanted somewhere else to go and so Jesus drove them out into the pigs and the man regained his physical and spiritual faculties. Luke 8:35 And the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. (NIV) One would think that the people would have been more afraid when the man was out of his mind than when he had it. Jesus had successfully shown that He had the power to heal anyone of anything that ailed them in both the natural and spiritual for He is the Master Physician.  

Who is Jesus? The Theologian and Overcomer

The Theologian and the Overcomer

Luke 2:46-47 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. (NIV)

            Jesus was sent to earth to teach people the will of His father as part of His mission. At twelve years old, Jesus left an impression on the religious leaders of His day, due to the wisdom that the Holy Spirit had imparted in Him. His parents had lost contact with Him during a trip to Jerusalem, for the Feast of the Passover, but found Him three days later in the temple courts. Even as a child, He knew that He had to be about His Father’s business.

 Luke 2:49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (NIV) God was always there to guide His Son as He grew up in His fleshly form and showed Him favor because He was His Father. Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (NIV)

            Jesus, at the age of 30, began His mission on earth. He was baptized by His cousin, John the Baptist, and went into the wilderness to fast and pray for 40 days and nights. Matthew 4:1-2 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. (NIV) Jesus knew that He was about to encounter many attacks that would be brought on by the enemy. Therefore, He needed some time with the Father in order to be prepared. The devil, however, saw this as a grand opportunity for him to tempt the Son of God when He would be at His weakest. Of course, the devil would never let a spiritual fast go to waste, so he decided to tempt Jesus by quoting scriptures, but in his attempt, he was not prepared that the Teacher would be prepared to use the Word of God to block his evil efforts. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (NIV)

            The devil began by asking Jesus to prove that He was the Son of God by turning stones into bread. The devil already knew who Jesus was for he had once been in Heaven prior to his fall. Yet, he wanted to set a trap for Jesus just as he had successfully done with the first man. Jesus, however, being the scholar and theologian that He was did not fall for the devil’s scheme. He quoted the Word back to him. Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”  (NIV) Jesus let the devil know that he was wise to his schemes and would not fall into sin due to his appetite as Adam and Eve had done.

            The devil saw that his first try was unsuccessful, so he took Jesus to the highest point of the temple and quoted scripture to Him for the devil knew that the Word of God was powerful. Matthew 4:6 “If you are the Son of God,”  he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (NIV) The devil seemed to want a battle of the minds between himself and Jesus. He knew that Jesus thoroughly knew the scriptures, but in a pitiful attempt, he tried to mix truth with error. The devil, in his arrogant mind, somehow felt that Jesus needed to prove something to him. Nevertheless, Jesus used the Word against the devil again. Matthews 4:7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (NIV)

            Nothing seemed to be working so the devil, in a desperate attempt. decides to take Jesus to the highest mountain and offer him the world with only one catch. Matthew 4:8-9 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will down and worship me.” (NIV) Now the devil had to be pretty stupid to think that he had anything to offer Jesus that wasn’t already His for the taking. However, the devil was about to get a rude awakening for he always envied God and his authority, so his attempt to offer Jesus what already belonged to God was laughable at best. Jesus at this point was tired of the devil and did not want to be bothered any longer. Matthew 4:10-11 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” Then the devil left, and angels came and attended him. (NIV)

            The devil’s scheming did not work and he had been ordered to leave at Jesus command. Why did Jesus put up with him for that length of time? Jesus was teaching us that we too can have victory and be an overcomer. Jesus was both man and God, so he could have easily fell into the trap that the devil was trying to set. However, Jesus let us know by quoting the Word of God back to the devil, that we are able to overcome and resist the devil’s attempts to make us sin. James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (NIV) There is power in the Word and just as Jesus used the Word to fight off the enemy, so can we.

            Jesus taught many lessons throughout His time in ministry on earth because He is the Master Theologian. We are to take on the mindset of Jesus and the only way to do that is to be a continuous student of the Word by studying daily. Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus. (NIV) We must feast on the Word of God as we do with food in the natural. Studying the Word of God and allowing Him to teach is the only way to get to not only know who He is, but to take on His very character. Since Jesus teaches us, and through His Word has taught us the ways of His Father, we have power against any demonic forces that come our way; we can understand TRUTH that only comes through Him. John 14: 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. Non one comes to the Father except through me.” (NIV)