It was foretold long before it happened. Prophecies announced with details what was going to take place centuries later. They announced the coming of the Messiah (which means one single person that would be God’s anointed prophet, priest and king – the Anointed One).
Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto/nazarethman
If you read the Gospel written by Matthew you will see lots of references to those prophecies.
While they waited, the people of Israel formed in their minds an image of what the Messiah would be like: a powerful conqueror that would deliver them from the ruling of the roman empire.
They didn’t expect a carpenter born in a manger. They didn’t expect someone that would tell them to love their enemies instead of conquering them. Most of all, they didn’t expect a king that would die such a humiliating death on the cross.
In Acts 2:29-35 Peter explains how David, who was a prophet himself, knew that God would place one of his descendants on the throne of Israel forever. Then he explains how the prophecy was fulfilled:
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (Acts 2:36)
The people who heard this were worried about that realization. Did they really allowed their promised king, the Messiah, to be killed? Now what?
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”. (Acts 2:37,38)
People were probably surprised with Peter’s response. Did they get it right? They only needed to repent and their sins would be forgiven? Just like that? They weren’t going to be punished?
No, they weren’t. They realized that Jesus didn’t die because they didn’t do anything to save Him, He died so He would save them!
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. […] All the believers were together and had everything in common. (Acts 2:41,44)
They believed. There was no punishment, because Jesus paid the price for everything they done. As soon as they realized that and accepted Him, they received God’s forgiveness.
This brings to my mind the lyrics of a contemporary worship song, “You are my king (Amazing Love)” by Chris Tomlin:
I’m forgiven because you were forsaken
I’m accepted, you were condemned
I’m alive and well
Your spirit is within me
Because you died and rose againAmazing love how can it be
That you, my king would die for me
Amazing love, I know its true
It’s my joy to honor you
In all I do, I honor you
Why would a king die in my place, in your place? There is only one answer: He did it because He loves us. Amazing love, indeed!
This Easter, remember the king that died for us and celebrate His resurrection.
Because He died, my sins are forgiven, everything is made new, I am free. Because He lives, I can have a relationship with God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) now, and I can look forward to spending eternity with Him.
And so can you.
Awesome post!
Thank you, Brandon!
And many are still looking and waiting for their messiah! Jesus was NOT what the Jewish nation expected, so many did not accept him as King. When we pray, we must anticipate our answer to come, but we may be amazed that it might not appear as we think it should be. May we learn to open our Spiritual eyes and Spiritual ears to see and hear what He is saying to us. Often we do not recognize the voice because we already have preconceived ideas of what the answer will be. Thank you Lord for your gifts to us, large and small. May we ever exalt you as King in our lives, and recognize you in others who may not appear to us – – that you are residing in them.
Amen! Well said, Hazel. We too have our preconceived ideas that keep us from recognizing the presence of our true King. I echo every word of your prayer.