The book of Isaiah, Chapter 53 tells the story of the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Isaiah foretold how the Messiah would die. He prophesied that the Messiah would be spit on, mocked, and beaten. Then he would be pierced and hung on a tree where he would die. The amazing thing about this is that the book was written approx. 700 years BEFORE Jesus walked the dusty streets of Jerusalem.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.John 3:16
Meditate on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His Father starting here,following the visual milestones in Jesus’ life as He fulfils scripture on His predestined mission to Calvary. Ask yourself, would YOU do it?
The next step is Road to Calvary 2, “Mary at the temple with Jesus .” God Bless, Harry
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Judas walked with, and was even chosen by Jesus, the greatest teacher and healer of all time and the omniscient Son of God. Judas personally witnessed Jesus heal the sick. The blind saw. The lame walked. The deaf heard. Jesus walked on water and even raised the dead back to life.
After seeing with his own eyes, the phenomenal miracles worked by Jesus, why did Judas betray the greatest man who ever lived? The answer is simple – greed – money. The same scourge which we can see all over the world today.
Jesus was betrayed with a kiss from Judas, the kiss of death. If we asked today, “Does this world want Jesus?”, the answer is No. No because they see in their own selfish hearts the unwillingness to give anything to anyone unless they have a promise that they will get more back. Never mind Christ going to Calvary to give everything for us, to die for the sins of the world.
The world cannot understand Christ’s agonising sacrifice because the world is dark with its all-consuming avarice and specifically, greed for money. To freely give something precious away, solely for the good of others, is far from their hearts. If Jesus thought the same way, the world would end up in hell.
We Christians are supposed to be the Light of this world. I myself do not see this. They have become similar to the world and extremely difficult to tell the difference between them and unbelievers. They have forgotten about preaching Christ and Him crucified on Calvary. Instead the main preaching in many churches today, is compromise and the tickling of ears with the prosperity gospel. This I do not have anything against except when it is continuously, aggressively advanced whilst Calvary is not mentioned at all.
Make no mistake. God WILL hold you accountable when you meet Him face-to-face. What is He going to say to YOU? “Well done good and faithful servant” or “Go away from Me. I do not know you”. You choose. Life… or death?
God has NO interest in how big your church is. None in how popular you are. Nor in how many speaking engagements you have or conferences that you attend. Even if you are a famous TV evangelist, God still has NO interest in any of these things.
Not unless you are doing the work i.e. His work and not your own. He is only interested in how many lost souls you are reaching for Him with the real gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
YOU are not the one that went to Calvary. You are not the one whose back was beaten with whips until there was no skin to be seen. You were not nailed to a rugged cross, not had a crown of thorns pushed into your head. Only He was the one who was beaten, whipped and humiliated by the very ones whom He had created. He was the one who bought us our salvation with His own flowing, redemptive Blood.
So it is only fitting for each and every Christian in the world to testify of the true gospel. The gospel of Christ and Him being crucified to save the world from going to hell. This is the only gospel worth preaching about. To talk does not save souls. To sing nice songs does not save souls. To have conferences with lots of Christians listening to YOUR every word about prosperity gospels… still does not save souls.
The reason I write this, is because I believe strongly that we have a world that is now almost in total darkness, where the light is growing dimmer, particularly when it comes to preaching Christ and Him crucified. Today in the Christian church, we believe there is a lack of commitment to what God Has done by sending His Son to die a horrific death at Calvary. Not only do we believe there is a lack of commitment, we have experienced it.
Let me ask you this question. Would you send your son to do the same? I don’t believe you would. God however is loving, everlastingly faithful and out of His own great mercy chose to send His Son, Jesus Christ to save us all from hell. He was not the one who needed saving.
This is why I write this letter with repeated emphasis, that the church might awaken from it’s cosy slumber and come alive to the truth. That the ubiquitous begging for money that does not come, might stop. If God wants you to have large outreaches He will provide. He’s not short of money. He will give it to you. There is no need to continuously send out grasping letters. He didn’t do it.
At no time did Jesus say, “Go ye therefore and build me mega-size church buildings so that you can fill them with people”. I am not against this, ifthere are lost people being saved in the church every week. But He didn’t do it. So why are we?
When you do appear before God, and you will appear before Him face to face, that’s a guarantee, will He say to you, “Well done good and faithful servant” or will He say, “Go away from Me. I do not know you?”
If you are thinking of judging us on what we do, after more than 100 God-ordained outreaches, be very sure that your fruit exceeds ours.
Your servant,
Paul
Evangelist.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
Later that day, two of Jesus’ followers were going to a nearby town. As they walked, they talked about the death of Jesus and how the women said he was alive again. They wondered if Jesus really was the Messiah.
Jesus on Emmaus Road
Jesus came up and started walking with them, but they did not recognize him. He asked what they were talking about, and they told him about all the terrible things that had happened during the last few days. They thought he was a stranger who had not heard about it.
Let us not be diverted from the path by the cares and distractions of this world but allow God to reveal Himself however He wants to, lest we miss Him in our midst.
Jesus explains to followers
Then Jesus explained to them what God’s Word says about the Messiah. He reminded them that the prophets said the Messiah would suffer and be killed, but would rise again on the third day. When they arrived at the town where they were going, it was almost night.
Jesus invited in
Luke 24:28-29: “And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them”. Salvation is now. Don’t miss your opportunity. Jesus would have passed on only they invited Him to stay. Jesus is a gentleman. He will not force Himself in where He is not wanted.
The two men invited Jesus to stay with them, so he did. Before they ate, Jesus picked up a loaf of bread, thanked God for it, then broke it. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized that he was Jesus. At that moment, he disappeared.
Jesus is Alive!
The two men said to each other, “Our hearts were burning when he explained God’s Word to us!” Immediately, they returned to Jerusalem and told the disciples, “Jesus is alive! We have seen him!”
They think He is a ghost
The disciples were still gathered, hiding in the room. Suddenly, Jesus appeared! The disciples thought he was a ghost, but Jesus said, “Peace to you! Why are you afraid and doubting? Look at my hands and feet. Ghosts do not have bodies like I do.” To show he was not a ghost, he asked for a piece of cooked fish and ate it.
Jesus explains prophecies
“I told you that everything written about me in God’s Word must be fulfilled,” Jesus said. Then he opened their minds so they could understand God’s Word. He said, “It was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer, die, and rise from the dead on the third day.”
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ was necessary in order to 1) make the forgiveness of sins possible 2) fulfill the biblical prophecies of the resurrection (Luke 24:45,46) 3) make justification of sinners possible (Rom. 4:25; 8:34) 4) lay a solid foundation for the Christian’s hope (1 Cor 15:19). Christ’s resurrection was wrought by the power of God (Acts 2:24; Rom. 8:11; Eph.1:19, 20) and by Christ Himself (John 2:19, 10:18).
World Evangelism to begin
“It was also written that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed to all people groups, starting in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
40 days of appearances
During the next forty days, Jesus appeared to his disciples and followers many times. Once, he even appeared to more than 500 people at the same time! He proved to his disciples in many ways that he was alive, and he taught them about the Kingdom of God.
Great Commission
At the end of the forty days, Jesus said to his disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So GO, make disciples of all people groups by baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and by teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Mark 16:15-18.“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover”.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matt. 7:20 (KJV)
Ascension
“Remember, I will be with you always. Stay in Jerusalem until you receive power from above.” Then Jesus was taken up to heaven, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Jesus sat down at the right hand of God to rule over all things.
The evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is so solid that if it were taken to a court of law today, the judge and jury would be forced to admit it’s true…based on the indisputable facts:
• The tomb was (and still is) empty.
• Early resurrection testimony: 540+ eyewitnesses to Jesus.
• Enemy testimony: Roman guards, James & Saul.
• Multiple, independent, eyewitness sources (8-9).
• Extra-biblical references (10 ancient sources*).
• Early church explosion (no other explanation).
• Transformed lives of disciples + conversion of Paul & James.
• 456 prophecies fulfilled perfectly: Jesus’ birth, death & resurrection.
* Note: The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful of all time, yet the emperor during the time that Jesus lived is mentioned in only 8 sources. Jesus? 10.
His existence and accomplishments are historical facts that can’t be denied.
After Jesus was crucified, the unbelieving Jewish leaders said to Pilate, “That liar, Jesus, said he would rise from the dead after three days. The tomb must be guarded so that his disciples do not steal the body and then say he has risen from the dead.”
The tomb is sealed
Pilate said, “Make the tomb as secure as you can.” So they sealed the stone at the entrance of the tomb and put soldiers there to make sure no one could steal the body.
Women go to the tomb
The day after Jesus was buried was a Sabbath, a day of rest. Very early on the morning after the Sabbath, several women including Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to Jesus’ tomb to put more burial spices on his body.
Full credit must be given to these brave and dedicated vessels.It was women who stood at the cross (plus John) while the rest of the disciples scattered to save themselves. It was women who went to the tomb even though it was sealed and barred with a huge stone. They went anyway. It was women who went to the tomb even though it was guarded by soldiers of the Roman Army who had just demonstrated their sadistic brutality. They went anyway.
Where were the brave men who had loudly talked about their loyalty to Jesus? Hiding. Cowering behind the locked door of the upper room. And when the women revealed their joyous news, did they believe? No, they ran to check. After all, how could Jesus reveal His resurrection from the dead to a woman, first? They forget it was a woman who had the most important job in scriptures (after Jesus), the birth of the Messiah.
Now to be fair to the men…… AFTER they had received power from on high, after they had received the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus.. they were transformed into real men of God. Indeed we should ponder on the proof of the resurrection – not on what the witnesses saw but in how they responded to what they saw. Not once did a single disciple or witness to Jesus’ resurrection change their story. In fact, many died a brutal death for the truth they witnessed personally. People will die for something they believe to be true, but no one will ever die for something they know is a lie. So the disciples by the Grace and Power of the Holy Spirit, bravely went out and turned the world upside down. A thought! If they had not gone out… where would you and I be today?
Angel rolls away tomb stone
There was a great earthquake. An angel of the Lord appeared from heaven, as bright as lightning. He rolled away the stone that was covering the entrance to the tomb and sat on it. The soldiers guarding the tomb were terrified and fell to the ground like dead men.
Angel declares JESUS has RISEN
In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again”. Then they remembered His words.Luke 24: 5-8 kjv.
The angel told the women, “Do not be afraid. Jesus is not here. He has risen from the dead, just like he said he would! Look in the tomb and see.” The women looked into the tomb and saw where Jesus had been lying. His body was not there!
Tell the Disciples, Jesus is ALIVE!
Then the angel told the women, “Tell the disciples that Jesus has risen from the dead and is going before you into Galilee.”
Women run to tell the disciples
The women were full of fear and great joy. They ran to tell the disciples the good news.
Jesus appears to the women
On the way, Jesus appeared to them, and they worshiped him. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my disciples that I will see them in Galilee.
He came to pay a debt He did not owe, because we owed a debt
we could not pay.
Jesus had endured the agony of the scourging. He was stripped of His clothing and His hands tied to a post above His head. The Roman Legionnaire then stepped forward with the flagrum in his hand. This was a short whip consisting of several heavy, leather thongs with two small balls of lead attached to the ends of each . The heavy whip was brought down with full force, again and again on the torn and bloody back of Jesus.
When the centurion determined that Jesus was near death, the beating stopped. The half-fainting Jesus was then untied and allowed to slump to the stone pavement, wet with His own blood. Thinking it a great joke they continued to mock and abuse Him until they tired of their sadistic sport.
Isaiah the prophet who lived many hundreds of years before Jesus walked the dusty streets of Jerusalem prophecised: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed”. Isaiah 53:5
Jesus carries His cross
Jesus is led away to be crucified, making him carry his own cross.
The heavy beam of the cross was then tied across His shoulders, and the procession of the condemned Christ, two thieves and the execution detail, began its slow journey. The weight of the heavy wooden beam, together with the shock produced by copious blood loss, was too much. He stumbled and fell. The rough wood of the beam gouged into the lacerated skin and muscles of His shoulders. He tried to rise, but human muscles had been pushed beyond their endurance.
And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. Matt 27:32. Ironically Simon was made to bear the cross of Jesus when Jesus was actually bearing Simon’s cross by dying in his place.
Jesus nailed to the cross
They came to a place called Golgotha (in Aramaic) , meaning “The Skull”. ‘Calvary’ comes from the Latin.
Here, the beam is placed on the ground and Jesus is quickly thrown backward with His shoulders against the wood. The Legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, square, wrought-iron nail through the wrist and deep in the wood. Quickly, he moves to the other side and repeats the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flexing and movement.
The beam is then lifted in place at the top of the posts and the title reading “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” is nailed in place. The left foot is pressed backward against the right foot, and with both feet extended, toes down, a nail is driven through the arch of each.
Despite the agonising pain that seared through his body, Jesus looked down on His jeering tormentors and said,
“Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”
His heart of Love even at this time thought of others and reached out with words of forgiveness.
Soldiers gamble for His clothing
The soldiers gambled for Jesus’ clothing. When they did this, they fulfilled a prophecy which said, “They divided my garments among them, and gambled for my clothing.”
Psalm 22:14-18: I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
The Good Thief
Jesus was crucified between two robbers. One of them mocked Jesus, but the other said, “Don’t you fear God? We are guilty, but this man is innocent. Jesus, please remember me in your Kingdom.” Jesus said to him, “Today, you will be with me in Paradise. No pomp or ceremony, no long-winded prayers, just a repentant sinner receiving forgiveness from His compassionate father.
His last commands to His apostles was the Great Commission, to go out into the world and preach His Gospel that men might be saved and here, even here on the cross He reached out once again for one more soul.
If you take Calvary out of the Gospel, you have no Gospel to preach because it is Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary that redeems us all from sin.
Paul… Five Fold ministry ireland
Crowds mock Jesus
The crowd and the Jewish leaders mocked Jesus, saying, “He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him”. Matt 27:42 kjv. “He saved others..” Ironic again that little did they realise they were actually testifying to the Glory of God that Jesus healed and saved others.
Sky darkens
It was the middle of the day, but darkness came over the whole land. It stayed dark from noon until 3:00 in the afternoon.
For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life. JN 3:16
Many women were there including Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses and the mother of Zebedee’s children and others which followed Jesus from Galilee ministering unto Him.
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. John 19:26-27
Here Christ again demonstrates His compassion, love and humanity, this time concerned for the welfare of His mother. In the Ten Commandments, such was the importance of honouring our parents, that in this command He promised a reward. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).
It is finished
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Jesus cried out to His Father as for the first and only time the Godhead, the trinity are separated as Jesus bears the sins of the world…. for you and I. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy Psalm 69:21 by saying, “I thirst”.
Then He cried out, “It is finished! Father, I give my spirit into your hands.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. In John 10:18 regarding His life Jesus said, “No one taketh it away from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment received I from my Father“.
When he died, there was an earthquake and the large curtain in the Temple that separated the presence of God from the people was torn in two, from the top to the bottom.
From the writings of Josephus, a famous first century Jewish historian, this veil was somewhere near 60 feet high. Josephus also tells us that the veil was four inches thick and that horses tied to each side could not pull the veil apart. The tearing of the veil dramatically symbolised that the shedding of His own blood, was sufficient atonement for sins. The way into the Holy of Holies was open for all people, for all time.
Paid in Full
Through his death, Jesus opened a new and living way for people to come to God.
Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me”.
When the soldier guarding Jesus saw everything that happened, he said,
“Certainly, this man was innocent. He must have been the Son of God.”
Jesus burial
Then Joseph and Nicodemus, two Jewish leaders who believed Jesus was the Messiah, asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. They wrapped his body in cloth and buried it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then they rolled a large stone over the opening.
Jesus has Paid in Full the price of our salvation, to be reconciled with God. He offers you this free gift now.
Although the offer doesn’t expire until you do, many who plan to seek God at the eleventh hour, die at 10.30.
It was the middle of the night. The soldiers led Jesus to the house of the high priest to be questioned. Peter followed far behind. When Jesus was taken into the house, Peter stayed outside and warmed himself by a fire.
Whether the trial was even legal was doubtful. It took place at Caiaphas’ home. Decisions of the “Great Sanhedrin” were binding but were supposed to be made when the court met in the chambers of the Hall of Hewn Stone in Jerusalem. The trial took place at night. A capital trial was supposed to take place during the day; and only after a full day had intervened could the Sanhedrin render a verdict. It was obvious by the way the trial was handled that the Jewish leaders wanted Jesus dead at any cost.
False witness lie about Jesus
Inside the house, the Jewish leaders put Jesus on trial. They brought many witnesses who lied about him. However, their statements did not agree with each other, so they could not prove he was guilty. Jesus did not say anything.
The judges did everything they could to manufacture testimony that would convict Jesus.They didn’t care whether it was true or not. They just wanted to kill Jesus.
High Priest questions Jesus
Finally, the high priest looked directly at Jesus and said, “Tell us, are you the Messiah, the Son of the living God?”
High Priest rents his clothes
Jesus said, “I am, and you will see me seated with God and coming in power from heaven.” The high priest tore his clothes in anger and shouted, “We do not need any more witnesses. You have heard him say that he is the Son of God. What is your judgment?”
Unable to convict Jesus by the testimony of liars, Caiaphas now accuses Jesus of blasphemy. It was the practice then when someone heard blasphemy against the divine he was instructed to tear his garments
Jesus blindfolded
They all answered, “He deserves to die!” Then they blindfolded him, spit on him, hit him, and mocked him.
Jewish law permitted public flogging however striking, spitting on and taunting – was prohibited by the law.
Peter identified
Outside the house, a girl saw Peter and said, “You also were with Jesus!” Peter denied it. Later, another girl said the same thing, and Peter denied it again. Finally, the people said, “You were with Jesus because you both are from Galilee.”
Peter denies, the rooster crows
Peter swore, saying, “May God curse me if I know this man!” Immediately, a rooster crowed, and Jesus turned and looked at Peter.
Peter weeps bitterly
Peter went outside and cried bitterly. Meanwhile, when Judas, the betrayer, saw that Jesus had been condemned, he became full of sorrow and went away and killed himself.
Pilate questions Jesus
Early the next morning, the Jewish leaders brought Jesus to the Roman governor, Pilate, hoping to have Jesus killed. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus answers Pilate
Jesus answered, “You have said so, but my Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it was, my servants would fight for me. But I have come to earth to tell the truth about God. Everyone who loves the truth listens to me.” Pilate said, “What is truth?
(for the answer to “What is truth”, including ‘Spiritual truth‘ click here)
Crowds shout Crucify Him
After speaking with Jesus, Pilate went out to the crowd and said, “I find no guilt in this man.” But the Jewish leaders and the crowd shouted, “Crucify him!” Pilate replied, “He is not guilty.” But they shouted even louder. Then Pilate said a third time, “He is not guilty!”
Jesus whipped
But Pilate became afraid that a riot would start, so he handed Jesus over to them to be crucified. The soldiers whipped Jesus, put a royal robe and a crown made of thorns on him, and they mocked him, saying, “Look, the King of the Jews!
After the meal, Jesus and his disciples walked to the Mount of Olives. Jesus said, “All of you will all abandon me tonight. It is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd and all the sheep will be scattered.”
Before the rooster crows 3 times
Peter replied, “Even if all the others leave you, I will not!” Then Jesus said to Peter, “Satan wants to have all of you, but I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith will not fail. Even so, tonight, before the rooster crows, three times you will deny that you even know me.”
“Even so, tonight, before the rooster crows, three times you will deny that you even know me.”
Jesus
Peter then said to Jesus, “Even if I must die, I will never disown you!” All the other disciples said the same thing.
Jesus goes to pray by himself.
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus told his disciples to pray that they would not fall into temptation. Then Jesus went to pray by himself.
Jesus sweats blood as He prays
Jesus prayed three times, “My Father, if there is no other way for people’s sins to be forgiven, Your will be done.” Jesus was very troubled and his sweat was like drops of blood. God sent an angel to strengthen him.
In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus was sweating blood and in a very stressful state. The disciples were possibly wondering what was wrong with Jesus. He was taking on, as we know now, the sins of the world. They were coming on His body and draining Him from all His power but how could Jesus explain this to His disciples who were not at a place of receiving this insight into the Holiness of Christ our King. Jesus is the Son of God, Holy in every way, unmistakably the purest vessel that ever lived or will ever live, on the face of this earth but you see Jesus had to face this on His own, and no one knew, except His Father in Heaven. And there was no release for Him until after Calvary, and after that, the resurrection. But if Jesus had told them the truth of His mission, what would the disciples say? They would have run away.
‘In the natural’, the physical trauma of Christ began in Gethsemane with this one of the initial aspects of His suffering… the bloody sweat. It is interesting that the physician of the group, St. Luke, is the only one to mention this. He says, “And being in agony, He prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground. Though very rare, the phenomenon of hemathidrosis, or bloody sweat, is well documented. Under great emotional stress, tiny capillaries in the sweat glands can break, thus mixing blood with sweat. This process alone could have produced marked weakness and possible shock.
The betrayer comes
After each time of prayer, Jesus came back to his disciples, but they were asleep. After the third time, Jesus said, “Wake up! My betrayer is here.”
Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss
Judas came with the Jewish leaders, soldiers, and a large crowd carrying swords and clubs. He came to Jesus and said, “Greetings, teacher,” and kissed him. This was the sign for the Jewish leaders to know whom to arrest. Then Jesus said, “Judas, do you betray me with a kiss?”
Jesus heals the man’s ear
As the soldiers arrested Jesus, Peter pulled out his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus said, “Put the sword away! I could ask the Father for an army of angels to defend me. But I must obey my Father.” Then Jesus healed the man’s ear, and all the disciples ran away.
Jesus had been preaching for about three years. It was the time of the Passover Feast when the Jews remembered how God had saved them from slavery in Egypt many years earlier. Jesus knew what would happen to him and told his disciples he was going to Jerusalem where he would be killed.
Judas and the Jewish leaders
The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem had rejected Jesus as the Messiah and were plotting to kill him. Judas was one of Jesus’ disciples. He was in charge of the disciples’ money, but he was dishonest and often stole from it. Judas went to the Jewish leaders and offered to betray Jesus to them.
(Jesus had reserved His harshest words for the religious leaders. He called them hypocrites and vipers. Interestingly, as theologians they were expert. They knew the law, word by word (literally as the law was originally passed by word of mouth). They knew the law but they didn’t know Jesus, they crucified Him. Thankfully Jesus never said, “Follow them”, He said, “Follow Me”).
Judas betrays Jesus
The Jewish leaders, led by the high priest, paid Judas thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus. This happened just as the prophets had predicted. Judas agreed, took the money, and went away, looking for a chance to help them arrest Jesus.
Jesus celebrates Passover
Jesus celebrated the Passover Feast with his disciples. During the meal Jesus took bread and broke it, saying, “Take and eat this. It is my body, which is broken for you. Do this to remember me.” In this way, Jesus said that his body would be sacrificed for them.
Blood of the New Covenant
Then he took a cup of wine and said, “Drink this. It is my blood of the New Covenant shed for the forgiveness of sins. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.” In this way, Jesus said that his blood would be poured out to forgive their sins.
“Do this in remembrance of me”
JESUS
Jesus twice said, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Do this to remember me). He repeated to stress the point that the Lord’s supper is to focus attention on the Lord. Some talk about the “free gift of salvation” almost without considering that it wasn’t free for Jesus. In fact it cost Him everything.
Sin is so serious that we need to remember the terrible sacrifice that Jesus paid to pay in full, in our place, for OUR sins. And also remember the immense Love of God, our Father who gave His only begotten Son that you and I would be saved from hell. (John 3:16).
The question is: “Would YOU do it?”
One of you will betray me
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “One of you will betray me.” The disciples were surprised and did not know who would do such a thing. Jesus said, “The person to whom I give this piece of bread is the betrayer.” Then he gave the bread to Judas.
Judas leaves to betray Christ
After Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. Judas left to help the Jewish leaders arrest Jesus. It was night.
One day, Jesus received a message that Lazarus was very sick. Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha, were good friends of Jesus. When Jesus heard this news, he said, “This sickness will not end in death, but it will bring glory to God.” Jesus loved his friends, so he waited where he was for two days.
Then he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” “But Teacher,” the disciples answered, “Just a short time ago the people there wanted to kill you!” Jesus said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, and I must wake him.”
His disciples replied, “Lord, if Lazarus is sleeping, he will get better on his own.” Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. I am glad we were not there when he died, for now you will see amazing things so that you may believe.”
Martha cries to Jesus
When Jesus got there, Lazarus had already been dead for four days. Martha went out to meet Jesus and said, “Master, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I believe God will give you whatever you ask from Him.”
Do you believe
Jesus replied, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies. Everyone who believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Master!” Martha answered. “I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
Mary arrives – Jesus wept
Then Mary arrived. She fell at the feet of Jesus and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
“Where have you put Lazarus?” he asked them. They told him, “In the tomb. Come and see.”
Jesus wept.
Lazarus’ Tomb
The tomb was a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. When Jesus arrived at the tomb, he told them, “Roll the stone away.” But Martha said, “He has been dead for four days. There will be a bad smell.”
Stone is rolled away
Jesus responded, “Did I not tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” So they rolled the stone away
Jesus commands Lazarus: Come forth.
Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank You for hearing me. I know You always listen to me, but I say this for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe You sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”
Lazarus rises from the dead
And Lazarus did! He was still wrapped up in grave-clothes. Jesus told them, “Help him get out of those grave-clothes and release him!” Many of the Jews believed in Jesus because of this miracle.
note:Again Jesus demonstrated His power over death. This is central to the Christian faith. As in His own case,as He had promised, He conquered death and rose three days later. You can be certain that you too will have eternal life because of His power over death.God is a God who keeps His promises.Believers need fear death no longer. It is not the end of the road but a wonderful new beginning, a life without pain or sorrow, with Jesus. There is hope in Jesus.
One day, Jesus was teaching many tax collectors and sinners who were with him.
Religious leaders grumble
The religious leaders were grumbling because Jesus was treating these people as friends. So Jesus told this story
Father and Sons
“There was a man who had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘Father, I want my inheritance now!’ So the father divided his property between the two sons.”
partied his life away
“Soon the younger son gathered all that he had and went far away and wasted his money in sinful living.”
Pig Farmer
“At that time a severe famine came on the land, and he had no money to buy food. So he took the only job he could find, feeding pigs. He was so miserable and hungry that he wanted to eat the pigs’ food.”
Repents
“Finally, the younger son said to himself, ‘What am I doing? All my father’s servants have plenty to eat, and yet here I am starving. I will go back to my father and ask to be one of his servants.’”
Fathers welcome
“While the younger son was still far away, his father saw him and felt compassion for him. He ran to his son and hugged him and kissed him.”
Asks forgiveness
“The son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against God and against you. I am not worthy to be your son. Let me be your servant instead.’”
Forgiven
“But his father told one of his servants, ‘Go quickly! Bring the best clothes and put them on my son! Put a ring on his finger and put sandals on his feet. Then kill the best calf so we can have a feast, because my son was dead, but now he is alive! He was lost, but now he is found!’”
Older brother hears music
“And they began to celebrate. Before long, the older son came home from working in the field. He heard the music and dancing and wondered what was happening.”
Older brother sulks
“When he found out that there was a party because his brother had come home, he was very angry and would not go into the house. His father came out and begged him to join the party, but he refused.”
Older brother complains
“He said, ‘All these years I’ve worked so faithfully for you! I never disobeyed you, and still you did not even give me one small goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours wastes your money on sinful behavior, you kill the best calf for him!’”
Happy Ending
“The father answered, ‘My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But it is right for us to celebrate, because your brother was dead, but now is alive. He was lost, but now is found!’”
Jesus told many other stories about the Kingdom of God. He said, “The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. When it is a seed, it is the smallest seed of all.”
Mustard seed blooms
“But when it has grown, it is the largest of all garden plants, big enough that even the birds come and make nests in its branches.”
Woman adds yeast
Jesus told another story, “The Kingdom of God is like yeast that a woman mixed into some bread dough until it spread all the way through.”
Hidden treasure
“The Kingdom of God is also like hidden treasure in a field, which a man found and then buried again. In his joy, he went and sold everything he had and bought that field.”
Pearl of great price
“The Kingdom of God is also like a pearl merchant who was looking for perfect pearls. When he found one of great price, he sold all that he had and bought it.”
Pharisee in the temple
Then Jesus told a story about people who trust in their own good deeds and despise other people. “Two men went up to the Temple to pray. One of them was a tax collector, and the other a religious leader.”
Pharisee prays
“The religious leader prayed like this, ‘Thank you God that I am not like other men—robbers, unjust men, adulterers, or even like that tax collector.” “‘I fast two times every week and I give you ten percent of everything I get.’”
tax collector
“But the tax collector stood far away, did not even lift his eyes up to heaven, but beat his chest and prayed, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’”
first will be last
Then Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, the tax collector went home forgiven, and not the religious leader. Everyone who is proud will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be lifted up.”
One day, Jesus and his disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee to the country of the Gerasenes.
Possessed man runs to Jesus
When they reached the other side, a man with an evil spirit came running up to Jesus.
No one can restrain him
This man was so strong that nobody could hold him down. People had even used chains to lock him up, but he kept breaking them.
He lived among the caves
He lived among the tombs in the area. Day and night this man would scream. He wore no clothes and cut himself repeatedly with stones. When the man came to Jesus, he fell on his knees in front of him. Jesus said, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit!”
Evil spirit cries out
The man with the evil spirit cried out in a loud voice and said, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please do not torture me!” Then Jesus asked the man, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” (A legion was a group of up to 6,000 soldiers.) It is interesting that the evil spirits knew who Jesus was but the people didn’t.
The herd of pigs
The evil spirits begged Jesus, “Please do not send us out of this area!” There was a herd of pigs feeding on a nearby hill. So, the evil spirits begged Jesus, “Please send us into the pigs instead!” Jesus said, “Go!”
Pigs plunge into the sea
The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs. The pigs ran down a steep bank into the sea and drowned. There were about 2,000 pigs in the herd. (It’s not stated if the owners of the unclean animals were Jewish). When the people taking care of the pigs saw what happened, they ran and told everyone what Jesus had done. All the people came from the town and saw the man who used to have the evil spirits. He was sitting down, wearing clothes, and acting like a normal person.
Healed man asks to go with Jesus
The people were very afraid and asked Jesus to leave. So Jesus got into the boat and prepared to leave. The man who had been healed begged to go along with Jesus.
Go and tell everyone
But Jesus said to him, “Go home and tell your friends and family how much God has done for you and how He has had mercy on you.”
Everyone is amazed
So the man went away and told everyone about what Jesus had done for him. Everyone who heard his story was filled with wonder and amazement.
Woman with an issue
Jesus returned to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd gathered around him and pressed in on him. In the crowd was a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money on doctors trying to get better, but she only got worse.
Hem of His garment
She heard how Jesus had healed many sick people and thought to herself, “If I only touch Jesus’ clothes, then I, too, will be healed!” She came up behind Jesus and touched his clothes. As soon as she touched Jesus, the bleeding stopped!
Jesus turns to the woman
Immediately Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. So he turned around and asked, “Who touched me?” The disciples replied, “Jesus, there are many people crowding around you and bumping into you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”
Your faith has healed you.
The woman fell on her knees before Jesus, shaking and very afraid. Then she told the whole truth. Jesus said to her, “Your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be healed of your sickness.”
One day, a lawyer came to Jesus to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered, “What is written in God’s law?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. And love your neighbor as yourself,” the lawyer said. Jesus answered, “You are correct! Do this and you will live.” But the lawyer wanted to prove that he was right, so he asked, “Who is my neighbour?“
Jewish man
Jesus answered with a story. “There was a Jewish man who was traveling along the road from Jerusalem to Jericho.”
Robbers
“While he was traveling, he was attacked by a group of robbers. They took everything he had and beat him until he was almost dead. Then they went away.”
Jewish priest
“Soon after that, a Jewish priest happened to walk down that same road. When this religious leader saw the man who had been robbed and beaten, he moved to the other side of the road, ignored the man in need, and kept on going.”
the Levite
“Not long after that, a Levite came down the road. (Levites were a tribe of Jews who helped the priests at the Temple.) The Levite also crossed over to the other side of the road and ignored the man who had been robbed and beaten.”
Samaritan
“The next person to walk down that road was a Samaritan. (Samaritans were the descendants of Jews and people from other nations. Samaritans and Jews hated each other.) When the Samaritan saw the man, he was filled with compassion. He cared for him and bandaged his wounds.”
donkey to hotel
“The Samaritan then lifted the man onto his own donkey and took him to a hotel where he took care of him.”
Samaritan pays hotelier
“The next day, the Samaritan needed to continue his journey. He gave the person in charge of the hotel some money and said, ‘Take care of him, and if any extra money is spent, I will repay those expenses when I return.”
Then Jesus asked the lawyer, “Which one of the three men do you think was a neighbour to the man who was robbed and beaten?” The lawyer replied, “The one who showed mercy.”
Jesus told the lawyer, “You go and do the same thing.
One day a rich young ruler came up to Jesus and asked him, “Good teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? There is only One who is good, and that is God. But if you want to have eternal life, obey God’s laws.”
“Which ones?” he asked. Jesus replied, “Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not lie. Honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
I have obeyed all these things
The young man, trying to prove that he was right, said, “I have obeyed all these laws ever since I was a boy. What do I still need to do?” Jesus looked at him and loved him. Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, then go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure waiting for you in heaven. Then come and follow me.”
Rich young ruler saddened
When the young man heard this, he became very sad, because he was very rich. He turned and went away from Jesus, unwilling to give up his wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples,“How hard it is for rich people to enter into the Kingdom of God! Yes, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”
Disciples are shocked
When the disciples heard this they were shocked and said, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With people this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” Peter said to Jesus, “We have left everything and followed you. What will be our reward?”
Jesus promises
Jesus answered, “Everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or property for my name’s sake, will inherit 100 times more in the next world and also eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and those who are last will be first.”
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Because you say,“ I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. Rev. 3:17
One day, Jesus was down by the sea, teaching great crowds of people. The crowd got so big that Jesus got into a boat and began speaking from there.
Story of the farmer
Jesus told this story. “A farmer went out to plant some grain. As he was spreading the seeds by hand, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it all.”
Seeds fall on rocky ground
“Other seeds fell on a rocky place, where there was not much soil. The seeds in the rocky soil sprouted quickly. But when the sun came up and it got hot, the plants withered and died since their roots did not go deep.”
Seed falls on thorny bushes
“Still other seeds fell among thorny bushes. Those seeds were choked by the thorns and did not produce any grain.”
Good soil
“Other seeds fell into good soil. These seeds grew up and produced 30, 60, or even 100 times as much grain as had been planted. He who has ears, let him hear!”
confused disciples
And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. Luke.9:12 kjv
Jesus explains
“The seeds on the rocky soil are like people who hear God’s Word and accept it with joy. But in times of hardship or persecution, they fall away because they have no maturity.”
Jesus and the disciples
“The seeds in the thorns are like people who hear God’s Word and believe it. But as time passes, their love for God is choked out by the cares, riches, and pleasures of life. The teaching they heard does not produce fruit.”
“But the seeds that fall on good soil represent people who hear the Word of God, believe it, and produce spiritual fruit.”
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matt. 7:20 (KJV)
Then Jesus told the disciples to get into a boat and sail to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowd. After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he went up on a mountain to pray. Jesus was there all alone, and he prayed long into the evening.
Disciples tossed by storm
Meanwhile, the disciples’ boat was a long way from land. They were in danger, because a storm had come up and the boat was being tossed around by the waves and the wind.
Jesus walks on water
Mark 6: 48-49: “And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them, about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them: 49 but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out”
Disciples afraid in the storm
The disciples were very afraid when they saw Jesus, because they thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus knew that they were afraid, so he called out to them and said, “Do not be afraid. It is I!”
Peter cries out
Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
Note: Peter didn’t have to give Jesus deep, long, boring prayers. He just had to step out of the boat and keep his eyes on Jesus. Does the same not apply to everyone reading this and to every born-again person in the world. So step out of your comfort zone, keep your eyes on Jesus and then you will learn to walk on water.
Then Jesus replied: “Come”.
Note: He did not go into any long explanations and He still does not today. Heb. 13:8: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever.
Peter steps out of the boat
So, Peter got out of the boat and started walking to Jesus on the surface of the water. But after a short distance, he turned his eyes away from Jesus and began to look at the strong wind and waves.
Peter becomes afraid
Then Peter became afraid and began to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus reached out right away and grabbed him. Then he said to Peter, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Jesus and Peter in boat
When Peter and Jesus got into the boat, the wind immediately stopped. The disciples were amazed. They worshiped Jesus, saying to him, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
Jesus sent his disciples to preach and teach. When they returned, they told Jesus what they had taught and done. Then Jesus invited them to come with him to a quiet place to rest for a while. So, they got into a boat and left. But there were many people who saw Jesus and the disciples leave. They ran along the shore of the lake to get to the other side ahead of them. When Jesus and the disciples arrived, they were greeted by great crowds of people.
How to feed the multitude?
The crowd had over 5,000 men in it, not counting the women and children. Jesus felt great kindness towards the people. To Jesus, these people were like sheep without a shepherd. So He taught them and healed their sick. As it got later in the evening, the disciples told Jesus, “It is late and there are no towns nearby. Send the people away so they can go get something to eat, for two hundred shillings worth of bread is not sufficient for them that every one may take a little”.
But Jesus said to them, “You give them something to eat!” The disciples replied, “There is a lad here, who hath five barley loaves, and two fishes: but what are these among so many?”
Jesus call the crowd
Jesus called the crowd to him and told them to sit down in groups on the grass. Then he took the five loaves of bread and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and blessed the food.
Jesus blesses the loaves and fishes
Jesus then started breaking the bread and fish. He gave the pieces to his disciples to give to the people. The disciples kept passing out the food, and it never ran out! All the people ate and were satisfied. The disciples even picked up twelve baskets full of leftover food that had not been eaten. All the food came from the five loaves of bread and two fish.
Note that the lad who gave a little (but it was ALL he had), got a LOT back. Is it not the same today when we give to God?
After overcoming Satan’s temptations, Jesus returned in the power of the Holy Spirit to the region of Galilee where he lived. Jesus went from place to place teaching. Everyone spoke well of him.
Jesus in Nazareth
Jesus went to the town of Nazareth where he had grown up. On the Sabbath, he went to the place of worship. He was given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Jesus opened up the scroll and read from it. “God has poured His Spirit on me to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom to captives, recovery of sight for the blind, and release to prisoners. This is the year of the Lord’s favour.”
Then Jesus sat down. Everybody watched him closely. They knew this passage was talking about the Messiah. Jesus said, “Today these words have been fulfilled in your hearing.” All the people were amazed. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they said.
Then Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown. When the prophet Elijah was alive there were many widows in Israel. But when it did not rain for three and a half years, God did not send Elijah to help a widow from Israel but a widow from a different nation.” “And when the prophet Elisha was alive, there were many people in Israel with skin diseases. But Elisha did not heal any of them, he only healed Naaman, a commander of Israel’s enemies.” When the people heard this, they were furious.
Rejected without Reason
They dragged Jesus out of the place of worship and brought him to the edge of a cliff to throw him off. But Jesus walked through the crowd and left the town of Nazareth. Then Jesus went through that area, and great crowds came to him. They brought all the sick people, including those who could not see, walk, hear, or speak, and Jesus healed them.
Jesus cast out demons
Many people with demons were brought to Jesus. The demons came out, often shouting, “You are the Son of God!” The crowds were amazed and worshiped God. It’s interesting that the demons recognised Jesus and the self-righteous church leaders did not.
Then Jesus chose twelve men who were called his disciples. The disciples were Jesus’ students. They traveled with him and learned from him
Immediately after Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led him out into the desert, where he fasted for forty days and forty nights. During that time he was tempted by Satan.
Satan tempts Jesus
Satan said, “If you are the Son of God, turn these rocks into bread so you can eat! Jesus replied, “It is written in God’s Word, ‘Man does not live only on bread, but on every word that God speaks!“
Jesus on top of the temple.
Then Satan took Jesus to the highest point on the Temple and said, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command His angels to catch you so your foot does not hit the ground. But Jesus replied, “It is also written in God’s Word, ‘Do not test God.”
Satan show Jesus the world
Then Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and all their glory and said, “I will give you all this if you bow down and worship me. Jesus replied, “Get away from me, Satan! It is written in God’s Word, ‘Worship only the Lord your God.”
Satan leaves in defeat.
Then Satan left him to wait for a better time. Angels came and took care of Jesus.
Satan was so foolish to offer Jesus, something that He already owned. Rather than sending him to Hell where he belonged, Jesus simply defeated Satan by quoting the Word of God.
When John grew up, he became a prophet. He lived in the wilderness, ate wild honey and locusts, and wore clothes made from camel-hair.
John proclaims the first coming of the Messiah
Many people came to listen to John. He preached to them, saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is near. Some people repented and were baptized when they heard John’s message, but there were many religious leaders who came to be baptized without repenting and confessing their sins.
John rebukes the religious leaders
John said to the religious leaders, “You bunch of snakes! Repent and change your behavior. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” This fulfilled what the prophet Isaiah said,
“Behold, I send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way.” (Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. ) Matt. 7:20(KJV)
Some Jews asked John if he was the Messiah. John replied, “I am not the Messiah, but there is someone coming after me who is much greater than I am. I am not even worthy to untie his sandals.
John points out and proclaims Jesus
The next day, Jesus came to be baptized by John. When John saw him, he said,
“Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
John
John said to Jesus, “I am not worthy to baptize you. You should baptize me instead.” But Jesus said, “You should baptize me, because it is the right thing to do.” So John baptized him, but not because Jesus had sinned—he never sinned.
Holy Spirit settles on Jesus
When Jesus came out of the water, the Spirit of God took the appearance of a dove and landed on him. At the same time a voice from heaven said, “You are My beloved Son, and with you I am well pleased.”
Later when Jesus went into Caesarea, Philipippi He asked His disciples, “Who do men say I am?” They replied, some say John the Baptist, some say a prophet. This was we believe, plain silly. Although John was a great man He was no comparison to Jesus. He never worked a miracle in his life, never healed anyone. His job was to proclaim the first coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Above, God the Father didn’t mention John, only His Son.
John bears witness to the Son of God
God had told John, “The Holy Spirit will land on someone you baptise. He is the Son of God.” There is only one God. But God is three persons, the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God had stated who Jesus was. John saw and bore record that this was the Son of God. Then, in our opinion, this is where John erred. He pointed to Jesus, others began to follow Jesus. Yet why did he not? What was wrong with him? He continued in dead works. And this is what many churches do, continue in works that produce No fruit. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matt. 7:20(KJV)
In John’s case, this is why the enemy was able to move so quickly. After many years preaching without hindrance, now he was promptly arrested and beheaded. He was continuing in a work that was already finished.
When Joseph heard that Mary was pregnant, he knew it was not his baby, so he planned to quietly divorce her. Before he could do that, an angel appeared to him in a dream
The angel said, “Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. What is in her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son. Name him Jesus, because he will save the people from their sins.”
So Joseph married Mary and took her home as his wife. About the time she was to give birth, the Roman government told everyone to go to the town of their ancestors for a census. Mary and Joseph had to make a long journey from where they lived in Nazareth to Bethlehem.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, there was no place to stay. The only room they could find was a place where animals stayed. The baby was born there and his mother laid him in a feeding trough, since they did not have a bed for him. They named him Jesus.
That night, there were some shepherds in a nearby field watching their flocks. Suddenly, a shining angel appeared to them, and they were terrified. The angel said, “Do not be afraid, because I have some good news for you. The Messiah has been born! “Go search for the baby, and you will find him wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the skies were filled with angels singing and praising God, saying, “Glory to God in heaven and peace on earth to the people He favours!”
When the shepherds arrived at the place where Jesus was, they found him lying in a manger, just as the angel had told them. They were very excited. Mary was very happy, too. The shepherds returned to the fields, praising God for all they had heard and seen.
Some time later, wise men from countries far to the east saw an unusual star in the sky. They realized it meant a new king of the Jews was born. So, they traveled a great distance to see this king. They came to Bethlehem and found the place where Jesus was living. When they saw Jesus with his mother, they fell down and worshiped him. They gave Jesus expensive gifts. Then they returned home.
Isaiah lived approx 700 years before jesus walked the dusty streets of Jerusalem
More than 400 years after the last prophet spoke to the Jews, an angel appeared to an old priest named Zechariah. He was a godly man, but his wife, Elizabeth, could not have any children.
The angel said to Zechariah, “Your wife will have a son. You will name him John.He will be the great prophet that comes before the Messiah!” Zechariah responded, “My wife and I are too old to have children! How will I know this will happen?” The angel answered, “I was sent by God to bring you this good news. Because you did not believe me, you will not be able to speak until the child is born.” Immediately, Zechariah was unable to speak. Then the angel left. Zechariah returned home, and his wife became pregnant.
Angel Gabriel announces to Mary
When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, the same angel appeared to Elizabeth’s relative, whose name was Mary. She was a virgin and was betrothed to a man named Joseph. The angel said, “You will become pregnant and give birth to a son.” The angel continued, “You are to name him Jesus. He will be the Messiah!” Mary replied, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel explained, “The Holy Spirit will come over you, and you will conceive. So your son will be called the Son of the Most High God.”
Holy Spirit
Not long after this, Mary went and visited Elizabeth. As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s baby jumped inside her. The women rejoiced together about what God had done for them. After visiting for three months, Mary returned home.
After Elizabeth gave birth to her baby boy, they named him John as the angel commanded. Then God allowed Zechariah to speak again. He said, “Praise God, because He has remembered His people! You, my son, will be called the prophet of the Most High God! You will prepare the way for the Messiah!”
The prophets also prophesied about the Messiah’s ministry. Isaiah said he would live in Galilee, comfort the broken-hearted, proclaim freedom to captives, and release to prisoners. He also predicted that the Messiah would heal sick people, including those who could not hear, see, speak, or walk.
Did you think this healing only occurred 2,000 years ago?
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Rejected without Reason
Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be hated without reason and rejected. The Psalms foretold the Messiah, that people would gamble for his clothes and he would be betrayed by a friend. (Psalms are Jewish worship songs in the Scriptures.) Zechariah foretold that the friend would be paid thirty pieces of silver for betraying him
But Jesus, said unto them, a prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. Mark 6:4
Without Calvary there is no gospel to preach. He died to save you and I from hell.
The prophets also told about how the Messiah would die. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be spit on, mocked, and beaten. Then he would be pierced and hung on a tree where he would die. The Messiah would be perfect, having no sin. He would die to receive the punishment for other people’s sin. His punishment would bring peace between God and people. For this reason, it pleased God to crush the Messiah.
Sin has a cost. Jesus paid the ultimate price for us.
Not only would the Messiah die, but the prophets foretold that God would raise him from the dead. Through the Messiah’s death and resurrection, God would complete His plan of salvation and start the New Covenant.
God showed the prophets many things about the coming Messiah, but the Messiah had not come yet. More than 400 years after the last of these prophecies was given, when the time was perfect, God sent the Messiah into the world.
Jesus, Paul, Peter, the apostles and prophets testified to the accuracy and truthfulness of the scriptures. Here are some of the scriptural prophecies relating to Jesus, the promised Messiah.
The first promise of the coming Messiah came to Adam and Eve. God promised that a descendant of Eve would be born who would crush the snake’s head. The snake who deceived Eve is Satan. The promise means the coming Messiah would defeat Satan completely.
Gods promise to Moses
God promised Moses that He would raise up another prophet like Moses. This was another reference to the coming Messiah.
Gods promise to David
God promised David that the Messiah would be one of David’s own descendants. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God promised that He would make a New Covenant, but not like God’s Covenant with Israel. In the New Covenant, God would write His law on the people’s hearts, the people would know God, they would be His people, and God would forgive their sins. The Messiah would start the New Covenant.
Messiah’s birth predicted
The prophets also predicted the birth of the coming Messiah. Malachi foretold that a great prophet would come before the Messiah came. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be born from a virgin. Micah said that he would be born in the town of Bethlehem. ………. more next post.
God promised Abraham that through him all people groups of the world would be blessed. This blessing was the coming Messiah who would one day provide the way of salvation for all people groups.
I will make of thee a great nation
God
God’s covenant with Abraham, “I will make of thee a great nation,” was fulfilled in three ways.
(a) In a natural posterity – “as the dust of the earth,” Gen. 13:16; John 8:37 namely the Hebrew people.
(b) In a spiritual posterity – “look now toward heaven… so shall the seed be” (John 8:39); (Rom 4:16-17); (Rom 9:7-8); (Gal 3:6); (Gal 3:7); (Gal 3:29), namely all men of faith, whether jew or gentile.
(c) fulfilled also through Ishmael (Gen 17:18-20).
Our God is a faithful God. He would not let his just and righteous servant die until as promised he saw the salvation of the world.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Paul to the Churches of America
The STORM is coming
“You have put Me out of congress, out of your schools, even out of your churches.
You have compromised My word, seeking the favour of man rather than My written word. You have compromised My gospel of truth to a gospel of compromise.
You asked for My hand but never My heart. You asked for what you want but never what I want. You have become selfish and self-centred and your ways are unholy. You break all of My laws yet constantly you want My blessings but you don’t want to be a blessing to anyone other than yourself. You have no concern for the broken-hearted, the lonely and the sick. You do not want to tell anyone or very few about My love or what I did on Calvary for them. You have become a social club, more interested in entertaining yourself but no interest in reaching the lost and the lonely who do not know Me.
Listen carefully to My next words….:
Unless you repent of your evil ways and seek My heart and My forgiveness, I will pour out My wrath upon you. Your winter will consist of snowstorms, of sleet, of hurricanes, even earthquakes.….. like never before seen in your country. And maybe then and only then will I get your attention.
The times now are dark and evil but My light is coming to dispel this darkness. My gospel is coming and it is a gospel of truth which is a gospel of Calvary – what I did for this world to save it from disaster. You have to stop having social gatherings and have real worship when you come before Me with a pure heart and clean hands. Then and only then will I hear your supplications and prayers. I have blessed this country for so long and they have accepted My blessing as a natural experience but now I am withdrawing it. You will have to seek it with all of your hearts”.
This is a letter given to me by God to give to you and the American Churches – which I will do and it is all about repentance. It is a strong letter but I suggest you listen. We have a very strong God. Read about Israel who didn’t listen.
IF my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.2 Chronicles 7:14
Oct 4th: S T O R M , earthquake and hurricane Prophecy revealed on site and by email to pastor networks and organisations through USA.
Oct 6th: posted on Facebook and Twitter with emails sent directly to pastor organisations and churches in New england.
Over subsequent weeks, repeated warnings on Facebook, LinkedIn, twitter, websites and blogs with emails sent directly to many Christian leaders and global ministries.
Five Fold Ministry Ireland 
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