Life of Jesus

LIFE OF JESUS

 By Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer  jerry@schmoyer.net 

http://www.mainstreetbaptist.org/  -  http://india.mainstreetbaptist.org/ Copyright Ó 1998

 

1. GOD’S TIMING

 

2. GLORY BE! BY GABRIEL       

 

3. DUMB ZACHARIAS! BY ZACHARIAS       

 

4. “I’M YOURS, LORD” BY MARY       

 

5. “CONGRATULATIONS, JOSEPH, IT’S A GOD”  BY JOSEPH

 

6. THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST

BY SHEPHERDS       

 

7. FINALLY! BY SIMEON       

 

8. THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST BY HEROD       

 

9. KING-MAKERS FIND THEIR KING

BY THE MAGI       

 

10. OVERVIEWBY JERRY SCHMOYER       

 

11. LOSING YOUR HEAD FOR JESUSBY JOHN THE BAPTIZER   

   

12. DEATH MISSION VOLUNTEERBY JOHN THE BAPTIZER       

 

13. JESUS GOES PUBLIC BY NATHANAEL   

   

14. THE ORIGINAL ST. NICK BY NICODEMUS       

 

15. JESUS’ GREATEST REVIVAL BY NICODEMUS   

   

16. CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP BY HEVEL       

 

17. FISHING FOR MEN BY MATTHEW   

   

18. LOSE YOUR LIFE TO FIND ITBY MATTHEW

 

19. HOW TO HANDLE PEER PRESSUREBY JAMES (Brother of Jesus)   

   

20. THE GREATEST SERMON EVER GIVENBY JAMES (Brother of Jesus)

 

21. MIRACLE MAKERBY JESHUA   

 

22. CHRIST VERSUS SATANBY JESHUA   

 

 

23. JESUS KNOWS HOW YOU FEEL

BY ABIEL   

 

24. TRANSFIGURED!

BY JAMES (Brother of John)   

 

25. WOMEN & GRACE

BY 2 WIDOWS   

 

26. WOMEN & FORGIVENESS

BY 2 IMMORAL WOMEN   

 

27. MARTHA: A MODERN SLAVE

BY LAZARUS   

 

28. THE MAN WHO CHEATED DEATH

BY LAZARUS   

 

29. THE TEARFUL ENTRY

BY JOSES   

 

30. WHAT WILL WASH AWAY MY SINS?    

NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS

BY JOHN   

 

31. THE DAY THEY ARRESTED GOD

BY BARTHOLOMEW   

 

32. BROKENNESS!

BY PETER   

 

33. “I JUST FLOGGED A GOD!”

BY PILATE   

 

34. THE DAY DEATH DIED

BY BARABBAS   

 

35. “PEACE BE WITH YOU”

BY THOMAS   

 

 

 

1. GOD’S TIMING

 

            Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980), the movie director, told a parable in Guideposts (1959) about the unknown.  There once was a king who was granted two wishes.  His first was to see the future.  But when he saw all that lay ahead — the beauty and the pain — he immediately asked for his second wish; that the future be hidden.  “I thank Heaven,” the master of suspense proclaimed, “that tomorrow does not belong to any man.  It belongs to God.”

 

HISTORY = HIS STORY  In fact, ALL history belongs to God: past, present and future.  Every single event is under His control, even to a bird coming to land on the ground (Matthew 10:29).  The rising and falling of the most powerful nations of the world are also under God’s control (Daniel 2:32-47; Acts 4:25).  This is very comforting in a world that seems out of control. 

            One of the best examples of this is the coming of Jesus to earth.  God says that this was in the very time He chose:  Gal 4:4  But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law.  God didn’t sit around waiting for the right time, He actively controlled history so that all the conditions necessary were present when He came to earth.  Just what made this particular time so special? 

            There were three main groups of people God used to prepare the world for Jesus’ first coming.  These affected all areas of life at that time.  Everything was perfectly prepared in the area of politics (Rome), philosophy (Greece) and the people (Israel). 

 

GREECE (PHILOSOPHY)  Greece took over control of Palestine from Persia in 334 BC when Alexander was conquering the whole area.  When he died in 323 the Ptolmey’s ruled there until the Seleucids took over in 219 BC.  During this time the area was totally saturated with Greek culture, thought and philosophy (a kind of humanism not much different from New Age thought today).  Many Jews bought into this, lead by a group of very liberal-thinking Jews called the Sadducees.  God used this Greek thought to prepare people for the coming Messiah and the spread of the early church because Greek thought was looking for answers but, despite all the attempts to find them, didn’t really produce anything to fill people’s hearts.  There were Epicureans, Stoics, Academics, Orphism, Pythagoreans, Cynics, Skeptics and many more. Socrates, Plate and Aristotle were influencing the people. God was just an intellectual abstraction.  There were no strong gods or goddesses demanding the loyalty and attention of the common people.  Questions were asked but not answered.

            Of great impact on the world, and the Bible, was the spread of Greek as the universal language.  Now people could speak to each other in a common language — very essential to the quick spread of the early church.  Not only was Greek a universal language, but it was a very precise language.  It was just what was needed to convey all the theological nuances and flavors of the New Testament.  God obviously prepared Greek for His Word.

 

 

 

 

 

ISRAEL (PEOPLE)  While the Greeks greatly influenced the land of Palestine, they never conquered the hearts of the people. Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated the temple in the most awful ways and killed any Jews who practiced their religion in any way.  Even quoting a Bible verse was punishable by death. The Maccabeans revolt, led by the Hasmonean family, won back Jewish independence and culminated with the rededication of the temple on December 25, 164 BC.  Unfortunately the Hasmonean rulership soon became almost as oppressive as the Seleucids had been before them.  I movement of conservative Jews who wanted to have the nation turn back to God and His Word arose.  Called the Pharisees, they led the people in civil war which just made everything worse.  This so weakened the nation that the Romans, having defeated the Greeks, were easily able to annex Palestine in 63 BC.

            During all this, though, Jews were moving into virtually every nation of the world.  This dispersion was very foundational to the spread of the early church.  The Jews brought their message of one God reveled in the Bible Who wanted His people to life a holy life to every nation, setting the groundwork for the spread of the early church.  Their synagogues became perfect places to first preach the Good News of Jesus the Messiah.  The church became patterned after the synagogue. 

            Also during this time period the Septuagint (LXX) was translated.  For the first time the Jews, and also anyone who could read Greek, could read the Bible for themselves.  This opened the way for the spread of the Gospel, too.  God was working to bring all this about.

 

ROME (POLITICS)  While the Greeks influenced the minds of men, Rome controlled their bodies.  Rome’s take-over of that whole part of the world also was important in setting the groundwork for what was to come.  For the first time there was world peace, and it lasted for several hundred years.  That meant it was safe to travel anywhere.  Rome built marvelous roads for travel.  Travel by ship was safe, too.  Pirates and robbers were kept under control.  Because of peace as well as advances in technology, it was no longer for everyone to spend the vast majority of their time growing their own food.  Many people moved into cities and pursued other crafts.  This made it possible for Paul and the other early missionaries to go into the cities where people were already gathered and preach.  This was MUCH more efficient than going from farm to farm!

            Then, too, Rome allowed religious freedom.  They did not dictate who or what was to be worshipped.  People could decide for themselves.  The old gods and idols their ancestors worshipped no longer held much interest and often didn’t apply to their new lives in the cities.  City life brought its share of new problems, too.  Sin was rampant.  Alcoholism, immorality, homosexuality, prostitution, crime, murder, extortion and political corruption were rampant.  Something was needed to give meaning, peace and satisfaction in life.  The stage was set for the message of Jesus

            Gal 4:4  But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law.  God IS in control of history, of ALL history.  He has everything set up just the way He wanted it to be for Jesus’ first coming.  He’s doing the same right now, getting ready for Jesus’ return.  It’s His world.  He is sovereign Lord over all that happens. Praise His name!

 

2. GLORY BE!

By Gabriel        

 

            “Don’t be afraid!”  That’s how I start my conversations with humans.  Whenever I appear in angel form people fall in fear, so terrified they can hardly speak.  They assume I am coming in judgment.  Don’t they realize that angels only appear to those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior?  Don’t they remember that those who have done this will NEVER have to fear judgment from God (Romans 8:1)?

            MY NAME IS GABRIEL.  I come from the very presence of the Lord.  When we manifest ourselves among human beings we take on the form of a human being ourselves so as to be able to work in privacy (Hebrews 13:2: Genesis 18:2-10; 19:1ff)).  By the way, I’ve seen some of the pictures you make of us — babies, feminine, weak and sissy!  We are might, powerful soldiers who belong to the army of God!

            We are messengers – that’s what the Greek word ‘angel’ really means.  We come to earth to help and protect God’s people, especially from Satan’s demons and their attacks.  We are always around, watching you — but you can’t see us!  Our purpose is to bring glory to God, not to ourselves.  Any attention we get without God getting more is wrong.  After all, who would glorify their mailman for delivering a million dollar gift while not acknowledging the one who gave the gift?  God gets all the glory, we are just serving Him, as are you.

            God created us first, then we watched Him create the universe in 6 days — since then we haven’t been able to stop praising and worshipping Him for Who He is and what He has done (as well as continues to do). 

            God created millions and millions of us (Hebrews 1222; Revelation 5:1).  We are NOT people who have died.  We are like humans in that we have a mind, will and emotions.  We can only be one place at a time and don’t have all knowledge or power, only what we get from God.  Unlike you, though, we are not limited to a physical body, we are all male and don’t reproduce, and we only had a one-time chance to exercise our free will.  That was when Lucifer (now called Satan), the greatest angel God created, rebelled against submitting to God and in his pride and rebellion challenged God’s power (Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28).  He was immediately cast out of heaven and about 1/3 of the angels followed him.  Now they are called demons — fallen angels.  They counterfeit us and try to act as angels of light to mislead mankind, and are quite successful!  They oppose God’s kingdom and, like their leader Satan, seek to have people follow and worship

them.  Since earth is their kingdom (Adam gave it to Satan when he sinned) they are very successful.  When someone is born into God’s family he finds himself living in enemy territory, a source of light among Satan’s darkness.  That is why we are needed to help you and protect you from this unseen enemy who would torture and kill you if God would allow it. 

            Of course you know there is no question about who will ultimately rule this earth and the whole universe.  Since God Himself came to earth (called Jesus) as a man and took on Satan and all his forces, defeating them on the cross by paying for sin and overcoming all the demons could throw at Him, their ultimate defeat has been certain.  There is no question of Who really is the great ruler of the universe.  God is still delaying the final mop-up action, though, until all those who would accept His free gift of salvation do so.  Then all hell will break loose!

            IN THE MEANTIME our missions are typically restraining actions related to this ongoing rescue program.  We move into an area and secure a perimeter of operations from enemy interference.  I can’t tell you much about our secret operations for enemy soldiers listen to all we say, but I can give you an example.  One time Dothan, home of Elisha, was surrounded by the Syrian army.  Michael’s unit was deployed to ensure the safety of Elisha.  The Commander notified Elisha we were there but his servant didn’t know that and was alarmed.  Elisha sent up a special request for us to unveil, so we executed a partial decloaking and the servant was very impressed! (II Kings 6)

            When not fighting on earth we are in heaven at the throne worshipping and praising God (Psalm 103:20-22; 148:1-14; Revelation 5:11-13; 7:11-12).  Yes, I guess you could say we are the policemen of the universe, carrying out and executing God’s orders and making sure all fallen angels must obey them, too.  The only time we were unable to do that was at the crucifixion when we were held back in the darkness so Satan and his forces could do their best to get Jesus to crack.  They knew their ultimate victory or defeat lay in defeating him — and we couldn’t help!  That was a nightmare!  Glory to God, though, He was victorious.  Because of that victory He has the final say and uses that power to protect you.

            We, as messengers, carry out God’s orders (Daniel 10).  We bring answers to prayer, prevent accidents, protect believers and children from injury (unless God allows it for a plan and purpose known only to Him).  We help you find things when you loose them.  We go ahead of you and prepare the path for your daily activities.  We watch you to see God’s grace at work, and that amazes us!  To be quite honest, we angels aren’t very impressed with people and their selfish sinfulness.  We don’t understand why God loves you so much, but you can be glad He does or you’d be nothing!  We are therefore very impressed with God and His mercy.  Since we no longer have a free will we can’t and don’t experience His mercy, so seeing it in your lives is a most impressive!  I hope you realize what a good deal you have, how much you owe to God’s love and mercy!  I know you will realize it when you see it all from our perspective.  Until then…. 

            Well, anyway — back to my story.  My name is Gabriel, as I said. My name means “God is Great.” Michael and I are God’s two highest-ranking angels.  God has us all divided as an army with generals, colonels, majors, etc., on down to privates.  We are called thrones, dominions (Cherubim and Seraphim), principalities and powers. 

            I HAD THE PRIVILEGE of making many special announcements to people.  I interpreted God’s revelation to Daniel (8:16; 9:21).  I appeared to Zechariah in the temple (Luke 1:11-19).  I had good news — he would have a son in his old age and that boy would be the forerunner of the coming Messiah.  That contact didn’t go so well, though.  Six months later I appeared to a young woman named Mary to tell her she would have a son, the Messiah, while still a virgin (Luke 1:26-29).   Shortly afterwards I went to her husband (before they had started living together or consummated the marriage) with the same news (Matthew 1:20-21). 

            There is one more scheduled appearance of mine on earth, and its one I look forward to as much as you do.  I’ll announce it with my trumpet.  You call it the rapture.  We call it our day of vengeance and justice.  After centuries of watching enemy forces harasses and cause all kinds of evil, we’ll finally be able to take them.  With God’s power there is no doubt who’ll win!  Then we’ll reign together for all eternity. You will have a much higher position than us and will actually rule over us (I Cor 6:3; Heb 5:2).  After all, you are the Bride of Christ and we are but servants, messengers.  Still, we’ll all praise and worship God for all eternity.  We’ll proclaim His glory day and night.  Why not get started doing that now?  Glorify Him for all He has done, is doing and will do for you!  He deserves all your praise and much more.  See that He gets it!

3. DUMB ZACHARIAS

By Zacharias        

 

            “See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.   “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.  He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”  (Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6)

            With these words the Old Testament closed.  For 400 years there was nothing but silence.  Many thought God had forgotten His promises to Israel, but not everyone.  My parents still believed.  They named me “God remembers.”  My wife, Elizabeth, was named “God’s promise.”  Her parents believed, too.  They passed their faith on to us.  We needed all the faith we could get, for it wasn’t easy to trust God when we were childless.  To everyone that was proof of God’s displeasure with us.  How was I to minister to them as a priest and rabbi if I had God’s stamp of rejection?  Oh, sure, we prayed and prayed for years but nothing changed.  At least it seemed that way for many years.  Then the most incredible thing happened (Luke 1:5-10). 

            THE GROUP OF PRIESTS which I was part of served in Jerusalem during the 8th month of the year.  The rest of the year we served in our local communities.  The high point of the day was when one priest was chosen to go into the Holy Place to trim the wicks on the lampstand and sprinkle incense on the golden altar.  One of us was chosen by lot to go in at dawn and another in midafternoon, which was the more special of the two.  Being chosen was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  Many priests never ever got the chance.  I had never been privileged to do it in all my years of service. 

            Then one day the lot fell to me!  I was ecstatic with pleasure.  I was sobered, too, as I remembered that if it weren’t for God’s grace and mercy, I could be struck dead for approaching His presence.   All went well at first, but then as I was offering up the prayers of the nation at the altar of incense all of a sudden there was this great, marvelous being standing there talking to me!  I was terrified, thinking this meant my death.  It turns out it was Gabriel (Luke 1:11-17). 

            “Your prayer has been heard” I was told.  At first I didn’t realize what he was talking about.   Then it hit me: the baby!  I had stopped praying for that 20 years ago when Elizabeth went through menopause.  I don’t think she stopped praying for a child until just a few years ago, though. 

            Now I was hearing that we were to have a child, a son none the less.  Here I thought God’s answer to my many prayers was “No” but it turns out it was really just “Wait.”  What’s more, this son was to be the one who went before the Messiah, telling everyone to get ready for His coming.  Yet, despite all this good news, there was a lot of unresolved bitterness and self-pity inside because of how long God had delayed in answering our prayers.  NOW God is going to do this marvelous thing, when we are old.  Why not earlier?  If He couldn’t give us a son when we were younger, how could He do it now that our bodies were too old to have children?  Because of my doubt I was told I would be dumb until this son was born (so I better believe it really would happen) (Luke 1:18-20). 

            BY THE TIME this exchange was over and I went back outside, people were wondering what was happening (Luke 1:21-22).  I couldn’t even speak the blessing to dismiss them.  I just had to wave them away.  When my time of service in Jerusalem was over I went back home (Luke 1:23). 

            I was full of emotion when I went back home: emotion and excitement, but also guilt and remorse.  Elizabeth only felt joy (Lk 1:24-25). 

            I spent the next several months sitting and thinking.  I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t minister, I couldn’t even tell when had happened to me in the temple.  I wrote it out for Elizabeth and she told everyone.  I had plenty of time to think about God’s promises to be faithful, such as Isaiah 49:14-15:  “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”

            THE FIRST MONTHS weren’t so bad.  Then Mary came to visit and Elizabeth had someone to talk with.  Toward the end, though, it got long!  Jewish women were secluded in the home for the last five months of a pregnancy, so everyone had to come here to see her.  Woman were constantly in and out: talking and giggling.  I heard a thousand birth stories, each one more grisly than the one before it.   Every ache and pain was analyzed.  All they talked about were swollen ankles, upset stomach, can’t bend down — you’d think it was the first time a woman ever got pregnant!  Worse of all, I couldn’t do anything but sit there and take it all in!  Elizabeth got to tell everyone what God said.  I did find lots to do in the garden that year — in fact it was the best kept garden I ever had. 

            Inside, though, I was really thrilled, for her and for myself.  Just to think — I would really have a son!!!  I thought often of Abraham who, despite his own doubts, had a special son from God in his old age.  I realized God answers our prayers but in His own time, not ours.  Delay is not denial.  I learned God answers in His own way.  We are to pray the problem, not the solution.  I learned He answers in His own power: that’s the only way He gets the glory.  I could only talk to God, and I did plenty of that!

            THEN CAME THE DAY my son was born (Luke 1:57-58).  I never saw a bunch of women so excited!  I think I was even more excited then them, though.  John’s birth was the only birth recorded in the New Testament besides Jesus.  The whole first week after his birth was constant celebration.  Every movement, every cough, every coo, every filled diaper was a big thing!

            Then came the 8th day after John’s birth, the day of a boy’s circumcision.  Contrary to all traditions, I didn’t name the baby Zacharias after myself.  It was almost like I was disclaiming to be his father.  It wasn’t that, it’s just that he had a Father far above me, One who had already chosen his name (Luke 1:59-66).  “He name is John” I wrote.  ‘John’ means ‘The Lord is gracious,’ and indeed He is!  Immediately upon that act of obedience God removed my dumbness and I could talk.  My first words were those of praise to God, expressing what has been building in my heart for the last nine months (Luke 1:68-79).  I was awed and humbled by the privilege and responsibility of raising the one who would be herald of the Messiah.  What a blessing!

            That little baby was the center of attention and the main topic of conversation in our home as well as our whole village for some time to come.  I don’t think there ever was a baby more loved!  What a joy it was.  We felt like teenagers again!  We knew we wouldn’t have many years with him because of our age, but God blessed and used every minute we had.  God kept us alive long enough to see him grow in faith and love for God, and that is what was most important for us (Luke 1:80). 

            AS FOR ME, I didn’t doubt God again.  I knew He knew what He was doing.  God used my small faith and helped it grow.  I trusted His promises to help raise him despite my age.  You, too, can trust God’s promises in your own life.  You can trust Him for strength (Deut 33:25; Isa 40:29), rest (Mt 11:28), victory over sin (I Cor 10:13), forgiveness of sin (Rom 8:1; I John 1:9) and peace (Ps 118:6; Psalm 23:4; Isa 41:10).  God can be trusted.  God is worthy to be trusted.  Try Him and see!

 

 

4. “I’M YOURS, LORD”

By Mary

 

            My name is Mary (‘Miryam’).  It means bitterness.  It was the most common girls name in my time because many parents wanted their daughters to grow up to be godly women like Miriam.   There was nothing special about me or my family.  The only special thing was that God chose to use me.  I’ll never forget how it all began.

            My father was in the field working and mother had gone to the market.  I was home alone, mending clothes, and daydreaming about Joseph, the man I was to marry.  I didn’t know him very well, but we had grown up together.  We were each in our teens.  I did know Joseph was kind and godly.  He was also handsome!

            Suddenly I was startled!  You know how sometimes you can sense someone standing nearby but haven’t seen them?  There stood a stranger in the doorway.  I assumed he was looking for my father.  There was something very different about him, though.  He just walked in uninvited!  It was a bit scary for men didn’t approach women that way.  It got even stranger when he spoke.  “Hail woman, richly blessed,  The Lord is with you.”

            “Who is this?” I thought.  “What does he want?  Am I in danger.  He doesn’t seem threatening but…”  He certainly had my full attention!

            Like every godly Jewish girl, when I was young I would dream I would be the fortunate woman to give birth to the Messiah.  Those days most adults had forgotten about the Messiah and just saw it as foolish girls’ fantasies.  Our nation had wandered far from God, way into sin.  It was especially bad in Nazareth where I lived.  It was a corrupt army town with more Gentiles than Jews. 

            I had all but forgotten those girlish daydreams as I grew older.  I didn’t catch the man’s meaning right away.  It seemed impossible to be happening.  It seemed like he knew exactly what I was thinking.

            “Don’t be afraid,” he told me.  “You have found favor with God.”  I knew everything I had was by God’s grace, that I had done nothing to earn it or deserve it.  Why was he reminding me of this? 

            Then he said it: “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.”  ‘Jesus’ was a common name, the Greek equivalent to our Hebrew name ‘Joshua.’  They meant “the Lord is our deliverer.”

            When what the angel was saying sunk in it made me wonder when this was going to happen.  Isn’t that the first thing women wonder when they hear they are pregnant?  Did he mean I would be pregnant BEFORE being married?  Again he seemed to read my mind and answered before I asked.  It was almost as if he purposely left this out so I’d wonder and he could emphasize it more. 

            “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.  So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.  For nothing is impossible with God.”

            Nothing is impossible for God.  Even having a baby without a human father.

            You know, some see me as a celebrity and even worship me.  Really all I was was a servant.  A servant is the property of his master to use as he decides.  It requires an attitude of submission and humility.  You might think it was easy to say I was God’s servant because of the great blessing He was bestowing on me. 

 

All the implications of the blessing weren’t clear to me then, though.  What was obvious was the potential cost involved: loss of my reputation and Joseph, criticism and rejection by most people, the discomforts of pregnancy, and a family without a father.  I put God before myself and immediately knew I had to obey.  It had to be total obedience, no bargaining or hesitating. 

            I had always been willing to do whatever God wanted, always committed to following Him entirely.  “I am the Lord’s servant,” I replied.  “May it be to me as you have said.”  Now you think of a servant as someone who works agreed-upon hours for agreed-upon wages, then goes home to do what he wants.  That’s not how it was then.  A servant was a slave.  He had no time which belonged to him, not a free minute ever.  He had no wagers, no home, no opinions — nothing.  That’s what I was agreeing to be to God — His servant to use however He chose.  I wasn’t a naturally submissive person, but I knew this is what God wanted and what I must do.  God chose me and I yielded to Him.

            It’s hard to explain how the pregnancy happened.  It was the most gentle, painless, loving thing that ever happened to me.  This soft yet brilliant light just sort of came around me.  I felt so warm and secure, just full of total peace.  It faded and was gone as quickly as it came.  The whole thing was so delicate and gracious. 

            Still, it wasn’t all easy.  I needed someone to talk to about this.  Joseph was away building houses.  Our contact was very limited anyway by Jewish tradition.  My parents believed and supported me, but it was hard for them to understand.  One day I went to the market.  I left home with great feelings of love in my heart.  I was grateful for all God had done for me, a poor peasant girl.  It overwhelmed me.  But in the marketplace my joy turned to sorrow and shame as the glances and whispers rubbed rawness into my soul.  I wasn’t even able to complete my shopping.  I hurried home with my basket still half empty.  I had to get away.  Who would really understand?  Elizabeth!

            My parents sent me along with some from our synagogue who were going down to Jerusalem and I made the 4-day trip with them.  I was really looking forward to talking to Elizabeth.  It was as if the messenger put this idea in my mind when he told me about her miraculous pregnancy, too.

            As I got closer, though, I got more and more apprehensive.  What if she didn’t believe me or mocked me?  She was much older, the wife of a godly and respected priest.  What would she think of an unmarried pregnant teenager? Would anyone ever believe my story?

            She was home cooking when I arrived.  She answered my knock with “Who’s there?”  “Mary of Nazareth, Heli’s daughter,” I called inside.  Immediate revelation was given to her about what had happened to me.  Her baby jumped for joy and kicked her.  Her joy and acceptance of me was total and unconditional.  She praised God for His marvelous works.  I was greatly relieved!  I didn’t have to use the ‘speech’ I had been working on in my mind as I got closer to their home. 

            We had a wonderful time together.  God provided just what I needed.  Soon, however, it was time for me to head home.  Her baby was about to be born and I had to return.  Traveling back toward home brought reality back to my mind.  What about Joseph?  He must have heard I was pregnant by now. He would have no way of knowing this was God’s baby.  What would he think of me?  I had to leave all that to God.  But how would I support the baby?  Everything was new and happening so fast.  I was scared and excited at the same time.  Feeling the baby move within me was absolutely thrilling!  Nevertheless I wondered at times if I could be as good a mother as He needed.  Would I be able to meet His needs?  What about my needs — I’d have to keep trusting God to meet them.  What would my son be like?  What all would life have for Him?  Somehow I could sense that there would be pain as well as joy, sorrow as well as pleasure.  Time would reveal it all.

            For now, I was willing to be God’s servant, to have Him use me however He chose.  What greater privilege could a person have?  What better way was there to spend this short life on earth?

 

5. “CONGRATULATIONS, JOSEPH, IT’S A GOD”

                                                By Joseph       

 

            My name is Joseph (Yosef).  Those who knew me called me Yosi.  Some have said I am the most forgotten character in the Bible.  In Christmas pageants even the inn keeper gets a bigger part than me (and there really wasn’t an inn keeper).  I’m often just a moving prop, following Mary around.  That’s a tough role for a man, very humbling.  Still, it isn’t really true.  I did have an important part in the story of Jesus’ birth.  I’d like to tell you about it if you have a minute. My story revolves around my hands.  Look at my hands.  They tell you that I work with wood and stone.  You can see the history of my work in them: scars, calluses and cuts.  You can tell a lot about a man by his hands.  Farmers have different hands than fishermen.  Hands are important to a man.  You men understand.  We create and produce with our hands.  Where would we be without them? 

            I used my hands to build homes and buildings.  Mainly we used stone, but also wood for windows, doors and roof timbers.  I worked with my father, first learning from him and then, after my bar mitzvah at age 12, as his partner.  We weren’t any big ‘success’ as the world would call it.  But family and friends were more important to my father than long hours and lots of money.  I’m glad he was that way.  I agreed with him.  A man must find his fulfillment in his wife and family, not in his job. 

            You can see why my hands are so important to me.  I used them to provide for my family, to love and raise my children.  The best thing these hands did, though, was to hold the Messiah, God Himself come to earth as a baby.  These were the first hands to ever touch Him.  I brought Him into the world with these very hands!  You know it does something to a man to see a baby born.  Being there when the woman he loves goes through all that brings up emotions and feelings we men usually avoid.  I wasn’t entirely comfortable with them, but there were good, healthy emotions.  There’s nothing like holding a newborn baby in your hands to get everything in live in proper perspective!  Just think, God used these very hands to raise His son!  I never would have thought it would be this way when growing up. 

            Nazareth was a very ungodly, pagan town.  It was a small town full of Gentiles and Roman soldiers.  It wasn’t a place for a devout Jewish family, but that’s where God had put my family.  My father was a good role model of a man of God.  I, too, committed myself to living for God.  I obeyed His law and believed in His promises of a coming Messiah to pay for my sins.  It wasn’t easy living or God in my time and in Nazareth.  There weren’t many of us who loved God, even among the Jews. 

            I did have one friend growing up who loved God as I did.  Her name was Miriam.  You call her Mary.  Our parents were friends and we saw each other each time we went to synagogue.  Somehow it became understood that we would one day marry.  We got along so well we each looked forward to being together.  We shared so much in common.  As we became teenagers our friendship developed into a deep love for each other.  We weren’t allowed much private time together, but we just naturally had a deep bonding of our spirits.  It was like we knew what the other was thinking, so we didn’t have to always be talking.  We each thanked God for His wonderful provision and anxiously awaited the time we could start our own family together.

            We were legally married, called the eyrusin.  That means the dowry (the mohar) was paid and vows said.  All was legally binding.  A contract, the ketubah, was signed.  We were legally married, called husband and wife, but wouldn’t live together until later.  There was a 9 – 12 month waiting period to make sure she wasn’t pregnant and to give me time to build a room onto our family insula for us to use.  It was during this time that my world fell apart!

            You know how gossip is.  I heard in the worst possible way about Mary being pregnant.  The more I checked into it the more I found it to be true.  What was I to do?  I was forbidden by God’s command to marry her. The law said she should be stoned, but that wasn’t enforced much any more.   I could have her publicly proved wrong and embarrassed so I could get my dowry back and have my reputation cleared.  This is what everyone said I should do.  There was another way, though.  I could privately and quietly divorce her, lose my dowry and reputation, but protect her from ridicule and criticism.  This is what I had decided to do when Gabriel appeared to me in a dream and said it would be all right to go ahead and marry Mary anyway.  She really hadn’t broken the law for she was still a virgin.  The baby was God’s!  Was I glad!  I didn’t think anyone would believe me, but I didn’t care.  Imagine the other construction workers when I told them Mary was still a virgin, it was God’s miracle-baby in her!  That would be hard on a male’s ego.

            All I had was one dream to go on.  What if I had imagined it, or had wanted it so badly I only thought it happened?  I prayed, talked to my parent’s and Mary’s parents, and decided to go ahead and marry her as I had wanted to do all along.  

            We went ahead and had the final wedding ceremony, the nissuin.  There was a special solemness and seriousness to it under the circumstances, though.  It was nice having Mary as my wife and being able to be in our room to talk and pray together.  It was frustrating not being able to be close physically, but we both agreed this was best so there could never be any doubt that Jesus was God’s baby and not mine.  God can give a man control of his sexual urges, I found.  Later we had 4 sons and 2 daughters of our own, but for now it was time to wait.  Two of those sons, James and Jude, were leaders in the early church and wrote books that are in the Bible.

            It wasn’t long, though, before we heard I had to go to Bethlehem for a census and taxation.  Only the man was required to go, but Mary insisted on coming to get away from the gossip and stay with me.  It took a week to make the 90 mile trip.  We slept in tents.  Finally we arrived in Bethlehem only to find it full up with others already arrived for the census.  A man was kind enough to let us use the cave under his home, where he stabled his animals, for shelter.  A man wants the best for his wife, and felt very bad that I couldn’t provide any better than that.  We were content, though.

            We found a midwife to help with the delivery, which came soon after we arrived.  Maybe the long trip brought the baby on sooner, but it was a safe delivery and both mother and son were fine.  I got to deliver the baby and hold Him first — with these very hands!

            I cleaned out a shelf carved into the wall where food was kept up off the damp, dirty floor and we used that as a bed for the baby.  It was amazing how similar His entrance into the world and exit from the world were.  There was terrible pain and darkness, His bloody body wrapped in cloths, anointed with perfume, and laid on a stone shelf inside a cave — both by a man named Joseph!  It was my hands that did it the first time, but those of Joseph of Arimathea who did it when Jesus died for I was no longer alive.  Anyway, it like He was under the shadow of the cross from the very start!

            For thirty yeas we were best friends, together at home, work and synagogue.  Be bounced thoughts off each other and were as close as any two human beings can be.  I knew Him better than anyone else.  My hands touched and worked with His hands for 30 years.  I never really understood how He could be both man and God, but I know He was.  He was my friend, my son, my Savior.  Is He your Savior, too?  There’s none other.  I ought to know.

6. THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST

By the Shepherds        

 

            “Oh, excuse me.  I didn’t see you approach our fire.  Cone on over, come closer.  It’s a cold night, come share our fire.  We don’t get many visitors here.  No one bothers with us.  Shepherds aren’t very popular, you know.

            “I hope the smell doesn’t bother you too much.  We don’t notice it any more ourselves.  We don’t have many opportunities to wash — and neither do the sheep!  Oh, well, at least we’re in the open air!

            “I love these dark, crisp nights, don’t you?  The stars seem so close you can reach out and touch them.  You know, this reminds me of another night similar to this one: dark, cool and peaceful.  We had surprise visitors then, too.  Only they were angels.  Say, you aren’t angels, are you?  No, I didn’t think so!

            “Anyway, back to my story.  Where was I?  Oh, yes.  I was going to tell you about that special night.  You know, whenever anything important is to be known, God makes it known to us.  We wouldn’t have known that night was special if God hadn’t told us.    No one else would have!

            “Because we were shepherds we had no civil rights.  We couldn’t be a witness in court, judges thought we were untrustworthy.  We couldn’t sell wool or milk from our flocks, people would assume we stole it.  The Mishnah, our book of laws and rules, said, “No one should feel obligated to rescue a shepherd who has fallen into a pit.’

            “Fortunately God didn’t feel that way about us, or we would never have known what happened that night.  As it turns out, we were the ONLY ones to find out.  Why did God choose shepherds to give this wonderful news?  Could it be that we are humble and open, close to nature and God?  Perhaps it was because David himself was a shepherd here in these same hills.  That’s where he wrote many of his psalms of praise to God.

            “Anyway, we kept sheep for several people.  Many of our sheep were for the temple sacrifices.  Possibly the next Passover lamb was in our flock.  We shepherds knew about sacrifice and shedding innocent blood.  The sacrifices hurt us much more than the priests who had no connection to the sheep.  We knew them by name, raised them by hand from birth, and were closely attached to each one. 

            “The night I was telling you about was a cool night, in the 40’s.  We had a fire to keep warm.  After it was over we talked about how it must have all come about.  Probably the angels silently drifted downwards toward earth, hovering and taking up assigned positions, until Gabriel moved to the front and gave the command.  Instantly they were all totally visible, like a flash!  The light was God’s glory shining on earth.  It was the brightest I’ve ever seen, but it didn’t hurt my eyes.  It was a relaxing, peaceful light.  The sheep weren’t even scared by it.

            “Then there was Gabriel.  I’m telling you the guy was huge!  He told us to not be afraid, but that he brought us good news of great joy for everyone.  ‘Today in the town of David a Savior has been born you; He is Christ the Lord,’ he said.  ‘This will be a sign to you.  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

            “All the angels joined in shouting, ‘glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.’

            “Our response was to just fall on our knees in praise and worship.   It just came naturally, without really thinking about it.  We praised God for His truth, keeping His promises to send the Messiah.  We praised God for His power in coming as a baby.  We praised God for His grace, mercy and love in sending the Messiah.  We joined the angels in praising God for this wonderful news.  We had often talked and speculated about the promised Messiah: would He come in our lifetime?  Would we even know it if He did come?  Would the nation receive Him, for most didn’t care about God’s promises any more?  We didn’t have time to think about all of that — things were just happening too quickly!

            “We naturally were very interested in seeing this Messiah baby.  It sounded impossible, though, that the Messiah would be found in a feed trough in a cave!  Why not the fanciest palace in Jerusalem?  We didn’t ask, we just went to town. 

            “We left one man to watch the sheep.  They were safe in the enclosure as long as one man sat in the entrance.  The rest of us went to see the Messiah.  To find Jesus you must be willing to leave all you have: occupation, possessions, even your own sleep and ease.

            “There He was, in a manger all right!  We were the only ones who were told, it seems.  What a privilege!  I was struck by how small and helpless He seemed.  Why didn’t He come as a full-grown man, like Adam did?  We were told about his miraculous conception, but his birth was as natural and normal as every one else’s.  To be honest, it was hard to picture Him as God, sitting on David’s throne forever, worshipped by all creation.

            “We had an excellent time with Mary and Joseph, talking and praising God.  It was encouraging for them to have someone to share their joy.  It was confirming to them to hear us repeat what the angels told us.  It was motivating for us to meet and know them.  We wanted to serve God as completely as they were.  In the months to come we spent many hours with them.  We had a special bonding between us that lasted long after they moved. 

            “This whole evening is one we would never forget.  We left there, continually telling others what we had seen.  We never tired of telling the story.  It wasn’t until many years later that we realized the culmination of the whole story and just how important this baby would be. 

            “I thank you for listening to my story and sharing our fire.  Before you leave, though, there’s one more thing I’d like to say.  This isn’t just a history lesson.  This is to show you the importance of worshipping and praising Jesus.  We are created to glorify God. 

            “We bring glory to God when we receive His free gift of salvation.  Each time we admit sin and confess it, we are recognizing sin is our fault.  When we make excuses we are, in effect, blaming God for our sin.  Taking the blame for our own sin glorifies God.  When we live with an attitude of bringing glory to God in all we say and do instead of putting ourselves first we are glorifying and worshipping God.  Witnessing to others, of course, does the same.  Trusting God no matter what is a way of showing our love and faith.  It complements Him by recognizing His sovereignty.  Prayer, likewise, glorifies God by showing our need for Him.  All these are ways of worshipping God.

            “There’s no greater joy in life than comes when one is worshipping God.  There’s no better way to spend your time.  God is certainly worthy of it and deserving of it.  We’ll be doing it for all eternity, so why not start now.  Get a little taste of heaven on earth — worship and praise God!”

 

 

7. FINALLY!

By Simeon

 

            Hello.  My name is Simeon, or Simon.  It’s the same name, just written differently.  It’s a common name: Simon Peter, Simon the Pharisee (Lk 7:36-50), Simon the Leper from Bethany, Simon the father of Judas, and me.  I had a common, everyday name, and lived a common, everyday life.  I had no great social status, no office, no standing.  I was a priest and considered that a great privilege, although most of the other priests considered it a nuisance and a burden.   There were a small group of us who stayed faithful to Jehovah, loved His word, and awaited the promised coming Messiah.  The others, however, just went through the motions of acting religious. 

            Unlike most priests, like Zacharias, who lived in various parts of Palestine and took turns in the temple, I lived in Jerusalem all year round.  I counted this a great privilege and loved to serve God in any way I could.  I often thought of the promised delivered God would send, and often looked at the babies I dedicated in the temple, wondering if one might be Him. 

            I was especially alert when I saw what happened to Zacharias after he came from the Holy Place and couldn’t talk.  Word spread that an angel had talked to him inside.  I knew it was a foreshadowing of great things to come.  I felt God assuring me through His Spirit communicating to my spirit that the Messiah would come during my lifetime, and I would actually get to see Him!  How I would recognize Him I had no idea, I just left that to God.

            One day it actually happened.  It started like every other day.  I performing my duties in the temple: receiving sacrifices, singing with the priestly choir in the morning and afternoon, dedicating babies who were brought in, accepting offerings of cleansing, and serving in any way I could.  One young couple, no different than anyone else, came in looking lost and confused. I immediately went to them to see if I could help.  They came for the mother’s purification from childbirth and the baby’s dedication.  As I spoke to them a strong impression came over me that this was the Messiah!  At first I was confused: this common family and baby were no different than thousands I had seen come through here.  The feeling was so strong, though, that I couldn’t deny it’s truth.  I recognized immediately that this was the way God revealed truth to my spirit, and I rejoiced in what was happening.  My senses became sharper and I became more intense in what was happening.

            Despite the press of the crowds, the sounds of trumpets, singing, people shouting and animals moving about it was like we four were alone.  I received the offering for the mother’s purification.  This was standard procedure.  Childbirth and its accompanying pain was a constant reminder to women of the sin and uncleanness that came from Eve to all people.  The innocent blood offering was a picture of God’s coming Messiah shedding His innocent blood to pay for all sin.  They were poor and could only offer the minimum sacrifice for the mother and son as well. 

            It was optional, but some Jewish couples chose to have their firstborn sons dedicated to the Lord when they reached 40 days old.  This was recognizing that the firstborn belonged to God since He didn’t take their lives in Egypt. 

            As I held the baby the reality of it all just washed over me. “Sovereign Lord,” I said as I dedicated Him,  “as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the

 

 

 

Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2).”  Tremendous peace and joy flooded my soul, such as I never had before or since.

            I noticed the parents were aware that this was a very special time for me.  I explained to them what God has been showing me.  They told me their story about the baby’s conception and birth.  I was especially interested in the message to the shepherds.  I knew many of the shepherds from the Bethlehem area, just 5 miles down the road, were part of the godly remnant, those few still loving God and awaiting the coming of His Messiah.  Others were wanting the Messiah to come, but they looked for a military leader to lead a revolt and throw off the yoke of Roman bondage.  We knew better.  What a blessed time we had talking there, in a world all of our own.  I would think of that conversation many times in the years following it.

            It was obvious God put us together on purpose.  Not only was He keeping His promise and blessing me in a very special way, but He was providing friendship and encouragement for this young couple who felt so out of place in such a massive place of noise and turmoil.  I could tell they immediately relaxed and a close bond was formed between us. 

            As the intensity of our conversation wore down I started to become more aware of the swirl of activity around.  I was no longer totally wrapped up in myself but started thinking of others who also were awaiting this Messiah.  I couldn’t wait to tell them He was here!

            Then out of the corner of my eye I noticed Anna, a woman of over 100 years of age who had been a widow for 84 years.  She was an educated, talented woman who had a deep love for God.  She was in the temple every moment the gates were open, worshipping God continually.  She seldom even left to eat, preferring to fast often as she prayed and praised He Maker and Creator.  We had often talked of God’s promises and shared together our hope in the soon coming of the Son of David. 

            Evidently she had noticed me first, and seeing the focus of my attention started making her way through the crowd to us.  God’s Spirit had already firmly placed the thought in her mind that this was the Messiah, so I hardly had to say anything in the way of introduction or explanation.  Her years of dedication and commitment to God gave her a special closeness, an insight few had into His workings.  We listened in fascination to her words of praise and encouragement to the baby’s parents.  What a special woman she was!  It was extra special to share my joy with someone as dear to all God’s people as Anna. 

            Before long, though, I had to get back to my duties.  Anna spent the rest of the day with them, showing them around the temple and rejoicing in God’s work with them.

            I never saw them again, but I never forgot the special time we shared together.  I thought of it several times a day for the rest of my life.  I talked to others about it, and so did Anna.  Some of the younger priests were very interested, and I tried to encourage them to keep their faith in God and not fall into the patterns of hypocrisy and empty ritual that were so common everywhere.  Men like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were especially interested, and I prayed often that the words we spoke to them would germinate and take root in their hearts.  Who knew what the future would hold?  I knew I wouldn’t be alive when this baby grew to manhood, nor would Anna, but perhaps some we told these things to would be able to recognize and follow Him when He made His mission known.  What a blessed privilege they would have.  I envied them, but was ever so grateful for the opportunity God gave me that day.

 

 

 

8. THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST        

By Herod

 

            “Who are you?  What do you want here?  How did you get past the guards?  Why are you people always pestering me for something?

            “All right, if you won’t go away, tell me what it is you want.  Let’s hear your complaints!  Everyone wants something from me.  Most would steal my very kingdom if they could!

            “I tried to be a good ruler, but they just took advantage of that.  When I was harsh, they complained to the emperor.  There’s just no pleasing you Jews, is there?

            “So who are you anyway?  You aren’t going to say, are you?  And it looks like you won’t go away.  Well, if you insist on staying you’ll have to hear me out.  There are two sides to every story, you know.  Maybe if you saw my side you’d cease your continual rebelling.  I doubt it, but there’s always a chance, so I’ll tell you my story.  One thing I ask — listen with an open mind.  Forget anything you may have heard about me.  All right? OK.

            “My story begins when the Romans won control of Palestine from the descendants of the Macabeans.  My father, Antipater II, was made ruler of this area.  However he was killed in civil war and I took over.  I had decided that I wanted to be rich and powerful.  I thought that would give me peace and security.  For 33 years I riled over Israel, and had untold wealth and power — but I never found the peace and meaning I was searching for.  My life was filled with turmoil, within and without.

            “It seems I was always fighting for my kingdom.  When Pompey, Cracius and Julius Caesar were fighting for control of Rome I threw my lot with Pompey and gave him my army.  When he was killed by the Egyptians I lost my fortune and kingdom.  Before long, though, Julius was surrounded by the Egyptians and I was able to rescue him.  Therefore I was made king of Palestine again.  Cleopatra became a very bitter enemy for I was given much of her land to rule.  I was just 26, reputed to be the best hunter and horseman in the world.  I was a great wrestler, tall, charming, athletic, strong and handsome. 

            “During these years Mark Antony, the Calvary officer, and I were friends.  When he and Octavius fought Casius and Brutus I backed them instead.  When they lost I, too, lost my riches and kingdom.  I went to them, offered them my loyalty, was forgiven and made king again.

            “When I returned to Israel the Hasmoneans led the Jews in a revolt and I almost lost my kingdom again.  To make peace I married the last Hasmonean, Mairamne.  It was a disastrous mistake.  I loved her better than all my other wives, but she never loved me. 

            “Meanwhile Antony fell in love with Cleopatra and gave much of my kingdom to her.  I had to go to him and argue to have my land back.  Then Antony divorced his wife, Octavius’ twin sister, to marry Celopatra.  Octavius fought him and I helped Antony, but Antony lost and so did I.  I went to Octavius and told him I was just loyally supporting my friends and now would support him, too.  He made me king again.

            “Five times I honestly raised a fortune, and each time I lost it.  I was naturally gifted in raising money, but it never brought the satisfaction I thought it should.  I developed the largest kingdom in the Roman empire, almost as big as when Solomon was king.   Jerusalem became one of the greatest Roman cities.  I built the hippodrome, theater, and many grand public buildings.  I developed a complex water system and a fine defense.  I built forts throughout the kingdom.  I freed Galilee from bandits.  I also rebuilt Caesarea, Decapolis, Athens and other cities.  I was consider the greatest non-Roman in the Roman Empire (I was half Jew and half Arab).  Even at 65 I was considered the best archer in the empire.  I was fair, generous and tried to give the people I ruled a good life.

            “When famine hit Palestine I gave up my fortune again to buy food so they wouldn’t starve.  Do you know what they did when the famine ended?  They raised an army and revolted against me!  I tell you, those Jews were the hardest people in the empire to rule.  They were stubborn, self-centered, deceitful, dishonest and totally uncooperative.  There was no reasoning with them.  They never liked me, despite all I did for them.  I never found what I was looking for in popularity, either.  The power I held over those who feared or respected me was empty, too. 

            “Fear of death started to torment me.  Fear of losing my kingdom and fortune again were ever present.  Why was I alive anyway?  What good was life — we all ended up dead anyway!  All this started affecting my mind.  I began to build ‘walls’ around myself.  Why try to be kind and fair?  If I couldn’t get love, I would rule by force.  I was told there was a better way, that God revealed promised to His chosen people, the Jews, that a Messiah would come to pay for sin and bring peace to all.  If He chose the Jews for special privileges I certainly couldn’t respect Him!  I did respect some of those who claimed to believe in His promises and live for Him, though.  There was an honest advisor I had who was Jewish, a general whom I respected and trusted who became a ‘godfearer,’ a proselyte to Judaism, and an old housekeeper who had a deep faith in God.  I noticed they had something others didn’t, something I was looking for.  Because of my pride I kept putting off pursuing it, though. I thought about it a lot, but didn’t want to admit the Jews had anything I needed.

            “The last 10 – 15 years of my life were pure torture.  I developed Arterio Sclerosis, Psychosis, and ulcers.  The pressures of the 30 years I spent fighting for my kingdom were taking their tool.   I suffered from rapid mood changes and delusions of persecution.  My heart and kidneys weren’t functioning properly and I started poisoning myself.  I had constant pain and diarrhea the last several years of life.  My lower bowels were gangrenous and filled with maggots.  It got so bad I attempted suicide to find relief but failed. 

            “I became a wild man, eliminating anyone in my way.  I set up my man as high priest in Jerusalem to keep the peace, but when he became too popular I invited him to my palace, got him drunk and drown him in my swimming pool.  I even killed Mariamne, the wife I loved, for plotting against me.  My insane jealousy and fear of losing her drove me to it.  My conscience then tormented me so much I almost was driven insane.

            “I killed my favorite 2 sons for trying to kill me.  They were twins, sons of Mariamne,  and I strangled them with my own hands.  I murdered Antipater I, the next in line for my throne, five days before I died.  I killed thousands, many of them relatives, in my paranoia and fear. 

            “One minor incident during this time was the killing of a couple dozen baby boys near Bethlehem.  The Jews totally missed that one, but my spies didn’t.  They brought me word about the birth of this supposed ‘king.’  I wasn’t going to take any chances, so I had all the boys there killed.

            “By this time I’d given up trying to find peace.  There was no such thing.  My power and riches didn’t provide it, but I wasn’t about to give them up.  They were all I had!

            “On my deathbed I ordered all the noblemen herded into the hippodrome to be killed by the army when I died.  I knew no one would mourn me, but this way I knew there would be mourning in Jerusalem when I died.  Unfortunately they didn’t carry it out.  My soul entered eternity without God or salvation in 4 BC when I was 69 years old, after ruling for 33 years. 

            “My descendants ruled awhile after me, but never found what I was looking for, either.  What about you?  Are you looking to riches, power, popularity and grand accomplishments to meet the emptiness within?  It won’t happen!  That is a dead-end street.  I know, I followed it to its end.  There must be a way, but that isn’t it!  Thanks for listening to my story.  I hope it turns out better for you than it did for me!

 

9. KING-MAKERS FIND THEIR KING

                                                By Magi

 

 

            In the final years BC there was a strange kind of expectation for a coming King.  Most countries and thinkers were aware of this premonition.  They thought He would come through Judah.  This affected the whole ‘mood of nations everywhere.  The west (Rome) and east (Persia) both felt it.  I want to tell you about what it was like to see this King of the universe face to face when He came!  What a privilege that was!

            Isaiah describes Him this way:  “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.  Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory’ (6:1-3).”

            John also saw Him and tells us about it:  “At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.  And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. …  From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. (4:2-11).”  I’m here to tell you that that King left heaven to come to earth, to be born in a cave to a young couple far from home.  I know.  I saw them !  I am a Magi.

            Magi is a Greek word that roughly translates to “wise men who are king-makers.”  “We three kings of orient are” is all wrong.  We were not three but hundreds, we were not kings but king-makers, and weren’t from the orient but near east. 

            “Magi” is the name of the priestly tribe of the Medes, like Levi among the Jews.  We were skilled, capable, respectable and highly educated men.  We held knowledge others had no access to, thus your word ‘magic’ comes from our name.  We were so respected even bandits wouldn’t rob us.  We ruled as a body.  We chose and trained the kings of the east. 

            We were very religious, having worshipped Zoroaster exclusively until Daniel came and became the top magi during his time in Babylon.  He taught us about Yahweh (Daniel 2:10,27,48; 4:7,9; 5:11; 6:4) and a godly minority among us have followed Him from Daniel’s time until my day, 600 years later.  We knew it was about time for this king of the universe we awaited to be born.  Daniel’s prophecy that He would be cut off 483 years after the Jews were allowed to return to Israel was the key (9:24-27).  We knew He’d have to be born soon to grow up and fulfill that prophecy.  We were watching the skies for a star to announce His coming.  Balaam had prophesied a star out of Jacob (Num 24:17) and that’s what we looked for.

            When it appeared we knew it was no natural event such as a conjunction of planets, a nova or a comet.  It wasn’t really a ‘star’ but was literally ‘something that shines, blazes in an incredible way.’  That’s why the Bible doesn’t use the normal word for ‘star’ to describe it (Luke 2).  It was really God’s Shekinah glory coming to earth once again.  What made it certain for us was that this new shining appeared in Coma, near Virgo.  Virgo, the virgin bringing forth the branch and the seed (stars in her hands) was a picture of Israel in general and Mary in particular.  Coma elaborated on this, showing this King was to come to this virgin as a baby.  Some stars are even named ‘Jesus’ in it!

            As astronomers we were very interested in this, as believers we wanted to meet this King ourselves.  We knew He was coming to Israel so we went to its capital, Jerusalem.  That was a 5 month trip of 1,000 miles.  It took months to get supplies corrected and business taken care of so we could take this year-long trip.  Dozens of us went, protected by a thousand of the best Calvary in the world, servants, luggage, etc.  We all rode splendid horses, we were the best horsemen in the world at that time.  Thousands of camels carried our baggage.

            When we got to Jerusalem we assumed He would be the talk of the town.  Imagine our surprise when no one knew and no one cared!  People were more concerned about our visit than the birth of their King!  Herod was particularly disturbed, and no one knew what he’d do.

            You see, our country, Persia, was large and powerful while Rome was weak at this time.  Jerusalem was almost defenseless with most of its soldiers gone to fight in Armenia.  Thirty years before cavalry had come from Persia and chased Herod to Rome where he needed a large army to recapture his kingdom.  We had come to fight Rome here in Palestine in 63, 55 and 40 BC.  To make it worse, the Jews would have supported us in a revolt if we started one.  As it was, we had more than enough soldiers to take over the area.  Everyone knew we were looking for a new king for Persia, and old Herod was so mentally off he’d destroy anything that even seemed like a threat.  The Jews were more upset about what he’d do to them than about us or the birth of their King.

            Oh, they knew the prophecies about His being born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and when we got that information from them we moved on to Bethlehem.  Funny, none of them bothered making the 5 mile trip to see their King.  That was hard for us to understand when we had come so far as such great expense to see THEIR King!

            We knew the general direction of Bethlehem, but not where the boy would be.  God’s Shekinah glory appeared to move before us and lead us to His home in Bethlehem, the same as the Shekinah glory had gone before the Jews when they left Egypt on their way to their promised land. 

            Mary and Joseph had stayed in Bethlehem with friends like Zachariah and Elizabeth nearby.  Back home in Nazareth they would face gossip and rejection.  Here they found peace and acceptance.  They had long ago moved into a local home as Jesus turned from a baby to a toddler.  They had been there almost a year when we arrived. 

            It was so wonderful seeing this One Whom we knew to be the King of the Universe, God Himself in human form.  We bowed and worshipped Him and had a great time talking and sharing with His parents.  It seemed to be very meaningful and encouraging to them to have us come so far.  I guess the local ignorance of their Son and even the rejection they were facing was wearing on them.  They were quite young, it was surprising to see as much maturity in them as we did.

            When you love someone you want to give them gifts.  We gave gifts to our God then and there.  In our land we were more separated from Him, now we could make it up.  We gave kingly gifts: gold (crowns were made of it), frankincense (pure incense, used in worship to our pure God) and myrrh (ointment for dead bodies, recognizing that this God was also a man).  We gave these gifts for these reasons.  We could have given silver, diamonds or money but we felt these better expressed the praise and worship in our heart.  We had no idea how poor they were, or that they would need these riches that very night to finance their sudden flight to Egypt and sojourn there for several years.  God knew, and provided through us before they could even know their need and ask for His provisions.

            What an impact our arrival had on the neighbors!  All too suddenly, though, God told us to leave and go home a different way.  As honest men, we assumed Herod was honorable in his desire to find out more about this Child.  God knew his heart, though, and enabled us to some how slip through his chain of forts, bypass his patrol, and lose his spies as we left.  That was truly a miracle of God.  We would have stayed longer, but we were glad for the time we did have to worship our King.

            When the neighbors saw us gone in the morning, and the family with the King gone, too, they assumed we had taken them back to Persia to make Him king there.  I wish we could have done that, but it wasn’t God’s plan.  When Herod tried to kill Him God had already rescued Him.  God has His plan and nothing would thwart it.  It was too bad those 2 dozen or so boys had to die.  They were the first casualties in this phase of the warfare between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.  I’m very glad I was on the side of the King!

            Years later we heard that He had presented Himself as King (Matthew 21:5, etc.) but that He was rejected.  Only a crown of thorns was given Him.  One day, though, He will return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev 19) and then all will be forced to bow in recognition of Him. I’m glad we could voluntarily bow out of love and devotion, no matter how much it cost us.  What about you?  Is He your king?  His kingdom now is in the hearts and lives of His people.  Does He rule and reign as King of your heart and life?  We were king-makers, but so are you.  Only you can make Him King of your life!

 

 

 

 

10. OVERVIEW

by Jerry Schmoyer

            Each article will have a chart like shown below.  Think of it as a college course.  There are fall, spring and summer sessions.  Jesus’ ministry started in the fall of 29 AD and lasted until late spring of 33 – exactly as long as it would take to get a 4-year degree in college.  The three main Jewish feasts, when all men were required to come to Jerusalem, serve as convenient time points.  The words in each box are keys to the events in that time period.  For example, BBD stands for Baptizer (Jesus), Baptized (Jesus) and Devil (temptation of Jesus). 

	SPRING	SUMMER	FALL
29 AD	BABIES		BBD
30 AD	SEE C	FFNJJ	WELL
31 AD	BLDG.-	MAN	SEA
32 AD	212.	FOOD	SERVING
33 AD	TRAVEL	F.W.	P.R.

            SEE C stands for “See your sin” (John to the Jews), “See your Savior” (John about Jesus) and “See your sovereign” (John to disciples).  C is for Cana (Water to wine) and Capernaum (Jesus’ new home).  FFNJJ refers to First Passover. First temple cleansing, Nicodemus, Judean ministry of Jesus & John, and Jesus leaves Judea when John imprisoned.    WELL refers to the woman at the well, Jesus’ Galilean tour well received, and Nobleman’s son made well.  BLDG.- also lists main events in that time period.  In addition the events in this period centered around buildings.  MAN focuses on special events focusing on men, FOOD on events using food (feeding of 4,000 and 5,000, etc.).

            You will also have a chart showing each event in that particular time period.  It also shows where the event is found in each of the Gospels as well as the geographical location of the event.  On the right is a map with the main locations circled.  Get familiar with the map in the back of your Bible.  It will be a better way of finding where the events happened.  Being able to locate the main events chronologically as well as geographically is very important to a good understanding of Jesus’ life.

 

OBSCURITY (vanishing)				POPULARITY (declining)	OPPOSITION (increasing)
			EXTENDED MINISTRIES
		EARLY MINISTRIES			SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES		Ascension
	OPENING EVENTS					CONCLUDING EVENTS
BABIES	BBD SEE C	FFNJJ	WELL  BLDG.-  MAN  SEA  212.		FOOD	SERVING  TRAVEL	F.W.  P.R.
Incarnation		Early Judean	Early                              Middle Galilean                      Galilean		Later Galilean	Later      Judean  Perean	Perean
	1st Year		2nd Year            I             3rd		Year	4th Year

 

11. LOSING YOUR HEAD FOR JESUS

By John the Baptizer

 

            You know, every time I think about earth I get this strange pain in my neck!  I’m getting it right now.  I wonder what causes that?  Maybe it has to do with the last thing that happened when I was on earth.  Let’s see, what can I remember?   I remember being in a dark, camp, cold and filthy dungeon for over a year.  I remember trying to keep my faith in God despite the miserable conditions I found myself in.  I was confused about the rejection of the Messiah I came to proclaim. 

            Then bright sunlight entered my cell as the door was thrust open.  After weeks of darkness the light blinded me.  Before I could see what was happening I was dragged outside, beaten, hit, spit on, and then forced to kneel with my head over a cutting block.  I remember thinking, “I going to die!”  I didn’t have any fear, just peace.  I did have some unanswered questions: If Jesus was the Messiah, why were people rejecting Him?  Why did He let them turn against Him — and me?  Did I do something wrong?  Then instantly I was in His presence and everything was bright and warm and beautiful.  Those questions no longer meant anything.  It was all behind me and eternity with Jesus lay ahead.  There was no more looking back.  I guess you could say I was the first to lose my head for Jesus!

 

            MY NAME IS YOKHANAN (or Yehohanan).  You call me John, the one who baptized.  I was a PK that turned out right.  I won’t tell you a lot about my birth, for I’m sure you know the story about Gabriel coming to my father (Luke 1).  I had wonderful, godly parents.  However I didn’t have them long enough.  They were quite old when I was born, and when they died I was on my own.  I grew up in the wilderness wearing animal skins and eating locust and honey.  I had taken a Nazarite vow, which meant I never cut my hair, ate grape products or touched a dead person or animal. I never married.

            I could have been a priest, but knew that wasn’t what God wanted. God was preparing me to be an evangelist for Him, but unlike your evangelists today.  People had to make a 2-day trip to come see me.  When there I pointed out their sins as clearly as possible (Mark 1:1-6).  God was using me to be a ‘herald’ – one who went before a king telling people to get the roads fixed and country safe for his welcome.  I did this by calling the people to be baptized as an outward sign of their inner repentance (Mt 3:1-12; Mk 1:1-8; Lk 3:1-18). 

            I started in the fall of AD 29, near the time of Rosh Hashanah which focused on repentance.  Since it was the start of a Sabbatical year when all planting and unnecessary work ceased for a year, many were free to come hear me preach.  This turned the people’s hearts to things of God.  I knew this was a start, something God would use in a very big way.

            I knew I was getting the people ready for the Messiah and was to point everyone to Him.  I had an idea who it was from stories I heard from my mother and father when young.  They told me about my cousin Jesus and His miraculous conception and birth.  I spent many hours studying the prophecies of the Messiah, and as far as I could tell He had fulfilled every one so far. 

            Still, when He came and asked me to baptize Him I wasn’t sure.  We spent several evenings talking about this, our parents, and the work God was starting through us.  I felt HE should be baptizing ME!  Still, I submitted to His will and baptized Him so He could identify with my message and the people’s needs (Mt 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-23).  What a privilege that was — the highlight of my life!  Immediately He left for 40 days to seek God’s will and spend time with God (Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13; Lk 4:1-13). 

            By the time Jesus had returned fall had turned to spring (we had no winter in our climate).  It was the year AD 30.  I was still baptizing in the Jordan, moving up the Jordan valley and living off the land.  I later found out that the day Jesus was tempted by Satan was the same day I was tempted in the same way (John 1:19-34).  The religious leaders came and thought I was the Messiah.  I, too, was tempted to be proud and take God’s glory as my own.  With God’s help I didn’t though.  I told them I was just a voice, a spokesman for God.  I wasn’t the electricity, just the material that conducted it.

            When Jesus returned the next day, Friday, I told everyone he was the Lamb of God, come to take away the sins of the world (John 1:35-51).  Some of my followers understood, but most were looking for a king to defeat the Roman armies.  Saturday I sent John and Andrew to Jesus and they invited James and Peter, their brothers.  All of us were related in one way or another and had known each other to some extent before this time.  On Sunday, when Jews could again travel, They took Philip and Nathanael and the whole gang went to Cana to a family wedding.  There Jesus would do His first miracle (John 2). 

 

            LET ME FINISH UP MY STORY, though.  I continued to point my followers to Jesus, but less than a year later I was arrested for pointing out Herod’s sin of adultery.  After another year in prison I was beheaded (Mark 6:17-29).  I was willing to give my life for Jesus, the One who would give His life for me.  I counted it a real privilege.  It turned out I was just the first of many to do so.

            Matthew suffered martyrdom by being slain with a sword at a distant city of Ethiopia. Mark expired at Alexandria, after having been cruelly dragged through the streets of that city. Luke was hanged upon an olive tree in the classic land of Greece. John was put into a caldron of boiling oil, but escaped death in a miraculous manner, and was afterwards banished to Patmos. Peter was crucified at Rome with his head downward. James the Greater was beheaded at Jerusalem. James the Less was thrown from a lofty pinnacle of the temple, and then beaten to death with a fuller’s club. Philip was hanged up against a pillar at Heiropolis in Phrygia. Bartholomew was flayed alive.  Andrew was bound to a cross, where he preached to his persecutors until he died.  Thomas was run through the body with a lance at Coromandel in the East Indies. Jude was shot to death with arrows.  Matthias was first stoned, and then beheaded. Barnabas of the Gentiles was stoned to death by the Jews at Salonica. Paul after various tortures and persecutions, was at length beheaded at Rome by the Emperor Nero.

            It hasn’t stopped there.  Believers have been persecuted and killed for their faith throughout the centuries.  In the past year it’s been estimated that 160,000 have died for their faith.  More have died for Jesus during the last century than in all previous centuries combined.  As the end gets near, Satan steps up his attack against God and his people.  Don’t be surprised.  Jesus told you “In this world you will have trouble,” but then He adds: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  I was just a friend of the Bridegroom, YOU are the bride (John 3:27-30).  You have a much greater position and privilege in the kingdom.  Love Him.  Live for Him.  And if necessary die for Him.  He’s worth all that and more!

12. DEATH MISSION VOLUNTEER

                                    By John the Baptizer

            One of the most exciting moments in American history was when Colonel Travis drew a line in the dust at the Alamo and Jim Bowie, Davey Crockett and 130 others crossed the line to volunteer to die for the freedom of others.  It’s a recurring theme in history.  There is the lone Calvary soldier who stays behind to hold up the Indians for a few minutes so the rest of the troop can escape to freedom.  Or there is the doughboy in World War I who goes behind enemy lines to destroy a machine gun nest so his buddies can safely advance, knowing he wont make it back.  Then there is the World War II pilot who doesn’t bail out of his plane when hit but stays with it to make sure it crashes safely and not where others will be killed.  Or it may be the marine in Viet Nam who dives on a live grenade to take the impact in his own body and say the others in his patrol.  Many examples could be given, but the greatest one happened 2000 years ago in a place called Palestine. I was the one to draw the line in the dust for my cousin Jesus to cross over.  He is the one who took the stand, who was willing to die for us all. 

IT HAPPENED THIS WAY.  God had called me to be the herald of the Messiah, the one announcing the way and telling everyone that He was coming (Mark 1:1-6).  I had been preaching and baptizing at the Jordan River.  My message was one of repentance from sin and turning to God for cleansing, as pictured in baptism (Mt 3:1-12; Mk 1:1-8; Lk 3:1-18).  The Jordan River was only about 10’ wide and 3-10’ deep.  Many traveled for several days to come hear me.  Most who came responded, but others came to mock and spy for the religious leaders.  It was the fall, near Rosh Hashanah when the focus is on repentance, of AD 29.  Since the Sabbatical year was just starting people were thinking more of spiritual things and they had more time to come to hear me. 

            It was about this time that Jesus lay down his tools for the last time, took a slow breath, gave his father Joseph a long hug, and walked out of the carpenter shop for the last time.  He went home, get a few things, hugged Mary, and headed south.  They had anticipated this day for a long time and often talked about it.  They were all excited about what was to come, but it was still a very solemn, serious time. 

            During the 60 mile walk to be find me Jesus had plenty of time to think.  He could have turned back at any time and know one would have known.  But He didn’t.

WHEN JESUS ARRIVED where I was baptizing he spent several days on the fringes of the crowd, watching and thinking, awaiting God’s perfect timing.  One evening when I was alone He approached me.  We talked through most of the night.  We had heard about each other often from our parents.  The last time we were together we were too young to remember.  We talked about family, for we were relatives.  There was an instant rapport between us, for we each knew our lives were intertwined in God’s will.  We were the only two who realized what was about to happen, and even out understanding was very foggy and incomplete.  Still, we really appreciated the support we received from each other. 

            We disagreed, though, about who should baptize whom!  I realized I was to obey and serve Him, so I baptized Him.  Although He was sinless it was His way of identifying with my message as well as the people he came to save.  What an event that baptismal was!  I’ll never forget it.  The heavens opened and God’s Spirit came down.  God Himself voiced His approval of this step of obedience Jesus was taking (Mt 3:13-17; 1:9-11; 3:21-23).  What made it such a big deal was that it was a public commitment to be the Messiah, a stepping across the line in front of everyone.  The line was crossed.  His mission had begun.  However someone else was watching and by this public stand knew He was the Messiah. That was Satan.

IMMEDIATELY HE WENT INTO THE WILDERNESS to get alone with God to pray, commune, ask for guidance and direction, and have time to think.  God’s Spirit drew Him (Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13; Lk 4:1-13).  For 40 days Jesus prayed, worshipped and strengthened His commitment to whatever God had for Him. 

            Now Jesus had often been tempted in His life.  He faced all the normal temptations children, adolescents, young adults and then single adults face.  He even felt them more keenly because that contrasted so sharply with His innocence and perfection.  But none of those temptations was anything like what He was hit with in the wilderness.  He had been tempted to draw back and not be baptized, to not even leave the carpentry shop.  Now the temptations took a new turn.

            For one thing, they came at a time when He was very open and vulnerable.  After fasting for 40 days hunger hits big time!  He was totally drained physically, emotionally and spiritually.  He was at a high point in being anxious and ready to be the Messiah of the world.  That’s when Satan hit Him, offering Him easy ways to be the Messiah.  He wanted to have the end justify the means.

            Some may wonder if Jesus could really be tempted?  He certainly could.  Could He sin?  Yes and no.  When He became man He set aside the use of divine attributes which would have made His life as a man easier, things such as omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence (Phil. 2:6-8).  He was still God in that He was perfect, holy, righteous, just, etc.  As a man He could certainly have sinned, but as God He couldn’t.  If He would have sinned in His humanity, His deity would have stopped it.  However He resisted sin in His humanity and therefore never had to have sin stopped by His deity.  This would have disqualified Him to be our substitute on the cross.  It’s like a car with a governor that won’t let it go over 65 MPH, but the driver never goes that fast so it never needs to kick in.  Jesus was God.  He could have sinned but He didn’t.  He was certainly tempted to, though!

            He was tempted PERSONALLY, to reactivate His omnipotence and make stones into bread so He could eat.  It would have meant impatience at God’s timing and providing for Himself instead.  He was then tempted NATIONALLY, to throw Himself down from the temple where everyone would be impressed as angels caught Him.  They surely would have seen Him as God and crowned Him Messiah then and there, but He knew the cross had to come before the crown.    Finally He was tempted UNIVERSALLY.  Satan offered Him rulership over the whole world.  He was offering Him the authority he got from Adam when Adam sinner.  This temptation worked with the first perfect man, so Satan was sure it would work with the second, but it didn’t.  Again, Jesus knew He had to obey God’s timing only, and He could not shortcut the cross.  The end never justifies the means. 

            At His baptism Jesus was proclaimed Messiah.  At His temptation He was proven Messiah by defeating His number one challenger.  There would be more battles, that was sure.  But for now the issue was decided.  Angels came and ministered to Jesus, feeding and encouraging Him. 

            How does this apply to us?  If Jesus took such a stand for us, we must also take a stand for Him.  Jesus is worth dying for, but Jesus is also worth living for!  We, too, can have victory over sin and temptation, but only in God’s strength, never in our own. 

 

This story illustrates the point nicely.  A modern jet on the runway was a beauty. It was equipped with the latest technology and weaponry. The jet could fly at supersonic speeds, and quickly race to great heights. If an enemy plane were in the vicinity, the jet’s pilot could destroy that plane miles away, before the plane’s pilot could even see him.  An Air Force pilot climbed into the jet and off he flew, leaving the earth far behind as he soared above the clouds. Although no one was looking, the pilot straightened himself in his seat. He was naturally proud of his jet, and of himself for qualifying to fly such a sophisticated mode of transportation.  After he reached cruising altitude, the pilot heard a strange noise. He took off his helmet, and recognized the noise–it sounded like someone gnawing on rubber or plastic. Peering down below the instrument panel, to his horror the pilot saw a rat, out of his reach and gnawing on the main electrical wire between the jet’s controls and its engine. If the rat were to cut through that line, the jet would careen out of control, and crash immediately.  The pilot’s first instinct was to descend–an emergency landing. But he had flown so far that there was not enough time to land. So he decided to ascend–maybe the rat couldn’t survive at a higher altitude. The pilot put on his oxygen mask, boosted power to the jet’s engine, and quickly climbed as high as he could go. Soon the gnawing sound ended. When the pilot landed safely, he found the rat–dead.   The only way we can have victory over sin, the only way we can stand for Jesus, is to live above this world and move as close to Him as possible. If that isn’t where you are, you’re in danger!

13. JESUS GOES PUBLIC

By Nathanael        

 

            Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?  Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.  Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.  Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured.  Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or the hardships of the Revolutionary War.   What kind of men were they? Here are some examples.   Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.   Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.  At the Battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis, had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. The owner urged General George Washington to open fire. His home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.  John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his grist mill were laid waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.

            TAKING A STAND for what you believe means there’ll be a price to pay.  Freedom is never free.  It always costs someone something.  Our spiritual freedom is free for us, but it cost Jesus everything.  It cost Him His very life.  He wouldn’t have had to die.  He could have become King of Israel and avoided the cross if He’d have done things my way.  Now I’m glad He didn’t, but at the time I couldn’t understand it.

            MY STORY STARTS in the Spring of AD 30.  I was with Philip at the Jordan River listening to John preach (John 1:19-51).  The religious rulers had been challenging John but he handled it quire well.  The next day, Friday, John pointed out Jesus as the “Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world.”  John, Andrew, James and Peter spent Saturday, the Sabbath, talking with Him.  On Sunday, when we could travel, they headed up to Cana and invited Philip and my to go along.  We were all invited to the same wedding for we were all related in one way or another.  It was my first time with Jesus, but I was immediately convinced He was the Messiah for He knew what I was doing as well as thinking before I even met Him!

            It took a couple days to walk up to Cana and we talked the whole way there: first about family and relatives we had in common, then about Israel, and finally about the prophecies of the coming Messiah.  Since it was a Sabbatical year we had more time and interest than usual in such things.  We arrived in time for the wedding, which was on Wednesday (as was traditional).

            Since CANA WAS MY HOMETOWN, several extra people stayed at my home.  We told our families about what had happened at the Jordan and especially about Jesus being the Messiah.  We wondered if He would say anything about that here.  What He did was more impressive than anything He could have said (John 2:1-11).  He turned normal drinking water into the best-tasting wine we ever had!  Only He did id privately, secretly. Word got out He had done it, but if He’d have done it in front of everyone, and continued to do miracles for the people, they surely would have made Him king right then and there.  But then He wouldn’t have gone to the cross…

            I learned later that Jesus didn’t do miracles just to impress people.  They were His ‘calling card,’ His proof that He was God.  They were a means to an end (to get people to listen to and believe His message) and not an end in themselves. 

 

            Anyway, after the wedding we all went to Capernaum (John 2:12) because that is where most of our group lived.  Soon it was time to go to Jerusalem for the Passover (John 2:13).  We all made the 100 mile trip together. 

            WHAT A CELEBRATION it was!  Our excitement about the Messiah coming, and us coming with Him, made it extra special.  Most of the others weren’t as sure as I was that He was the Messiah, but we all believed to one extent or another. 

            Unfortunately our hopes were dashed soon after we got to Jerusalem, for Jesus did about the worst thing He could have possibly done!  He totally offended the religious leaders and turned them against Him for good (John 2:14-22).  Oh, sure, I know they cheated the people by charging high rates to exchange regular money for temple money, then charged inflated prices for sacrifices since there was no competition.  I know they were using the temple as a money-making place, renting space to any merchant who could pay.  I know they were hiding robbers and thieves who were bribing them.  It made all of us angry.  But when Jesus upset the whole system and drove them out, putting them out of business during the most profitable time of the year, I knew there would be trouble.  There was.  Still, Jesus knew that doing what was right was more important than doing what was popular. I admired Him for that.  I knew it was prophesied that the Messiah would do this (Malachi 3 and Psalm 69:9).  I guess that’s part of the price that has to be paid for doing what’s right.  Taking a stand is always costly.  What’s nice to know is that God always uses our courageous actions for His honor and glory!  He did then and He still does today.

            THIS IS A TRUE STORY of something that happened just a few years ago at USC.  There was a professor of philosophy there who was a deeply committed atheist.  His primary goal for one required class was to spend the entire semester attempting to prove that God couldn’t exist.  His students were always afraid to argue with him because of his impeccable logic.  For twenty years he had taught this class and no one had ever had the courage to go against him.  Sure, some had argued in class at times, but no one had ever “really gone against him” (you’ll see what I mean later).  Nobody would go against him because he had a reputation.  At the end of every semester, on the last day, he would say to the class of 300 students, “If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!”  In twenty years, nobody had ever stood up.  They knew what he was going to do next.  He would say, “Because anyone who believes in God is a fool.  If God existed, He could stop this piece of chalk from hitting the ground and breaking.  Such a simple task to prove He is God, and He can’t do it.”  And every year he would drop the chalk onto the tile floor of the classroom and it would shatter into a hundred pieces.  All of the students could do nothing but stop and stare.   Most of the students were convinced that God couldn’t exist.  Certainly, a number of Christians had slipped through, but for twenty years they had been too afraid to stand up.  Well, a few years ago there was a freshman who happened to get enrolled in the class.  He was a Christian, and had heard the stories about this professor.  He had to take the class because it was one of the required classes for his major.  And he was afraid.  But for three months that semester, he prayed every morning that he would have the courage to stand up no matter what the professor said or what the class thought.  Nothing they said or did could ever shatter his faith, he hoped.  Finally, the day came.  The professor said, “If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!”  The professor, and the class of 300 people looked at him, shocked, as he stood up at the back of the room.  The professor shouted, “YOU FOOL!  If nothing I have said all semester has convinced you that God doesn’t exist, then you are a fool!  If God existed, He could keep this piece of chalk from breaking when it hit the ground!”  He proceeded to drop the chalk, but as he did, it slipped out of his fingers, off his shirt cuff, onto the pleats of his pants, down his leg, and off his shoe.  And as it hit the ground, it simply rolled away, unbroken.  The professor’s jaw dropped as he stared at the chalk.  He looked up at  the young man and then ran out of the lecture hall.  The young man who had stood up proceeded to walk to the front of the room and share his faith in Jesus for the next half hour.  300 students stayed and listened as he told of God’s love for them and of His power through Jesus.

            Never hesitate to take a stand for Jesus, even if it costs you something.  He didn’t hesitate in taking a stand for you and look what it cost Him!  Don’t take the easy way.  Remember Paul’s words: “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be men of courage, be strong” (I Corinthians 16:13).

 

 

14. THE ORIGINAL ST. NICK

By Nicodemus

 

            Well, its finished.  We just buried Him.  I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing a body after its been crucified.  It hardly looks human anymore!  This time is the worst of all.  A million emotions flooded my heart: grief, sorrow, but especially guilt and remorse.  It’s funny how you see things differently AFTER an event than before.  Too often fear rules and dominates.  Then afterwards one is left with only regrets.  I’ve had more than my share, but none worse than my fear of letting others know I was a follower of Jesus.  I lived with that mistake, but maybe my story can help you not do the same thing.  I hope so, for regret is a miserable emotion to live with. 

            MY NAME IS NICODEMUS.  I was a top religious ruler in Israel.  I held a high, powerful position.  I was very rich and influential.  I was extremely well educated and one of the top scholars of my day.  You could say I had it all — outwardly that is.  I guess I had too much, because I didn’t want to jeopardize it for what REALLY mattered. 

            My story starts in the summer of AD 30.  It was the time of the Passover.  Jesus was in Jerusalem with some of His followers and had just cleansed the temple (John 2:13-22).  I could understood why He did it, but I knew it wouldn’t be a popular move!  In one way I wanted to learn more about Him, for what I had heard and seen appealed to the emptiness inside me.  But I didn’t want to risk losing my hard-won position and prestige.  I never liked to be criticized.  So I came to Jesus as night (John 2:23 – 3:21).

            It was more convenient then for we were both busy during the day, but I must admit that the privacy was important to me, too.  What I heard that night changed my life forever!  It’s like Jesus knew the inner emptiness and longing of my heart, like He understood it better than I did.  He showed me the solution wasn’t in external religious observance, but in an inner new birth.  I needed a personal relationship with Him, not the admiration of my peers, to meet my need.  My pride and fear kept me spiritually blinded to what he was saying.  In the weeks and months that followed, however, I couldn’t forget them.  As I investigated more and more into His claims I came to believe that He was God, the Messiah come to earth.  I put my faith in Him and considered myself a supporter and follower of His, but I never let anyone know.  I was afraid.

            Some years ago Premier Khrushchev was speaking before the Supreme Soviet and was severely critical of the late Premier Stalin. While he was speaking someone from the audience sent up a note: “What were you doing when Stalin committed all these atrocities?”    Khrushchev shouted, “Who sent up that note?” Not a person stirred.    “I’ll give him one minute to stand up!” The seconds ticked off. Still no one moved.  “All right, I’ll tell you what I was doing. I was doing exactly what the writer of this note was doing–exactly nothing! I was afraid to be counted!”

            THAT WAS ME.  I remember one time, about 2 years after I spoke with Jesus, when the Sanhedrin was talking about Jesus and how to get rid of Him.  It was obvious they were jealous of Him and His popularity with some of the people.  I couldn’t stand it any longer so spoke up, but what I said was very weak.  “Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?”  (John 7:51).  It was better than silence, but not much better.  My fear controlled me.  You know, usually the fear itself is worse than the thing we fear!  So it was with

 

me.  I can see how Satan was using my fear to keep me silent.  His lie was that I can take my stand soon, but not quite yet.

            There is an ancient story about three demons who were arguing over the best way to destroy the Christian mission in the world. The first demon says, “Let’s tell all the Christians there is no heaven.  Take away the reward incentive and the mission will collapse.”  The second demon says, “Let’s tell all the Christians there is no hell.  Take away the fear of punishment and the mission will collapse.”  The third demon says, “There is one better way.  Let’s tell all the Christians that there is no hurry” and all three immediately say, “That’s it! All we have to do is tell them there’s no hurry and the whole Christian enterprise will collapse.”

 

            I CONTINUED TO PUT OFF taking a public stand for Him.  Five months later it was too late.  “One of these days” is none of these days.  I missed my opportunity.  Caiaphas had his was.  Judas played right into their hands.  Jesus was dead.  I never had taken a public stand for him.  Funny, I should have then felt safe from disclosure.  I knew I wasn’t going to be exposed, for no one knew of my faith but me!  Instead of feeling safe I just felt miserable.  Fear does that to a person.

            When I heard that Joseph of Arimathea was asking Pilate for Jesus’ body I went right to him.  I didn’t know he was a follower? Who else among our number were?  None of us spoke out.  What if I would have spoken out, might several others have then found the courage to follow my lead?  I’ll never know.  We all took the easy way. 

            Anyway, I made it known publicly where I stood by helping bury Him (John 19:39).  That night I couldn’t help remembering the earlier night 2 1/2 years ago, when I listened to His words.  If only I’d have chosen differently.  If only I’d have taken a stand for Him like He took for me!  Instead I had the shame, guilt and regret of letting my fear rule my decisions. 

            BUT GOD WAS GRACIOUS.  He forgave me and used me anyway.  Sure, I ended up losing all I had among the Jews, as I feared would happen. You know, though, when it did happen it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be!  I had something so much more important to me now, something that REALLY met my inner needs.  I had Jesus.

            I went ahead and was baptized by Peter and John.  I had to leave Jerusalem and eventually was killed for my faith.  It was all worth it, though!  Jesus was always with me helping me through it all.  He will help you, too, if you stand up for Him.  Don’t be like me and live with regrets.  Don’t wait until it is too late, like I did!  Don’t put Jesus off.  He won’t let you down!

            I recall a story about a man who had to cross a wide river on the ice.  He was afraid it might be too thin, so he began to crawl on his hand and knees in great terror.  He thought he might fall through at any moment.  Just as he neared the opposite shore, all exhausted, another man glided past him nonchalantly sitting on a sled loaded with pig iron.  How like some Christians!  Headed for Heaven, they tremble at every step lest the divine promises break under their feet.  They need only to look at the context of Isaiah 12:2 to realize that God is their salvation and the Lord is their strength and song. By resting completely upon Him and taking His promises at face value, we can drive out the paralyzing fear that hinders our effectiveness in serving Christ.  The biblical antidote always works: “I will trust, and not be afraid.”

15. JESUS’ GREATEST REVIVAL

                                           By Nicodemus

 

            What a change Jesus made in my life!  Where would I have been if He hadn’t gone out of His way to speak to me (John 3)?  Next He headed north and spoke to a woman at a well in Samaria (John 4).  He approached us differently, but gave the same message to each of us.  I’ve often thought about those encounters.  Using Jesus as my example, not only of how to live but also of how to witness, has always helped me.  I’d like to pass some of these lessons on to you. 

 

1. Use every opportunity to tell about Jesus.  Jesus was not too tired to talk to me even though it had been a long day for Him.  He could have thought I already knew since I was a Bible scholar. But he took time to talk to me.  He talked to people of all ages and backgrounds, from children to old people.

2. Witnessing is dialogue, not monologue.  Jesus didn’t lecture me, he listened to my responses.  He took my confusion and concerns seriously.

3. Patiently repeat, explain and illustrate.  Theology can be abstract and hard to understand.  Illustrations, examples and stories help a lot.  Jesus used physical birth as an analogy of spiritual birth with me.  I didn’t understand it right away, but before long the parallel sunk in.  He also used the wind as a picture of the Holy Spirit and the serpent on a pole in the wilderness as a picture of Himself on the cross.  Witnessing is like serving a meal.  It takes more than good nutrition, it must be tastefully and artfully presented to make the eater desire to partake.

4. Don’t get bogged down at any one point.  Don’t get into an argument or meaningless theological discussion when witnessing.  Jesus kept our conversation moving, but He kept it on point.  When the woman at the well wanted to talk about which religion was right He gently brought the topic back to her need and His provision of salvation. 

5. Use questions.  Jesus asked questions to find out what I knew and where I was at spiritually.  They got me involved and thinking.  He also used them to make important points.

6. Lead people to trust you and your experience.  Jesus wasn’t afraid to call others to trust and believe in Him.  I learned to share my own testimony with others.  It was something they could understand and identify with, they couldn’t debate the truth of it, it proves that what Jesus offers is practical and works, and it doesn’t put them on the spot.

7. Warn about God’s judgment on unbelievers.  Jesus clearly told me that those who didn’t accept His free gift of salvation were under judgment and destined for hell.  No one likes to talk about hell, but Jesus said that is to be part of our message (Mark 16:15-16). 

8. Go to people, don’t wait for them to come to you. Jesus WENT to Samaria, where no ‘good’ Jew would ever go!  He never told unbelievers to go to Christians, but Christians to go to unbelievers (Mark 16:15).  He said we are all missionaries, and our mission field is the next person we meet who hasn’t accepted Jesus as His Savior. 

9. One to one is the best way to witness.  When Jesus got to the well near Sychar He sent His disciples into town for food so He could talk to the woman alone.  One on one, personal, is still the best way to communicate anything.  It was especially meaningful to the woman in Samaria for she was used to being ostracized and ignored by everyone, that’s why she came to well in the hottest time of the day.  She knew no one would be there and didn’t want criticism for her life style.

10. Be real, human and vulnerable.  Jesus accepted her right away, asking her for a drink of water.  It was a point of contact, a human need both shared.  He opened Himself up to her, asking for a favor, before expecting her to open herself up and ask Him for anything.

11. Put people before prejudice and public opinion.  Jesus cared more about her as a person than He cared about prejudice and social customs.  It was very improper for a Jew to talk to a Samaritan, for a man to initiate conversation with a woman, and especially for a rabbi to reach out to an immoral woman.  Drinking from her vessel would make Him ceremonially ‘unclean.’

12. Go to those in need.  Jesus reached out to her because of her need.  He spent most of His time with ‘sinners.’  I was as needy as her, but I didn’t realize it!  Her obvious need made her more open to accept His gift.  She knew her sin and emptiness, there was nothing to cover it.  She had nothing to lose but her pain!  It took me 2 1/2 years to take a stand for Jesus, she did it the same day!

13. We must call sin ‘sin.’  While it wasn’t easy for me to admit my need, the woman at the well tried to cover over hers, too.  I guess that’s natural with everyone.  When Jesus brought up her immoral lifestyle she tried to change the subject, but Jesus’ point was made.  He didn’t keep focusing on her sin, but He didn’t ignore it, either. 

14. Avoid arguments about ‘religions.’  When she wanted to talk about which religion was right Jesus steered the conversation back to the need for a personal relationship with Him.  NO religion can provide that!  Religion is doing something to connect with God.  That can’t be done (Eph. 2:8-9).

15. Challenge the person to make a personal commitment to Jesus.  I wasn’t ready, but the woman was.  When He told her HE was the Messiah she believed and accepted Him as her Savior.  She gave her heart to Jesus then and there. 

16. Remember that it is every believer’s responsibility to witness.  Immediately the woman went to her village and challenged the people there to come meet the Messiah for themselves.  They did, and the result was the greatest response Jesus ever had to His ministry on earth.  She didn’t argue with them, she just told them what she had discovered.  A witness isn’t someone who argues God’s case, that’s a lawyer.  We are called to be witnesses.  A witness simply tells what he knows, what he has experienced.  We are to be salt and light (Matthew 5).  God does the rest.

17. Some sow while others reap.  While many responded to Jesus during his short stay at that time, it wasn’t until years later when Philip came that the full harvest came (Acts 8).  Philip reaped what the woman and those who also accepted Jesus years earlier had been sowing. 

 

            Did you know that only about 5% of those who are Christians have ever introduced anyone else to Jesus?  There’s enough Bread of Life to supply the whole world, but there aren’t enough volunteers to distribute it.  What about you?  You may not feel you can do a good job, but no matter how badly you feel you witness, it’s still thousands of times better than not witnessing at all!  As the slogan today says, “Just do it!”

16. CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

                                                By Hevel

TO:    Jesus, Son of Joseph

       Woodcrafters Carpenter Shop,   Nazareth

FROM:  Jordan Management Consultants,  Jerusalem

RE:    Staff Team Evaluation:

            Thank you for submitting the resumes of the twelve men you have picked for management positions in your new organization. All of them have now taken our battery of tests; and we have not only run the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant. It is the staff opinion that most of your nominees are lacking in background, education, and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking. Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Andrew has no qualities of leadership. The two brothers, James and John, sons of Zebedee, place personal interests above company loyalty. Thomas demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale. We feel it our duty to tell you that Matthew has been blacklisted by the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau. James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus definitely have radical leanings, and they both registered a high score on the manic- depressive scale.  One of the candidates, however, shows great potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot as your controller and right-hand man. All of the other profiles are self explanatory. We wish you every success in your new venture.

            Sometimes we look back at the disciples as special, spiritual giants.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  If you would have been making the choices of disciples, you wouldn’t have picked the ones Jesus did.  Why did He choose traitors, fishermen, uneducated workers and rejects from society?  He chose them because they were available.  He doesn’t look at our ability.  He can give or take that as He wants. He looks for AVAILABILITY. That’s all we can give Him, that’s all He wants.  Nothing else matters. 

 

 

THE 12 DISCIPLES

 

NAME	RELATION	HOME	OCCUPATION BEFORE JESUS	MINISTRY	DEATH
ANDREW	Son of Jonas &      Joanna Brother of Peter	Bethsaida Capernaum	Fisherman Follower of John	Jerusalem (Acts 5:18-19; 8:1; 11:1,18); then ministered in Ephesus, Russia, Scythia Greece	Tied on an “X” cross in Scythia, preached 2 days until dead 11-30-69
NATHANAEL   (Bartholomew)	Unknown	Cana	Fisherman Follower of John	Jerusalem (Acts 5:18-19; 8:1; 11:1,18); ministered with Philip in Asia Minor, Armenia	Flayed alive, beheaded, cast into sea by barbarian king Astyages
JAMES  (son of Thunder)	Son of Zebedee**	Bethsaidia Capernaum	Fisherman Follower of John	Jerusalem (Acts 5:18-19; 8:1; 11:1,18)	Beheaded by Herod Antipas, 44 AD Acts 12:1-2
JAMES the Less	Son of Cleopas *	Capernaum	Fisherman	Jerusalem (Acts 5:18-19; 8:1; 11:1,18); Palestine & Egypt	Crucified in Egypt
JOHN	Son of Zebedee**	Bethsaida Capernaum	Fisherman Follower of John	Jerusalem (Acts 3; 5:18-19; 8:1; 11:1,18); Wrote John, I, II, III Jn, Rev, Ephesus (with Mary), Patmos	Natural death (very old) – attempts to martyr him failed
JUDAS (Jude,     Thaddaeus)	Son of Cleopas *	Capernaum	Fisherman	Jerusalem (Acts 5:18-19; 8:1; 11:1,18); Assyria & Persia	Beaten to death in Persia/Syria with a large club
JUDAS (Iscariot)	Unknown	Judea (only one not from Galilee)	Treasurer	None	Suicide
MATTHEW (Levi)	Son of Cleopas *	Capernaum	Tax Collector very well educated	Jerusalem (Acts 5:18-19; 8:1; 11:1,18); Wrote Matthew, Ethiopia & Persia	Head split open with an ax in Egypt
PETER (Simon)	Son of Jonas    & Joanna Brother of Andrew	Bethsaida Capernaum	Fisherman Follower of John	Jerusalem, leader of early church (Acts 2 – 11, 15); Wrote I, II Pt; Mark written about him, Asia Minor, Britain (?), Rome w/ wife	Crucified upside down in Rome by Nero after wife martyred
PHILIP	Unknown Greek name	Bethsaida	Unknown	Jerusalem (Acts 5:18-19; 8:1; 11:1,18); Ministered in Phyrgia, Galatia, France (?), , Asia Minor	Hung against a pillar at Hieropolis (near Colossae)
SIMEON (Zealot)	Unknown	Galilee	Zealot under-ground freedom fighter	Jerusalem (Acts 5:18-19; 8:1; 11:1,18); Ministered various places	Crucified
THOMAS	Son of Cleopas *	Capernaum	Fisherman	Jerusalem (Acts 5:18-19; 8:1; 11:1,18); Parthia, Persia & India	Body run through with spear in East India

* Cleopas also called Alphaeus, probably Joseph’s brother; Mary his wife was with Jesus throughout His ministry; children seem to have been Matthew & Thomas   (twins?), James the Less and Judas Thaddaeus, therefore all were probably cousins of Jesus

** Zebedee’s wife was Salome, the sister of Mary, children were James and John, they were cousins of Jesus