Sermon Series: New Testament Orientation
Message 4: The Jesus of History
Last week, we returned to the intertestamental period between the Old and New Testaments and explored The Culture and Cosmology of the Intertestamental Period. Our core verses for last week were Galatians 3:26-29. Verse 28 summarizes the message. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Today, we will explore how Jesus appears in history outside the Bible. Our core verses for today are: Matthew 25:31-36 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
(Opening Prayer)
Heavenly Father, we gather once more, our hearts open to the enduring story of Jesus of Nazareth. We seek not just to remember him, but to truly understand him within the tapestry of his time. Expand our minds and hearts, Lord, as we delve deeper into the historical realities that shaped his earthly journey. May your Spirit illuminate the path of the Jesus of history, revealing the profound significance of his life for our faith today. It is in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
The Jesus of History
(From the Perspective of Ancient Israelites and Early Christians):
For generations, the whispers of the prophets had echoed in the synagogues and homes, foretelling the coming of the Messiah, the Anointed One who would restore the fortunes of Israel. They clung tightly to these promises during times of both fleeting autonomy and prolonged subjugation under foreign powers. The anticipation was a constant hum beneath the surface of the Israelites daily lives, a yearning for the promised deliverer. Yet, when Jesus of Nazareth finally appeared, his presence and his message often defied the very expectations they had nurtured for centuries.
(Connecting to Current Context): Consider the anticipation surrounding a significant historical event or the arrival of a long-awaited leader. We often build up a mental image, a set of expectations based on news, past experiences, and our own desires. Think of the fervor surrounding a new era, a revolutionary movement, or the promise of a technological breakthrough. We imagine a specific outcome, a particular way in which the change will manifest. When the reality unfolds, it can sometimes be surprising, even challenging, to reconcile our...
