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The Miraculous Works of Jesus: An Overview

JESUS’ BAPTISM

  • The first recorded event in the adult life of Christ is His baptism by John
    • Matthew 3.13-17 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
    • John was reluctant to baptize Christ, but submitted when Jesus told him that it was necessary to fulfill all righteousness.
      • As Jesus came up out of the water, John saw the heavens open up and the Spirit of God
        descending like a dove and lighting upon Jesus.
      • He also heard a voice that said:
        • John 1:32-34 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven
          like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to
          baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit
          descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy
          Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

JESUS’ TEMPTATION

  • Following His baptism, the Spirit let Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
  • It is important to note that Satan’s directed attack against the deity of Jesus.
  • The devil first appealed to the natural hunger that Jesus suffered.
  • Then he attempted to use the Word of God to justify his temptation.
    • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
    • Psalms 91:11-12 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone
  • Finally, the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them. He claimed that he would give them all to him if Jesus would fall down and worship him.
  • Jesus quoted the Word of God and the devil left Him
    • Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
  • Jesus responded to the enemy with the sword of the Spirit
    • Matthew 4:1-11 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
    • Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
  • Jesus entered into His ministry – Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled
    • Isaiah 61:1-2 (KJV) The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
      • Observe that the Lord Jesus ended the reading of this passage in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-21) with the words “year of the LORD.” The first advent, therefore, opened the day of grace, “the acceptable year of the LORD,” but does not fulfill the day of vengeance that will be accomplished when Messiah returns (2 Th 1:7-10). Cp. Isa 34:8; 35:4.
    • Luke 4:16-21 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

THE MIRACULOUS MINISTRY OF JESUS

  • He gave sight to the blind
    • Isaiah 35-5-6 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
    • Matthew 9:27-31 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying. Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them. Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying. According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
  • He raised the dead
    • John 11:41-44 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
  • Lepers were cleansed
    • Matthew 8.2-4 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • The Lame walked
    • John 5:1-9 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me, Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
  • The deaf heard and the mute spoke
    • Mark 7:35-37 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. 36 And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
  • In the meantime, John the Baptist had been placed in prison for his condemnation of Herod’s sin. John told Herod that it was unlawful for him to have his brother’s wife.
    • Matthew 14:3-4 (KJV) For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.
  • While John was still in prison, he sent his disciples to ask if He is the one or do we look for another.
    • Jesus answered
      • Matthew 11:3-6 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

THE HEART OF JESUS’ MINISTRY

  • Some of the Jewish people were confused because they expected the Messiah to be born in a palace of noble family and to free them from Roman oppression.
  • Jesus came to establish a kingdom not of this world.
    • John 18:16 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
  • His Message was not revolution but repentance.
    • Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
  • Jesus did not come to align Himself with the called dignitaries of this world but to teach and reach people at their point of greatest need.
  • Jesus was tempted and felt what we feel, but yet was without sin.
    • Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
  • Jesus never refused anyone; His invitation was:
    • John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
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The Significance of Christ’s Crucifixion

Christ Died for Us

  • The crucifixion of Jesus is the central event in the entire history of the human race.
  • On the cross Jesus took upon Himself all the sins of the world.
    • Romans 5:8-10 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
    • 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him
    • 1 Peter 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
  1. JESUS MOCKED BY THE SOLDIERS
    • After Jesus was scourged, the soldiers took Him into the hall where the soldiers stripped Jesus and placed a scarlet robe on His wounded bleeding back.
    • They then put a crown of thorns and placed it upon His head, placed a reed in His right hand, bowed before our Lord and mocked Him.
    • They cried, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
      • Matthew 27:27-29 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

SIMON AND THE CROSS

  • On the way to Calvary, they found a man named Simon, a man of Cyrene, and forced him to carry the cross.
  • The soldiers then crucified Jesus, placing His cross between two thieves.

3. MOCKED ON THE CROSS

  • As Jesus hung in agony on the cross, people passing by mocked him, saying many things.
    • Mathew 27:34-43 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting kits: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, they parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise, also the chief priests mocking him with the scribes and elders, said, lo saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God, let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

4. The Thief on the Cross

  • One of the thieves on the cross mocked Jesus, while the other thief rebuked the other thief.
    • Luke 23:39-43
      • And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

5. FORGIVENESS ON THE CROSS

  • Jesus showed compassion, even on the cross.
    • Luke 23:4 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots


6. THE HAPPENINGS AFTER HIS DEATH

  • After Jesus died, the veil in the Temple was torn into from top to bottom.
  • There was a great earthquake, in the graveyard many graves opened, and people came out of them.
    • Matthew 27:50-54 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying. Truly this was the Son of God.


7. JESUS IS BURIED

  • A rich man, Joseph of Arimathaea asked Pilate for permission to take away the body of Jesus. Nicodemus, the same man who was told of his need to be “born again”.
  • They wrapped Jesus in a clean linen cloth and placed Him in Joseph’s personal tomb.
  • What looked like a defeat was actually a great victory for the Kingdom of God.
  • Jesus had accomplished His purpose in coming into the world.
  • He had taken the place of sinful humanity and made it possible for us to escape the
    wages of sin which is death.
    • Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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The Birth and Life of Jesus Christ: Key Events and Prophecies

The Birth of Jesus Christ

  • EVENTS OF THE BIRTH
    • The birth of Jesus occurred during the reign of Caesar Augustus, who declared a taxation on
      the people in the Roman Empire.
    • Because each person was required to go back to their native city, Joseph and Mary traveled
      to Bethlehem.
      • Micah 5:2 (KJV) But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands
        of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting
  • JESUS’ EARLY LIFE
    • Jesus lived at home with Mary, Joseph, His brothers, and His sisters until He was about
      thirty years old.
    • The only other time there is mention of Jesus is when He was teaching in a synagogue.

Prophecies concerning Jesus Christ

Old Testament ProphecyNew Testament
Gen 3:15 “And I will put
enmity between you and the
woman, and between your
offspring and hers, he will crush
your head, and you will strike his
heel.”		Seed of WomanMat 12:20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit”
Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord
himself will give you a sign: The
virgin will be with child and will
give birth to a son, and will call
him Immanuel.		Virgin BornMat. 1:18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.Tribe of JudahLuke 3:23 & 33  And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.Born at BethlehemMatthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Psalm 72:10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.Presented with GiftsMatthew 2:1 & 11 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Jeremiah 31:15 Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.Herod Kills ChildrenMatthew 2:16-18  Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.Shall be ImmanuelMatthew 1:23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Isa 40:3 A voice of one calling. “In the desert prepare the way for the LORD make straight in the wilderness a highway for our GodPreceded by a MessengerMat. 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Isaiah 35:5-6 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.Ministry of MiraclesMatthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
Zec 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Enter Jerusalem on a Donkey
Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See your
king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and
riding on a donkey, on a colt the
foal of a donkey.		Enter Jerusalem on a DonkeyLuke 19:35-37 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
Psa 41:9 Even my close
friend, whom I trusted, he who
shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.		Betrayed by a FriendJohn 13:21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”
Zec 11:12 I told them, “If
you think it best, give me my pay but if not, keep it” So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.		Sold for 30 pieces of silverMat. 26:15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.
Zec 13:7 “Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the Lord Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones.Forsaken by His DisciplesMat. 26:56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Isa. 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.Wounded and BruisedMat. 27:26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Psa. 22:16 Dogs have
surrounded me; a band of evil
men has encircled me, they have
pierced my hands and my fool Wounded and Bruised Hand and foot pierced		Hands and feet piercedJohn 20:25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Psa. 22:18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.Clothing dividedJohn 19:23-24 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did.
Psa. 34:20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.Bones not brokenJohn 19:32-33 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 
Zec 12:10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.Side PiercedJohn 19:34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
Amos 8:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:Darkness over the landMatthew 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
Isaiah 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.Buried in a Rich man’s tombMatthew 27:57-60  When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
Psalm 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.ResurrectionActs 2:31  He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.AscensionActs 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.


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Understanding John the Baptist’s Role in Preparing for Jesus

John the Baptist

  • Old Testament prophets had predicted the coming of one who would prepare the way for the Messiah
    • Isaiah 40:3-5 (KJV) The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
  • A messenger is to be sent into the world
    • Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.
  • These predictions were fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist.
    • Luke 3:2-6 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
    • Matthew 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.


JOHN PREACHED REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM

  • John preached repentance and water baptism for the remission of sins
    • Mark 1:2-4 (KJV) As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.


JOHN WAS THE FORERUNNER OF JESUS CHRIST

  • John preached that he was not the Christ, but that another would come and He would be the
    One they should follow:
    • Mathew 3:11 (KJV)  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
    • Mark 1:7-8 (KJV) And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
  • The one whom John predicted was none other than Jesus Christ.
  • John introduced Him.


JOHN REVEALED JESUS AS THE “LAMB OF GOD”

  • The next day, John saw Jesus coming and said:
    • John 1:29-34 (KJV) The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
  • John’s statement not only identified Jesus as the Messiah, but also described the foundation of His Ministry.
  • It was revealed earlier to Joseph, Mary’s husband, what the calling of their son would be.
    • Matthew 1:20-21 (KJV) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
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Understanding the New Testament: Key Books and Authors

Introduction to the New Testament

New Testament books
  • The books from Matthew through Revelation are called the New Testament because they represent the new covenant that Jesus made.
  • There are twenty-seven books in the New Testament
  • These books were written by eight authors over a period of about 50 years and cover about
    100 years of history.
  • The New Testament is divided into five sections: The four Gospels, one book of history, the
    thirteen Pauline Epistles, the eight General Epistles, and one book of prophecy
    It is vitally important to recognize the purpose of each book and to whom it was originally
    addressed. This helps to interpret scripture.
  • The first four books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John describe the death burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.


MATTHEW

  • The book of Matthew addresses the Jewish readers foremost.
  • It strongly emphasizes Jesus Christ as the Messiah and king predicted in the Old Testament prophets.


MARK

  • Mark was written for the gentile readers in mind.
  • It presents Jesus as a servant who ministered to the needs of the people.
  • It stresses the supernatural power of Jesus, demonstrating His deity by the miracles he performed.
  • It emphasizes the things Jesus said by the things He did.


LUKE

  • Luke presents Jesus as the Son of God.
  • It focuses especially on the humanity of Jesus, featuring His compassion for the weak, the suffering and outcast.


THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS

  • syn-op-tic also syn-op-ti-cal adj. 1. Of or constituting a synopsis: presenting a summary of the principal parts or a general view of the whole.
  • The first three gospels are sometimes called the Synoptic Gospels, meaning that they take a
    common view of the order of events surrounding the life of Christ.
    • Matthew had the Jews in mind
    • Mark the Romans
    • Luke the Greek
  • Matthew and Scripture
    • The Jews were diligently indoctrinated in the Scriptures.
    • They were taught to view everything from the scripture perspective.
    • Matthew quotes from the Old Testament again and again in support of the claim that Jesus is the Messiah.
  • Mark and Authority
    • The Roman mind focused on government authority and power.
    • Mark stresses the miracles of Christ, emphasizing His supernatural authority over all things.
  • Luke and the Glorious Perfection of Jesus
    • The Greek mind was attracted to culture, philosophy, wisdom, reason, beauty, and education.
    • Luke presents a complete, orderly, and classical story in what has been called, “the most beautiful book ever written.”
    • The Gospel of Luke reveals the glorious beauty and perfection of the ideal man, the Lord Jesus Christ.


JOHN AND THE DEITY OF JESUS

  • John balances the other three Gospels by its special emphasis on the deity of Jesus.
  • The book begins in much the same way as the Book of Genesis. It reveals that Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh and that He was from the very beginning God, the Creator of all
    things
    • Timothy 3:16 (KJV) And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was
      manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the
      Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory,
    • Colossians 1:12-20 (KJV) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible. whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
    • Matthew 22:32 (KJV) I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
    • John 14:9 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him. Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father, and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
    • James 2:19 (KJV) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
    • Mark 12:29 (KJV) And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:


ACTS HISTORY OF THE EARLY CHURCH

  • The book of Acts provides a historical account of the early church.
  • The first chapter continues with the last moments of Christ while He remained on earth and
    then records the establishment of the New Testament church in Jerusalem.
    There the promise of the Holy Ghost was poured out upon the waiting.
  • To understand how the church was founded and how the people entered into the early
    church it is necessary to study the Book of Acts.


THE EPISTLES

  • The next twenty-one books (Romans – Jude) are epistles (formal letters) telling the new
    Christians how to live the victorious life.
  • The epistles are not written to tell one how to be saved; they are written to people who are
    already saved. They teach how to stay saved and how to grow in the grace and knowledge
    of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • The Pauline Epistles
    • Paul wrote thirteen of the twenty-one epistles. They are called the Pauline Epistles.
    • He wrote a letter to the church at Rome, two letters to the church of Corinth, one letter to the churches of Galatia, one to the church of Ephesus, and so forth.
    • Within the Pauline Epistles are three books commonly called the Pastoral Epistles – 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus so called because they offer instructions concerning leadership in the churches.
  • The General Epistles
    • The next eight books- Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude –
      • are called the General Epistles because they were written to the church at large.


PROPHECY BOOK OF REVELATION

  • The Book of Revelation stands in a class by itself.
  • It is largely prophetic in nature, although it begins with letters to seven churches in Asia Minor:
    • Asia Minor is a peninsula of western Asia between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
  • It then goes on to tell what will happen in the end times. People are still in disagreement over many areas of the Book of Revelation. Many different beliefs exist as to how exactly the prophecies will be fulfilled.
  • Anyone reading and studying this book, should do so carefully and with an abundance of prayer asking the Holy Ghost to help you understand the meaning of the book.
    • John 16:13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].
    • The Spirit of Truth is the Holy Ghost.
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Impact of Prophets on Jerusalem’s Restoration

The Return to Jerusalem

  • The first expedition to return back to Jerusalem took place after the prophetic time of 70
    years of captivity had expired.
    • This expedition took place about 536 BC and was led by Zerubbabel.
      • He brought about 50,000 Jews back to Jerusalem.
  • The second year after their return, they began to rebuild the Temple.
    • Haggai 1:1-3 (Amp) In the second year of Darius the king [of Persia], on the first day of the sixth month (Aug 29, 520 b.c.), the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying,  “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘These people say, “The time has not come that the Lord’s house (temple) should be rebuilt.” Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to live in your [expensive] paneled houses while this house [of the Lord] lies in ruins?” Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, “Consider your ways and thoughtfully reflect on your conduct!

OPPOSITION

  • The Jews met with opposition from their enemies when trying to rebuild the Temple.
    • Ezra 4:4-5 (Amp) Then [the Samaritans and others of] the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah, and frightened them [to deter them] from building, and hired advisers [to work] against them to frustrate their plans during the entire time that Cyrus king of Persia reigned, [and this lasted] even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

THE PROPHETS AND THE MESSAGE OF RESTORATION

  • The restoration period also had its prophets.
    • God sent men as Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi to encourage and chasten (correct and discipline) the Jews.

THE OLD TESTAMENT ENDS

  • The Old Testament life of the Israelites seems to be one of continual backsliding.
  • The Old Testament ends with the people again forgetting God and His word.
    • Malachi 3:5-6 (amp)  “Then I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, and against those who oppress the laborer in his wages and widows and the fatherless, and against those who turn away the alien [from his right], and those who do not fear Me [with awe-filled reverence],” says the Lord of hosts. “For I am the Lord, I do not change [but remain faithful to My covenant with you]; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, have not come to an end.
  • Although they no longer practiced idolatry for the most part, most of them forgot the manifestation of HIS great power and they fell into apostasy.
  • The Old Testament ends with the Jews outside of the will of God.
  • They did not hear another prophetic message from God for about 400 years.
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Lessons from the Kingdom of Israel and Judah’s Downfall


Solomon had built a great kingdom, but after his death it was divided. Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, threatened heavy taxes and the people revolted and the kingdom was divided into North and South Israel and Judah

  • THE NORTHERN KINGDOM
    • The Northern kingdom consisted of ten tribes and was known as the kingdom of Israel
    • Israel had a total of 19 kings, and all of them were wicked and spiritually depraved.
    • Because of this weak spiritual leadership, idolatry was rampant.
    • God sent many prophets to wan Israel of impending judgment.
    • The most notable prophets were: Elijah and Elisha.
    • The people refused to repent of their evil and the judgment of God came.
    • Israel fell, and the people were taken into captivity by Assyria in 721 BC.
      • Read 1 Kings chapters 12-16
  • THE SOUTHERN KINGDOM
    • The southern kingdom consisted of two tribes, Judah and Benjamin and it was known as
      Judah.
    • Judah also had 19 kings and one queen.
    • Unlike Israel, Judah did have some good kings.
    • Judah also had prophets of God such as Isaiah and Jeremiah
    • Judah also refused to repent, and in 606 BC this nation was sent into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar.
    • This captivity lasted for 70 years
      • Jeremiah 25:11-12 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations
  • LAST-DAY PROPHECY
    • Many of the Old Testament prophecies relate to the last days.
      • The days of Israel and Judah was a period of spiritual apostasy when they worship their own gods.
      • Similarly, material things are popular idols of our times.
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The Rise and Fall of Israel’s Kings: Saul, David, Solomon

The United Kingdom

  • ISRAEL DEMANDS A KING
    • The prophet Samuel ruled over Israel, but they were not satisfied with his leadership
    • They wanted to have kings like the heathen nations around them had.
    • Israel rejected the invisible God for a man whom they could display before other nations.
    • If people want to have their own way, God will let them have it.
      • Psalms 106:15 And he gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul,
    • Jesus always prayed that not His will, but the Father’s will be done.
      • Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
  • THE THREE KINGS
    • The united kingdom of Israel had three kings
    • Each king reigned for forty years.
      • The three kings were Saul, David, and Solomon
  • Saul
    • Saul was a humble man at first, but his character changed drastically after he received power
      and authority of his new office.
    • Saul forgot his place with God and power corrupted his thinking.
    • Saul also disobeyed Samuel who told him to destroy everything.
    • Saul brought back king Agag alive along with sheep and cattle.
    • Samuel rebuked him saying
      • 1 Sam 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and
        sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than
        sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
    • Because of Saul’s rebellious nature, the spirit of God left him.
      • 1 Sam 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David
        took an harp, and played with his hand: so, Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the
        evil spirit departed from him,
    • God had chosen another king for Israel, David, a man after God’s own heart.
      • Saul became so jealous of David that he tried to kill him twice.
      • He spent much time in pursuit of David.
    • Saul’s life ended when he fell upon his own sword.
      • 1 Samuel 31:4 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
  • David
    • The second king of the United Kingdom of Israel was David. He was anointed by king Samuel when he was just a young man.
      • 1 Sam 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren and the spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah
    • Possibly the highest thing that can be said of David is:
      • Although David sinned, he repented because he had a desire to serve God with all his heart
        • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
    • David Slays Goliath (Read 1 Samuel 17)
      • While David was a shepherd caring for sheep, he fought a bear and a lion that threatened his flock
        • The spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he quickly destroyed the animals.
      • When David went to see how his brothers were doing in the battle against the Philistines, David was enraged by the boasting of Goliath, and by the cowardice of Israel.
      • Goliath was over nine feet tall. Goliath taunted the Israelites and challenged them to fight him.
        • 1 Sam 17:3-11 And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. And he had an helmet of brass upon his head and he was armed with a coat of mail: and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye he our servants, and serve us. And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
      • Although David was a youth, he had faith in God.
        • 1 Sam 17:26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done. the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
      • David used the Name of the Lord for his victory.
        • 1 Sam 17:45-46 Then said David to the Philistine. Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee: and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel,
        • He used a single stone, and the Name of the Lord to kill Goliath.
    • David’s Problems and Victories
      • After David sinned, God did not overlook it. He sent a prophet to expose David’s sin.
        • 2 Samuel 12:1-7 (KJV) And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him. There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding many flecks and herds: But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and grew up together with him, and with his children; it did cat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. And there came a traveler unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
        • 2 Samuel 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
  • Solomon
    • God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said:
      • 1 Kings 3:5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
      • 1 Kings 3:13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
    • Solomon’s Failures
      • Solomon had extreme wealth, and 1000 wives. His wives turned him away from God.
    • Solomon Builds the Temple
      • Solomon’s greatest accomplishment was building the Temple
      • It was built after a plan that his father David received from God
      • It took 7 years to build
        • Read I Kings chapter 5
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The Journey to the Promised Land: Lessons from Israel

The Land of Promise

  • POSSESSING THE LAND
    • The Death of Moses (Read Deut 34:)
      • Because of unbelief, Israel reaped the judgment of God. This judgment caused them to
        wander in the wilderness for forty years.
      • Those who did not believe that God would give the land of promise to Israel died in the
        wilderness.
      • Two men, Joshua and Caleb, were the only two saved from the judgment reaped by this
        unbelieving generation.
        • Joshua became the new leader of the Israelites.
      • God instructed Moses to speak to the rock, but in Moses’ anger he struck the rock.
      • This prevented Moses from entering into the promised land.
        • Num 20:7-12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou
          the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock
          before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them
          water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. 9
          And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. 10 And
          Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said
          unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? 11 And
          Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water
          came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. 12 And the
          LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in
          the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into
          the land which I have given them.
    • Crossing Jordan
      • To enter the land of Canaan, the Israelites had to cross the Jordan River. The Priests went
        into the middle of Jordan and stood there until all of Israel passed over to the other side.
      • Twelve men took twelve stones from the river and built a memorial to God a Gilgal.
        • This was a sign and a reminder to future generations of what God had done.
        • Josh 4:20-24 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal. And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.
      • They had wandered 40 years because of unbelief. Thousands perished.
      • Today, thousands are perishing because of unbelief.
    • The Battle for the Land (Read Joshua 6)
      • The promised blessing would come to Israel if they would believe and obey the Lord.
      • Israel had to fight for the land of Canaan, but God fought for them.
        • God worked miraculously to give Israel victory after victor.
        • Can you imagine the confusion of Jericho as they watched Israel marching around the walls of Jericho for six days.
        • On the seventh day, Israel gave a shout and the walls came down.
        • God will use foolish things to the world to confound the wise.
          • 1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
          • Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
        • Israel also fought against Ai, but lost because there was sin in the camp.
          • God had told them not to take the spoils, but they did anyway
            • Josh 7:24-26 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.
    • The Land Subdued (Read Joshua 14)
      • Israel, by the power of God, subdued the land, and the land was divided so the twelve tribes of Israel could each have their own areas to dwell in
      • After Joshua died, Israel fell into deep sin.
        • Sin led Israel into captivity
        • God raised up judges to lead Israel until they could appoint a king.
        • The time was about 450 years until Samuel the prophet came on the scene.
          • Acts 13:19-20 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
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Understanding the Tabernacle’s Spiritual Significance

The Tabernacle-Man’s Approach to God

A picture showing the various parts of the Tabernacle


When the Lord gave Moses the plan of the Tabernacle on Mt. Sinai, He admonished Moses to follow His specifications in its construction to the letter (Exodus 25:1-9). The Tabernacle was more than just a place to worship while in the wilderness. Its design and layout was a shadow of the redemptive work of Jesus, as well as a pattern of the salvation experienced in the present church age.

  1. The Court of the Tabernacle
    • The court of the Tabernacle was approximately 150 feet long and 75 feet wide. It had one gate on the east side. Four doorposts supported hangings of four colors of cloth: purple, scarlet, blue, and white. There was only one entrance into the courtyard. Likewise, there is also only one way of salvation-through Jesus Christ (John 10:9).
    • Inside the courtyard was the brazen altar, the brazen laver, and the Tabernacle itself. The Tabernacle was approximately 15 feet high, 15 feet wide, and 45 feet long. It consisted of the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. These two rooms were separated by a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet. In the Holy Place was the golden candlestick, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense. In the Holy of Holies was the ark of the covenant. There abode the Spirit of God between two golden cherubims located on the lid of the ark, which was called the mercy seat.
      Of course. God is omnipresent, or present everywhere, but He manifested His glory there to show His covenant relationship with Israel. God has always desired to dwell with His people, but sin has always separated humanity from God. From the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after the death of Christ, God has dwelt in the hearts of His people in a new and wonderful way. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (I Corinthians 3:16).
  2. The Altar of Sacrifice
    • The priest approached the Tabernacle first by way of the brazen altar, and there he offered the sacrifice for sin. The brazen altar was approximately seven and a half feet square and four and a half feet high. It was made of acacia wood overlaid with brass. It was a place of death and shedding of blood. It represents the death of Jesus, which purchased our salvation. It also points to repentance, which is our identification with the death of Jesus and our personal death to sin and self-will. Everyone must approach God through repentance. Jesus said, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish’ (Luke 13:3).
    • The altar was a prominent feature of the Tabernacle and its worship. It was placed immediately in front of the gate of the court of the Tabernacle. It was the first object that met the eye of the worshiper as he came into the court to present his sacrifice unto the Lord. The altar was not hidden in some remote place in the court, removed from the gaze of the people, nor did it stand inside the Tabernacle where only a few could approach it. It was placed where all could see it and where all could approach it. Only the priests could see the golden lampstand, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense, which were inside the Tabernacle itself. No one but the high priest was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies and he did so only on the Day of Atonement. By contrast, the altar was plainly visible from without. In fact, no one could enter into the Holy Place except by passing this sacred emblem where the sacrificial blood of the animals was offered. The altar teaches that not one will enter heaven except by the blood of Jesus, who stands as an altar of sacrifice for all who would approach God (John 14:6).
The Altar of Sacrifice
  • It was not merely the altar that gave the worshiper access to the Holy Place, by the putting away of his sins, for there had to be a sacrifice upon the altar. The relationship of the brazen altar to every other part of the Tabernacle service and its furniture was like that of the root to a tree, the heart to the body, and the foundation to a building. Everything inside and even the brazen laver in front of the door of the Tabernacle depended upon the work done at the altar.
  • Without the brazen altar, all else, no matter how magnificent, was useless. Everyone had to come to God by the way of the altar.
  • All the priests, their garments, the sacred vessels, and everything else were unfit for service until the blood shed at the brazen altar touched and sanctified them.
  • Here is the story of the Cross of Christ, Calvary. There is no pardon, no righteousness, no peace, no grace, no blessings, and no salvation without the sacrifice of the Cross. The altar represents the shedding of blood and the death of Jesus. And without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins (Hebrews 9:27).
  • The fire upon the altar was never to go out (Leviticus 6:13). There is no hour, day or night, that a transgressor cannot find the atonement of Calvary.

3. The Laver of Water

The Laver of Water
  • The laver points to the cleansing from sin we have in Jesus – the initial washing at water
    baptism, which is for the remission of sins and the continual cleansing we have thereafter
    • Exo 30:21 So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a
      statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.
  • In the New Testament
    • Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name
      of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
      Ghost.
    • 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with
      another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
  • When we are baptized, God washes away our sins
    • Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins,
      calling on the name of the Lord.
  • Without believeth, we are not saved. This belief is demonstrated by baptism.
    • Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall
      be damned.
    • 1 Pet 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting
      away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by
      the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
  • In the New Testament experience of salvation, repentance comes first, which is a death with
    Christ, a death to sin.
  • Then comes water baptism, which is a washing and burial with Christ.
    • Rom 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were
      baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
      that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we
      also, should walk in newness of life.

4. The Holy Place

The Holy Place
  • The Holy Place was the golden candlestick (lampstand), the altar of incense, and the table of
    showbread show bread (sh½”brud”) n. The 12 loaves of blessed unleavened bread placed
    every Sabbath in the sanctuary of the Tabernacle as an offering by the Hebrew priests of
    ancient Israel.
  • These pieces of furniture point to Jesus and to our life in Christ through the indwelling of
    the Holy Spirit.
  • 1. THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK
    • The candlestick was of pure gold and provided the only light in the Tabernacle. Just as
      Jesus is the light to the world
      • John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that
        followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
  • 2. THE TABLE OF SHOWBREAD
    • The showbread provided sustenance for the priest and also points to Jesus who is the Bread
      of Life and to His Word, which is food for the soul.
    • Just as the table exhibited the bread, so the Christian life shows forth Jesus to a dying world
      • John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man cat of this
        bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will
        give for the life of the world.
  • 3. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE
    • The Altar of incense represents prayers to God each morning and evening.
      • We also should pray each morning and evening
    • God hears the prayers of a righteous person
      • 1 Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar
        people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of
        darkness into his marvellous light:
      • James 5:16… The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
        • fer vent (für”v…nt) adj. 1. Having or showing great emotion or zeal; ardent: fervent
          protests; a fervent admirer. 2. Extremely hot; glowing

4. The Holy of Holies (Beyond the Veil)

EPSON MFP image
  • The Holy of Holies represents God himself
  • By His mercy He saved us
    • Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy
      he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
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