Who is Jesus? Chapter 11 Jesus Declares – He is the Messiah

 

Who is Jesus? Chapter 11 Jesus Declares – He is the Messiah

We will consider some of the first things Jesus did as He began his earthly ministry. After being baptized by John in the River Jordan, Jesus departed to a desert place to fast and pray for 40 days. While there Jesus overcame the temptations of Satan in the wilderness, by using the Word of God to defeat the devil.

After a long fast of 40 days, Jesus was hungry, and the devil told him, "If you are God's son, you can make bread out of these stones."  Jesus used scripture to defeat Satan, and told the devil, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God.” Satan again tempted Jesus by taking him to a high place, and suggested that Jesus throw himself down, and that the Bible says God's angels will protect you and you won't be hurt. Jesus again used scripture and told satan; “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”

Jesus was using wisdom, because it is not a good thing to do foolish actions and expect God to get you out of trouble. - -

Again, the devil took Jesus to a high place and showed him all the kingdoms of this world, and their splendor then suggested; “All this will I give you,” satan said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus again answered with Scripture, “You shall not worship any god except the Lord your God.” - - Jesus passed all the temptations; Need for food, care and physical preservation, power and authority of kingdoms of this world, and after being defeated, satan left Jesus alone.

Almost instantly a host of angels came down from heaven and ministered to Jesus giving him proper heavenly food, water and strength for his journey.

Jesus was ready to begin His earthly Ministry and He returned in the power of the Holy Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.  And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.  Jesus decided it was time for Him to return to his home town Nazareth.

Luke 4:16-19 So 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 to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. 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 has anointed Me, 
To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and SAT DOWN. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And Jesus began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

What is interesting is when Jesus sat down He did NOT return to His previous seat. History tells us there were two seats at the front of the synagogue, one of which was kept empty at all times; because it was the seat reserved for the Messiah. This is the seat that Jesus returned and sat down. He was demonstrating to the people that He was the Messiah. He was actively showing the people that this day, the scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.

The Religious leaders murmured at His words and actions, and they were highly offended at what Jesus had just done, proclaiming to be the Messiah. Jesus then declared that a Prophet is not recognized in his home town.

As the leaders continued to listen to Jesus, they were filled with wrath, finally they grabbed Jesus and dragged him out of the city because they planed to throw him off a high cliff.

We are not told if Jesus disappeared, but it seems that is what happened, because for some reason he passed through the midst of them and went safely on his way; coming down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught the people on the Sabbath days. 

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with authority and power.  And the fame of Jesus went everywhere, because He was casting out unclean spirits, healing the sick and preaching about His kingdom.

Those who believe on Jesus are entered now “spiritually” into His kingdom, and into the family of God, where there is peace for the mind, body and spirit.

Today, if you have not already done so - - Are you prepared to tell Jesus, "I am ready to invite you into my life and to be part of your kingdom?" Today is a Good day to just simply make that decision. Say Yes to Jesus and invite Him into your life. You will be glad you did.