408th Post Jesus Said On His Rejection and Death Con't. - John 13:21.

John 13: 21.
Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.
Spoken by Jesus the night He was to be betrayed. Here again, we have proof that Jesus was more than just a man. If Jesus was only a man, how would He know that someone would betray Him, and that He knew who that person was who would do it; and then allow it to happen. A regular man would try to preserve his life and foil the attempt, if he knew before hand it was to happen. Jesus being God, knew the big picture; and knew His life was part of the plan. Jesus told His disciples, so that when it happens, and later when they thought about the events and how they unfolded. They would remember that Jesus told them He would be betrayed before the event actually happened.
Jesus knew that His disciples still did not believe that He was the Son of God. He did everything in His power to prove to them that He is the Promised Messiah. We should remember this when we are out trying to witness to others for Christ. If the disciples had a hard time believing, and they witnessed the miracles and teachings, how much more should we have understanding when people do not believe us. God opens the hearts of unbelievers not us, or our message. We need to get the message out. That is our job.

407th Post Jesus Said On His Rejection and Death Con't. - John 13: 18 - 19.

John 13: 18 - 19
I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, "He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me." Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.
This was spoken by Jesus the night He was to be betrayed in the upper room. The Gospel of John was written, by John to show that Jesus is the Son of God, and the Messiah. This account should help prove that Jesus was not just an ordinary man. If you read the text, Jesus is fulfilling prophecy and proclaiming prophecy at the same time. Jesus mentions the lifting up his heel against Me; this comes from the book of Genesis starting with Chapter 3: 15. This text is also prophecy by Jesus, and we know this by looking at the phrase "Now I tell you before it comes... ." This prophecy in Genesis was over 3,000 years old at the time of Christ. The Bible is the Word of God, and God does keep His Word! If you look at this text, Jesus says "He knows whom He has chosen." Judas is the one who will betray Jesus. Notice Jesus ties him to the Old Testament Prophecy. This is why Jesus had to let him join His group, Jesus being God, had to know that Judas would ultimately betray Him.

406th Post Jesus Said On His Rejection and Death Con't. - John 12: 31 - 32.

John 12: 31 - 32.
Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.
This was spoken by Jesus during His last week of ministry on earth before His crucifixion. Look at the words of this text, were they the words of a simple preacher? He would not be interested in the judgment of the world, or casting out the current ruler. Why would He talk about being lifted up and drawing all peoples to Him. What exactly did He mean by these words? Jesus' reason for coming here was larger than taking out just one ruler. There was a ruler of the world at that time, and he still rules today. This ruler is Satan. The whole Bible is the struggle of good and evil. When the fall happened in the Garden of Eden, evil got a toehold and has been growing ever since. Jesus had to come into the world and pay the debt we owe because of our sin. This is what Jesus was going to do by dying on the cross. When Jesus died, He paid the debt owed God for our disobedience. When Jesus died, He defeated Satan, Jesus has to come again to cast Satan out for good. In the mean time Jesus has been drawing all peoples to Him. He is given us the opportunity to be drawn to Him as well. Have you made a decision yet??

405th Post Jesus Said On His Rejection and Death Con't. - John 12: 7 - 8.

John 12: 7 - 8.
Let her alone, she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.
This was spoken by Jesus two weeks before He was to suffer and die. This retort from Jesus, came as result of the disciples commenting on the lavishness of this display from Mary, Martha's sister. Judas commented on how expensive the perfume was, and that it could have helped many poor people. The last line of this text, is very important. Jesus was saying that the poor you will always have time to take care of, as we have them with us today. When Jesus said "But Me you do not have always." He was saying that He will not be here in this capacity again. When Jesus comes again, He will be in charge, and not as a servant. This is another indication that Jesus was more than just a religious leader. He always knew His place and that He would come again; and in what capacity He would be in. Jesus taught us "That the last will be come first, and the first last." Jesus came the first time as a servant and when He comes back, He will be the King of Kings!" This is part of what Jesus meant, when He asked us to watch and pay attention to the signs. The Bible is full of signs, have you been finding them and watching? This is what we are asked to do, if we are follower's of Jesus. Are you watching??

404th Post Jesus Said On His Rejection and Death Con't. - John 3: 14 - 15.

John 3: 14 - 15.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
This was spoken by Jesus very early in His earthly ministry; He did not have all of His disciples called yet. To understand this passage you need to know this Old Testament passage Jesus was referring to (Numbers 21: 4 - 9). In the Old Testament passage, the serpents were killing the Jews, because of their unbelief. They called out to Moses to ask God to deliver them. When Moses did, God told him to fashion a bronze serpent and place it on a pole (Standard) in the middle of camp, when the Jews were bitten by the snakes they were to look upon this serpent on the pole for healing. Jesus likens Himself to the serpent in this story. The only difference, Jesus grants eternal life. As the Jews of the Old Testament had to look to something that they detested, so the Jews of the New Testament would have to look to the cross something they detested to gain eternal life. At this point in Jesus ministry, they could not make the connection between the serpent in the wilderness of Moses, and the Son of Man be lifted up. We can better understand this, because we have these stories written down and have the ability to study them over and over. How is your study and walk?? You and God are the only ones who know the truth! There is still time to make a change.

403rd Post Jesus Said On His Own Rejection and Death Con't. - Luke 13: 32 - 33.

Luke 13: 32 - 33.
Go, tell that fox, "Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected." Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.
This was spoken by Jesus toward the end of His earthly ministry. Some Pharisees came to warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him. Jesus replies that He is about His Father's business, and that He will continue to do so, until His time has come. The Pharisees, that warned Jesus were ones that have come to believe that Jesus is Lord. They remembered that Herod, was the one who captured John the Baptist and killed him. They were trying to keep Jesus from suffering the same fate. Jesus was telling them that His path leads to Jerusalem where He will be killed. This is what Jesus meant when He said "on the third day I will be perfected." In this study, we have been looking at the words of Jesus very carefully, and have seen just how many times Jesus foretold His death. Then when the time came for these things to come to pass, it took them by surprise. "God's ways are not our ways". This is why we don't all follow the teachings of God. If you are truly seeking the truth, you will find it. Have you found it yet??

402nd Post Jesus Said On His Rejection & Death Con't. - Luke 9: 22.

Luke 9: 22.
The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.
This was spoken by Jesus to his disciples about 1.1/2 to 2 years into His earthly ministry. In Luke's Gospel this account comes just after Peter declares Jesus to be the Christ of God. Christ is from the Greek word Cristo which means the anointed, the Messiah. So Peter tells the disciples correctly that Jesus is God's anointed. Jesus tells the disciples here, in clear language, that He will be rejected by the elders, and then tells the disciples who they are, He will be killed and raised the third day. It is interesting, how many times Jesus told them He would suffer and die; and they still would not believe when He was captured and killed. Jesus had to die in this fashion, it was foretold by God's prophets in the Old Testament, and by Jesus Himself. Some of the Old Testament prophesies were over 600 years old. God had this planned before chapter 3 of Genesis ever took place. God knew what would happen if He allowed man to have free choice. The Apostle Paul rightly said "That while we were still in sin, Jesus died for us." All you have to do to be saved is believe and start living for God instead of the world. Have you made the change yet??

401st Post Jesus Said On His Rejection & Death Con't. - Matthew 13: 57.

Matthew 13: 57; Mark 6:4; Luke 4: 23 - 27.
You will surely say this proverb to Me, "Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country." Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1.2 to 2 years into His earthly ministry. If you don't have a very good understanding of the Old Testament, you may have trouble unlocking this passage. Knowledge of locations in Israel would also help. Capernaum is located in the north part of Israel on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Elijah and Elisha were the prophets raised by God to witness to the Northern Kingdom of Samaria. Zarephath and Naaman, were both pagens (unbelievers). Each one was taught by Elijah and Elisha. God sent the prophets and also Jesus, God had different jobs for the prophets and for Jesus. Jesus was fulfilling God's plan, God's way.
We all have free choice, and have to make a commitment to follow God. God is asking us to make the same choice.

400th Post Jesus Said On His Rejection and Death Con't. - Matthew 26: 45 - 46.

Matthew 26: 45 - 46; Mark 14:41 - 42.
Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.
This was spoken by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night He was betrayed. Jesus had asked them to watch and pray with Him, during this difficult time. Jesus had been struggling with drinking the cup God had given Him to drink or not. Jesus spoke these words to the disciples after He had made the decision to fulfill His destiny. The mob was approaching that was going to arrest Jesus. This was all going by God's plan. The disciples realized that Judas was the one who betrayed Jesus! They did not know up to that moment. The disciples had spent all afternoon and evening with Jesus and had learned a lot from Jesus on that night. Now the time comes for them to stand with Jesus, and they scatter like lost sheep. How much like them are we? It is very easy, to say how you will act, before you are put into a similar situation; and when it comes, instead of rising to the occasion, we cave and run. We have to remember, that when we walk with God, it is no longer by ourselves, if we are acting according to God's will, we will be succssessful. Are you walking with God??

399th Post Jesus Said On His Rejection and Death Con't. - Matthew 26: 31.

Matthew 26:31; Mark 14:27.
All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: "I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered."
This was spoken by Jesus the night He was betrayed. When this actually happened, in the Garden of Gethsemane, it fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 13: 7, written over 500 years before the fact. Notice the part of the text in quotes, God says that He will strike the Shepherd, and the flock will scatter. This is another sign that all that happened to Jesus, was designed by God. This is a hard concept for us to understand, why it was necessary for God to reconcile us back to Him in this way. This whole concept is spelled out throughout the Bible from beginning to end. The more you study the Bible, the clearer, this message becomes. This is why we don't hold one group of men more responsible than another group of men. We are all guilty, because we are men. Sin is something we all struggle with, and keeps us from achieving the prize of eternal life. This is why Jesus said "wide is the road that leads to destruction, and narrow the path that leads to eternal life; and few find it." The Bible teaches that we need to persevere to the very end, in order to gain the prize. This is what is required. Are you hot? Or lukewarm?

398th Post Jesus Said On His Rejection and Death Con't. - Matthew 26: 21 - 24.

Matthew 26: 21 - 24; Mark 14: 18 - 21; Luke 22: 21 - 22.
Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me. He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.
This was spoken by Jesus on Maundy Thursday, in the upper room at the Last Supper Table. When you just read this passage in the Bible, you might ask yourself why Judas continued to eat, after Jesus spoke those words. Remember that Jesus and the disciples did not eat at the table, like they were pictured in Leonardo Di Vinci's famous painting of the Last Supper. Jesus and the disciples were lounging on the floor, and leaned against each other for support. If you re-read the story you will notice that John asked Jesus "who would betray Him." John was leaning against Jesus at the table. Jesus did not speak loud enough for the whole group to hear him. Then there is Jesus warning "Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!" We all have free choice, and Judas was no different, but like us he chose the wrong decision. Judas heard the truth, and refused to listen to it. The same is possible for you, if you are exposed to the truth, it can count against you if you choose the wrong choice later on. This is why Paul told us to run the race and finish the race strong. How are you running??

397th Post Jesus On His Own Rejection and Death Con't. - Natthew 26: 10 - 13

Matthew 26: 10 - 13; Mark 14: 3; John 12: 1 - 8.
Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.
This was spoken by Jesus two days before His crucifixion. Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and sister of Lazarus, (who was raised from the dead.) Judas took issue with the extravagance, of Mary's choice of perfume. You need to realize that Mary was very happy Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. They lived in Bethany, and were rich, so she could afford to give the gift. You have to remember that this takes place two days before Jesus is to be put to death. This is not the same anointing, of Jesus where a woman washed Jesus' feet with her tears and dried His feet with her hair. Jesus knew the hearts of the people who were in attendance, that is why He said "For you have the poor always, but Me you do not have always." Jesus was telling them that soon He will suffer and die; and He will be returning to Heaven. Jesus is still telling His followers that He is about to leave.

396th Post Jesus On His Rejection and Death Con't. - Matthew 26: 2

Matthew 26: 2
You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.
This was spoken two days before He was to be crucified. Jesus again foretells His coming death. Jesus is about to become the perfect Passover Lamb, whose suffering and death will save mankind from their sins. Jesus is now tying His death to Passover Festival. Jesus has spent His whole earthly ministry in telling the people Who He was, why He came, and why He would come again. The Passover Feast was to remind the Jews that when they were in Egypt, they were delivered by God through Moses. Moses delivered the children of Israel from the tyranny of man. Jesus will deliver all men from the tyranny of Satan. God gave all men this gift. All they have to do to receive it is believe in Jesus. Moses' deliverance was one time. Jesus, because He is God and man delivered all people forever! Passover, is just another prophetical proof that Jesus was Who He said He was. Those of you reading this blog from the beginning, have seen the times Jesus cheated death, because the timing was not right. When the timing is right, Jesus will come again! Praise God!!

395th Post Jesus On His Own Rejection and Death Con't. - Matthew 20: 18 - 19.

Matthew 20: 18 - 19; Mark 10: 33 - 34; Luke 18: 31 - 33.
Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.
This was spoken by Jesus after the raising of Lazarus, and before His Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem; about three weeks before He was to die. This is the third post on Jesus' predictions concerning His rejection and death. Notice each post was spoken by Jesus closer to the coming event, and Jesus provides more and more detail, each time. This is how Bible prophecy is written, the older the prophecy, the more general, the information. As prophecies are written closer to the event, the more information they contained. In this post, Jesus tells that the chief priests and the scribes will also be part of the plot to kill Him. The Jesus says that He will be turned over to the Gentiles to mock, scourge and to crucify Him. Jesus said "He would rise on the third day." It is interesting that Jesus tells the disciples here that He will die and rise again, and He even tells them in how many days after they crucified Him. They did not remember these words spoken by Jesus. Do you believe yet?? It is up to you to look at the evidence and decide for yourself.

394th Post Jesus On Predictions on His Own Rejection and Death Con't. - Matthew 17: 22 - 23.

Matthew 17: 22 - 23; Mark 9:31; Luke 9: 44; John 2: 19.
The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.
This was spoken by Jesus 1.1/2 to 2 years into His earthly ministry. Jesus gives people more insight as to His death and resurrection. Jesus predicts that He will be betrayed, and the third day He will rise again. If Jesus was not who He said He was, why would He allow Himself to be treated this way?? Then there is this question, if Jesus was Who He said He was, why would He allow Himself to be crucified? God promised a deliverer in Genesis Chapter 3. It was for this purpose that Jesus was Born into this world. Man could not on his own bring himself back in favor with God. Isaiah tells us that God looks on our good works as filthy rags! This is why we can not count on our works to save us! How, then must we be saved?? God created us, God told us how to live, and God has reconciled us back to Him! God has done it all, all we have to do is believe! Still, we will not accept this! This is why, we don't understand how Jesus would save the thief on the cross. The thief at the beginning, was with the crowd, then something happened that made him change his position, and ask Jesus (God) for forgiveness, and asked Jesus to remember him, when Jesus comes into His Kingdom. Jesus replied "Today, you will be with Me in paradise." What is your position? Do you believe Jesus Is Who He Said He Is??

393rd Post Jesus Said About His Rejection an Death Con't. - Matthew 17: 11 - 12.

Matthew 17: 11 - 12; Mark 9: 12 - 13.
Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 to 2 years into His earthly ministry. This text takes place after the beheading of John the Baptist, and the Transfiguration. The disciples just asked Jesus why the scribes say the first Elijah must come? Jesus was explaining to them that the prophet Malachi prophesied in his book chapter 4:5; "Behold, I will send you Elijah before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes." Then Jesus went on to say that Elijah had come already, Jesus was referring to John the Baptist, the people rejected him and killed him. Jesus is now prophesying that the Messiah is about to suffer a similar fate. It is important for you to remember that the disciples still did not understand who Jesus was. They knew Him to be a great teacher, healer, and compassionate person, but they still did not understand why Jesus had to die, or the importance of His death. This is what I am trying to point out here. For Jesus death to be the greatest death ever, He had to be Who He said He was! What do you think??

392nd Post Jesus Said About His Rejection and Death - New Section of Study.

Rejection and Death.
If Jesus was just a carpenter turned itinerant preacher. How could He have known so much about Sacred Jewish Scriptures, and God. The fact that He worked in a carpenter's shop, would tell a Jew, that Jesus was not taught by the Religious Authorities. How could He possibly know the things He taught about! The Religious Authorities, were the only people who could read and study Sacred Scripture. This was the big question, and the reason many did not take Him serious while He lived on earth. Jesus never waivered from His Story. We are in a better position now to decide if Jesus Is Who He said He was. We have access to Old Testament Scriptures, all the prophecies written concerning Jesus the Messiah, and through the New Testament accounts, have a written account of fulfillment of these prophecies. Jesus did not fulfill all the prophecies yet, but He will when He returns. Jesus foretold His death, He talked about how, how could He have known He would Die as a criminal of the Roman Government. Jesus was not guilty of crimes against the Roman Government, so how could this happen? All of the prophecies concerning His death have come true. How could He possibly known and fulfilled these things, unless He Is Who He Said He is! That is the only explanation that makes sense. Do you believe??

391st Post Jesus Words from the Cross Con't. - John 19: 30

John 19: 30
It is finished!
This was spoken by Jesus the day He was crucified. These three small words, have spoken volumes through the years. Many people who call themselves Christians, do not understand these words. When Jesus spoke these words, He meant every word. Jesus paid the whole bill. He fulfilled the whole covenant. He purchased us from the wages of sin! This is why He alone can say, "No one comes to the Father, except through Me!" Sounds very narrow minded, but of all the gods out there, He is the only One who cares enough for you; to have died for your sins. All that is necessary in claiming your freedom from sin, is believing in Him! Believe, and follow His words and teachings. When you begin to follow Christ, your life will change. You will be taking off the ways of the world, and will start to put on the ways of God. People will start to see a change in you, this change should continue until you die. When you die you will be the most like Christ, you can be until God finishes the work He started in you. To a Christian, God takes a personal interest in you, and is always with you. This is God's Promise to you. Are you ready to Accept it?? It is up to you!

390th Post Jesus Words from the Cross Con't. -John 19:28.

John 19: 28.
I thirst!
This was spoken by Jesus on the day He died on the cross. The Romans offered condemned men to drink a mixture called gall, this was a mixture of myrrh and sour wine, meaning a cheap quality of wine, or vinegar. This was given to the condemned, as a way to deaden the pain. This looks on the surface to be a compassionate thing to do. The Romans were experts in torture and inflicting pain. The gall would prolong their death, not hasten it. Jesus refused it at first. Jesus did this, so He could keep His promise that He would lay down His life and take it up again; by keeping His head clear. It would be a good idea when reading Jesus words from the cross, to have Psalm 22 handy to read along. When Jesus said "I thirst!" He was going to fulfill another prophecy, Psalm 69:21. "They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink." There are a lot of prophecies, fulfilled while on the cross. No other person has fulfilled so many prophecies during His lifetime. When Jesus returns, He will fulfill the rest of the prophecies still left unfulfilled. Many New Testament scholars believe that the Old Testament is already fulfilled and not relevant today. I hope you are seeing that this just is not so.

389th Post Jesus Words from the Cross - John 19: 27.

John 19: 27.
Behold, your mother!
This was spoken by Jesus the day He died from the cross. In the previous post, Jesus told His earthly mother that John, His disciple would take care of her. In this post, Jesus completes this obligation by charging His disciple to behold your mother. John honored this, by taking Mary the mother of Jesus to his home from the crucifixion. He took care of her for the rest of his life. John was the youngest disciple, so he would outlive Mary, the mother of Jesus. Jesus showed that He was a Jew, since this was a Jewish custom. Many Christians forget, that Jesus was Jewish. God proves here that He keeps His word to the Jews, by sending them a Messiah, that will also save the world. Why the Jews are Promised, has been a mystery to Christians and non-Christians alike. This is one of the things that makes God, God! God is over all and can give mercy to whoever He wants. That is what mercy means, granting mercy to those who do not deserve it. Some Christians believe that mercy is only given to them. They do not understand the Old Testament, or what it teaches. We need to remember that God is the Creator, and is in control of all things, even when it looks like He does not care. God is still on the Throne!