John records Jesus’ long farewell address before he and the disciples retire to the Garden of Gethsemane. The betrayer betrays, and a night of illegal trials begins. From Caiaphas to Pilate to Herod and back to Pilate, the farce of legal proceedings produces the conviction of Jesus’ blasphemy and sedition. The verdict is enforced with crucifixion leading to Jesus’ death and burial.
Jesus returns to the fig tree as a lesson to his followers. He teaches in the temple courts using his typical method of parables. From the parable of the tenants to the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus presents his coming kingdom against the open opposition of the religious authorities.
With Palm branches waving, Jesus rode into Jerusalem as the king on the back of a foal. The Jews had waited years for their king—hundreds of years—and now history was being fulfilled with Jesus coming as the King of all kings. Review the threads of kingship running through the Old Testament and ultimately pointing to Jesus.
In Revelation, the Apostle John is transported to the throne room of heaven to see what is yet to come. God the Father, armed with a sealed scroll, brings John to tears when no one is found who can open the scroll. Why weep? What is on this scroll, and how does it lead us all to worship?
The ongoing conflict over belief in Jesus was magnified through His declaration as the light of the world. Jesus’ divine authority, unity with the Father, and the necessity of believing in Him to avoid dying in sin led many to put their faith in Him.
With conflict in the air, Jesus invites all who are thirsty to come to Him and drink, referring to the Holy Spirit, who will satisfy and sustain. Some believed He was the Messiah, while others doubted, forcing us all to make a decision regarding faith in Him.
Join us in the Christmas season as we carefully examine the passages explaining Jesus’ birth from the promised birth of John the forerunner to the visit of the Magi from the East. Immerse yourself in the joy of the birth of the promised king.
For four hundred years, God had been silent. He did not raise up any prophets to speak on His behalf. He simply waited for the perfect moment to send His Son. In the fullness of time, Jesus’ cry broke the Father’s silence, and all of creation rejoiced. Tune in for the culmination of our Christmas series as we journey from the Old to the New Testament.