Missing the Message?

[Nick Daniels]

Often it takes quite a while for us to receive a message from God. Even if we have: read it in scripture repeatedly, heard it spoken on several occasions, and been reminded of it specifically. In Christ’s day, there were numerous prophetic proclamations and promises being fulfilled in the presence of the people. However, most of the Jewish people and religious leaders totally missed the message of the Messiah’s life, suffering, death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus’ disciples nearly missed it too...and probably would have...if the Lord had not graciously helped them to: receive, remember, believe, understand, apply and heed the most important message of all time.

Receiving the Message

Jesus Christ gave very specific prophecies concerning His imminent suffering, death, burial and resurrection. These were given on three separate occasions, spread over many days, before He died on the Jewish Feast of Passover:

1. at the time of Peter’s confession that Jesus was the Christ,in

Luke 9:22 “The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.”

2. shortly after His transfiguration, in

Luke 9:44-45 “Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.”

3. near the time of His crucifixion, in

Luke 18:31-34 “Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.”

—THEY RECEIVED THE MESSAGE…NOW THEY NEEDED TO REMEMBER IT —

Remembering the Message

After the Lord Jesus’ suffering, death, burial and resurrection, God provided angels to remind several women of Christ’s words before He died. What the angels told them was then shared to help others recall what Jesus had previously and plainly told them.

Luke 24:1-12 “Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.”

—THEY REMEMBERED THE MESSAGE…NOW THEY NEEDED TO BELIEVE IT —

Believing the Message

Peter was not the only disciple wondering about what had happened. Most were still confused. Then the risen Lord—with some exasperation—carefully explained Old Testament prophecies to a perplexed pair of them in

Luke 24:13-32 “And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself…and their eyes were opened, and they knew him...”

Using prophetic scripture, the Lord convinced them concerning who He was. There were nearly 300 Old Testament messianic prophecies Jesus fulfilled.

He most likely included what the following prophets had to say about Him:

MOSES SAID—in Genesis 3:15, 12:1-3, 49:10—Christ would be a male to bruise the serpent’s head. He would be Abraham’s seed to bless all nations and would come forth from the tribe of Judah. In Deuteronomy 18:15, He would be a prophet like Moses to be carefully listened to.

DAVID SAID—in Psalms 16:10, 22:7-18, 34:10, 41:9, 68:18, 69:21, 78:2, 110:1, 118:22-23—Christ would be: a speaker of parables, betrayed, mocked, have hands and feet pierced, given vinegar and gall to drink, not have a bone broken, have lots cast for His garment, be raised from dead, ascend into heaven, sit at God’s right hand, and be the Cornerstone of the Church’s foundation.

ISAIAH SAID—in Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, 35:4-6, 50:6, 53:1-12 —Messiah would be born of a virgin and would be called Emmanuel (God with us). He would be the Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace; a Savior and Healer. Christ would be: struck and spat upon by enemies, rejected by His people, silent before accusers, tried and condemned, suffer with criminals, pray for His enemies, be buried in a rich man’s tomb, and die as a sacrifice for sin.

DANIEL SAID—in Daniel 9:24-27—Messiah would be “cut off” in 69 weeks (literally, “weeks of years,” or 69 x 7=483 years) from a command to rebuild Jerusalem. This edict was given in 444 B.C. by the Persian King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2). Jesus was crucified in 33 A.D. By using the 360-day-per-year Biblical calendar, we discover Jesus was crucified exactly 483 years after this command went forth!

MICAH SAID—in Micah 5:2—the Christ Child would be born in Bethlehem.

ZECHARIAH SAID—in Zechariah 6:12-13, 9:9, 11:11-13, 12:10—Messiah would: build a spiritual temple, bear the glory, rule as priest upon His throne, be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, pierced and mourned for. He would triumphantly

enter Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt.

MALACHI SAID—in Malachi 3:1, 4:2-5—Christ would be preceded by a messenger like Elijah (John the Baptist). The Lord would also suddenly come to His temple as the Sun of Righteousness and a Healer.

—THEY BELIEVED THE MESSAGE…NOW THEY NEEDED TO UNDERSTAND IT—

Understanding the Message

As the two men were explaining to the apostles what they had just seen and heard, Jesus appeared in their midst. He gave all of them yet another revealing

exposition regarding the climactic fulfillment of all scripture concerning Himself. This is found in

Luke 24:44-49 “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

Christ’s joyful followers went to Jerusalem to await the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit, and to hear the message Christ said would be preached in all the world.

—THEY UNDERSTOOD THE MESSAGE…NOW THEY NEEDED TO APPLY IT —

Applying the Message

The Lord’s final words before He ascended to heaven are found in the Book of Acts (Luke’s sequel to the Gospel he wrote).

Acts 1:1-9 says “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence...But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.”

The disciples continually prayed and praised the Lord while they waited for the promise of the Father. On the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, they were baptized with the Holy Ghost. They began speaking with other tongues (languages), as God’s Spirit gave them the ability. Read about it in

Acts 2:1-13 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?...we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.”

When the people asked what these supernatural utterances meant, Peter boldly explained the prophecies and promises given in the Old Testament...and by the Lord Jesus. It is vital to note: this is the first post-resurrection gospel message on the “birthday” of the New Testament Church...and the message proclaimed was EXACTLY as prescribed by Jesus in Luke 24:44-49! Here are excerpts from Peter’s powerful preaching, gladly received by thousands, in

Acts 2:14-41 “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh...And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit...And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it...Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he...being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear...Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

As Jesus had commanded, repentance and remission of sins was preached in His name at Jerusalem. As He had promised, they were baptized with the Holy Ghost (it was accompanied by speaking with other tongues). According to Peter, this promise is for every generation in every nation.

—THEY APPLIED THE MESSAGE…NOW THEY NEEDED TO HEED IT—

Heeding the Message

Many years after being converted, and converting others, Peter wrote a letter to persecuted Christians to encourage them in their faith. He wanted them to know assuredly that God-inspired prophetic scriptures remained an especially reliable source for their beliefs. He also warned them about false messages that would give the true message a bad reputation.

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” —2 Peter 1:16-2:2

Conclusion

Many of those who should have been watching, waiting for, and welcoming Jesus at His first coming missed the message. They were too preoccupied with religious traditions, secular pursuits, worldly lusts, personal problems, political agendas, and fear of family and friends to receive the most important message of all time. Even those who walked with Him had much difficulty comprehending what He was trying to reveal. As Jesus Christ’s second coming draws nigh, these same things STILL affect people today.

Amazingly, the message of Christ’s prophesied suffering, death and burial at Passover, along with His glorious resurrection is STILL missed by millions of Non-Christians in our millennium. They—along with many Christians who walk with Him in our day—STILL have not obeyed all of the message Christ gave Peter to preach at Pentecost, including:

believing in Christ as Lord and Savior, repenting of sins, being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and

receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, speaking with tongues.

How about YOU?

Will you: receive, remember, believe, understand, apply and heed the Word of God? Or, will you—after being exposed to these truths—STILL be found…“Missing the Message?”

Open your heart to the original message of Jesus and His Apostles.

And find a church that believes and teaches it!

—JOIN THEM IN PROCLAIMING THIS MESSAGE—