CHRIST’S RESURRECTION USHERS IN HIS NEW KINGDOM
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“It was now just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end.” – John 13:1
Sundown has arrived… the beginning of Passover. Jesus is celebrating the traditional Passover Feast with His beloved apostles. This Last Supper is the final meal they will partake in together. Yet one will betray Him.
“The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.” – John 13:2
Jesus shares the solemn news of His imminent betrayal by one of their own seated at the table. John, sitting closest to Jesus, asks Him who it is. Quietly, He tells this apostle that the one to whom He offers a piece of bread dipped in the bowl is the betrayer. He hands the morsel to Judas Iscariot.
“As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly.’” – John 13:27
It is night… and the one deserts the flock as prophesied. Jesus spends His final hours talking with the remaining loyal eleven about His upcoming departure. Yet with this sad news, He gives rays of hope. For when He returns to the Father, He will send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will remain with them forever.
“All this I have spoken while still with you… I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.” – John 14:25, 29
A prophet’s authenticity is proven by the fulfillment of his prophecies. Jesus offers His disciples predictions of the future. What He says will come to pass. The Master knows their faith will falter when He leaves them. Yet His words, when fulfilled, will prove His legitimacy as the true and undeniable Prophet and Messiah.
“I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming, and he has no claim on Me.” – John 14:30
Jesus calmly speaks of the near future… of the dark plans of His adversary. Yet in His omniscience, He knows that He is immune to any of Satan’s attacks. Jesus stands absolutely invulnerable, unshakable, invincible.
For He is the pure and sinless Lamb of God over whom the enemy wields no power. There is no chink in His armor… nowhere for the fiery darts of the evil one to penetrate. The victory of the Messiah is assured.
The apostles listen intently to their Master, hanging on His every word. Although they may not understand the supreme significance of what He is sharing, they know that His words are divinely inspired and worthy of their complete attention.
“I do exactly what the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.” – John 14:31
Jesus predicts his coming passion. He reveals the meaning and motivation for the suffering and death He will face. It is all about love. Love for the Father. Love for all mankind. Love leads Jesus to obey His Father just as love leads us to obey our Lord. Love leads Him to lay down His perfect life for all… to take our place and die to give us life.
The mystery of the ages… the plan of all eternity… is coming to fulfillment. What will appear to be certain defeat will be triumphant victory. The life of the Messiah will be laid down of His own accord… an act of His own choosing. If He asks, He knows the Father would send legions of angels to save Him (Matthew 26:53). Yet then Scripture would not be fulfilled. And the world desperately needs a Savior.
“Rise, let us be on our way.” – John 14:31
The time has at last arrived… the time for which all heaven and earth has awaited. Prophecy is about to come to fruition. Jesus asks His small band of disciples to accompany Him on His road to the cross. He bravely and resolutely sets out to face His future… what is to be the culmination of His earthly mission.
This one voluntary act of love and obedience by our Lord rocks the world, echoing down through the ages. The resurrection of Jesus Christ breaks the power of darkness and death, sin and evil… ushering in a new kingdom of light and life. All who believe in Him in all times past and future will experience life eternal through Him. For Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25).
Hallelujah to the King of Kings… the Messiah… the Redeemer of the world!
