Jesus’ Conception of Himself and His Mission – Part 2
Sermon Notes of
Reverend Harvey Alford Matney
(1868 – 1951)
March 28, 1926 – Glenwood UMC (Tyler), Texas
Introduction
Jesus never demanded anyone worship or accept Him. He came to the door and knocked, but never kicked the door down. He did the will of God for His life – healing the sick, walking in love and teaching people how the Kingdom of God operates. He would often tell people that had been delivered to “tell no man.” But His fame spread nonetheless.
He spoke in parables to those that had already decided He was a lunatic, or even worse, a threat to their position and power. His role as Messiah was kept a secret and revealed to only a faithful few. But to the Samaritan woman who confessed belief in a coming Messiah who would teach the people all things, Jesus boldly declared that He was the Messiah. Even today, if you are ready and willing to hear the truth, nothing is hidden. — Harrison Woodard
John 7:31 KJV
And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
Jesus’ Conception of Himself and His Mission – Part 2
The Conception Current Among the Jews
All agreed that the Messiah when He came would be King of the coming Kingdom of God. The reincarnation of Elijah must precede him. (Mark 9:11) “Elias must first come.” He is of the royal lineage of David. (John 7:42) “Hath not the scripture said Christ cometh of the seed of David – Town of Bethlehem?”
David taken from the sheepcote was made king forever. (2 Samuel 7:12-16) His kingly functions were involved in “anointed.” The Hebrew for “anointed” furnishes are word for Messiah. The Greek for “anointed” gave us our word for Christ.
So Simon replied when questioned, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Israel in her hopes also stood out as God’s “Son”, but to her “Son of God” carried little if any of the significance of His later personality and teachings.
The Messiah was expected to do wonderful works. (John 7:31) “Will the Messiah do more when He comes?”
The most devout thought He might act unwisely and be set right by trusty council. Even Peter said, “This shall not be to thee Lord.” (Matthew 16:21-22)
Their ideas of the Kingdom were as varied as our ideas of Heaven. The Pharisees saw the need of a Messiah only to enforce their interpretation of the Mosaic Law.
The Zealot whose cry was, “No other leader but God!” was ready to assassinate him and his disciples. They wanted a deliverer from political bondage.
They probably all agreed that the Kingdom of Heaven was:
1. A political organization
2. A strictly Jewish institution
3. Was designed to give execution to the Law
The Messiah was the Royal Personage they expected to bring these things to pass. To their mind He must fill the place they expected Him to fill. He must do the job as they interpreted it
Jesus faced the problem of correcting and enriching their conception of the Messiah. To these His own countrymen He came with ideas of the Messiah and His Kingdom destined to seem:
1. To the Pharisee – irreligious
2. To the Zealot – unpatriotic
3. To His best friends for a time – sadly, disappointing and unwise
As we worship today, let us think of Him as once facing this perplexing question. Praying it over much and looking to a day of suffering on the cross for us.
How much have we advanced today? How many of our conceptions of the Kingdom of God are those He faced when He came into the world?
It is strange that Jesus often spoke His most remarkable words to the least remarkable persons.
(John 4:1-42 – The Samaritan Woman) Here is a woman who for one splendid moment emerges from the unknown. She stands as in a blaze of living light and vanishes into the unknown again. Oh, if we could only read her biography.
But while she stands, she is immortalized. The moment becomes an eternal now in which she and Christ face each other forever. He gives and she receives truths the world can never allow to die.
“I am the Messiah, I who am talking to you.” (John 4:26)
End of Study 2
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