Raised Up! (part 3 of 6)

One of the signs of a false prophet (or prophecy) is that if what is said does not come about, that prophet has spoken presumptuously on his own. ( Deuteronomy 18:22) It is therefore not a message from God. Besides the display of power in the miracles of Jesus as a proof He was from God (i.e. John 9:32-33), so was the fulfillment of prophecy after prophecy marking Him as the long awaited Messiah. He was the prophet who would rise up. ( Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22-26)

Even as Jesus walked among men, He was looking ahead to the MISSION HE CAME TO FULFILL. As things continued to unfold according the God’s timetable, there was nothing that would deter Him from completing it. Though it was not fully understood by the disciples or others, Jesus Himself referred to His death again and again. (i.e. Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19)

Jesus, speaking to Pharisees and other Jews regarding His relation to the Father, mentioned that He was going away and that they would look for Him, but would die in their sin because where He was going they could not come. This made some wonder if He was talking about killing Himself. ( John 8:21-22) As Jesus continued speaking we see that He was looking ahead to His death and their involvement in bringing it about.

We read…
“(28) So Jesus said to them, ‘WHEN YOU HAVE LIFTED UP THE SON OF MAN, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. (29) And HE WHO SENT ME IS WITH ME. He has not left me alone, for I ALWAYS DO THE THINGS THAT ARE PLEASING TO HIM.’” ( John 8:28-29 ESV)

“When you have lifted up….” Jesus would be raised up on a cross to die and it would be at their urging. However, this was the PURPOSE for which Jesus had been sent.

Regarding His purpose we read the words of Jesus Himself…
“(32) And I, WHEN I AM LIFTED UP from the earth, WILL DRAW ALL PEOPLE TO MYSELF.” (33) He said this to show by what KIND OF DEATH he was going to die.” ( John 12:32-33 ESV)

This passage makes it clear Jesus was not referring to His ascension back to heaven, but rather the fact He would be raised up on a cross. If none of this happened we should see Jesus as a false prophet. But it did happen! It all came about just as Jesus said it would. Pilate handed Him over to be crucified. ( John 19:16). Jesus bore the cross to the place called Golgotha ( John 19:17) with Simon of Cyrene forced to carry it part of the way. ( Luke 23:26) Jesus was nailed to and raised up on that cross, willingly laying down His life ( John 10:17-18) for us.

After a sponge of sour wine was raised up to Him on a hyssop branch, Jesus declared …
“… ‘IT IS FINISHED,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” ( John 19:30 ESV)

Fulfilled! Completed! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! These Jewish leaders were set on a MISSION, not realizing they were merely playing a role (along with the help of Romans) to FULFILL THE MISSION of Jesus giving His life for the sins of the world and thus providing an eternal hope. However, that death was not the end! Sunday was coming!

Have a great day ENCOURAGED BY ALL THE TRUTH OF JESUS CHRIST!
Carl

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