The End Of The Beginning
Acts 1:8-11
- One year and seven months ago we began a study of the life of Jesus. In that period of time we have followed each step of Jesus that is recorded in the Gospels. In this series I have preached 71 sermons at an average of 30 min per sermon. That is over 35 hours that we have spent studying the greatest life in the history of the world. And with all that we have seen, we have barely scratched the surface! There is no way to cover all that Jesus did during His time on earth. In fact John says in - John 21:25 (that) there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
- Well, today we come to the close of this study. And I am here to tell you that this is not the end...IT IS ONLY THE BEGINNING!! I would like to go back to the beginning and survey the life of our Savior and preach on the thought "The End Of The Beginning". In order to understand the entirety of Jesus' life we must go back further than His arrival at Bethlehem. For we are told that Jesus was present in creation - John 1:1 ¶In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
- This life is an absolutely amazing life! Through His life, death, and sacrifice it is possible for us to have life and to have it more abundantly! The reason for all that we have seen and will see is because God knew that we needed a a Savior - Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
- I would like to look at certain aspects of the Life of Jesus. We will examine:The Prophecy Of Jesus Christ, The Authority Of Jesus Christ, The Ministry Of Jesus Christ, The Humanity Of Jesus Christ, The Divinity Of Jesus Christ, The Victory Of Jesus Christ and The Personality Of Jesus Christ
Let's look to the Old Testament for a while and consider:
I. THE PROPHECY OF JESUS CHRIST
- In the Garden of Eden Adam & Eve sinned, as a result God sacrificed an animal and made coats of skin to cover their nakedness. There at that moment, and from that moment on Man was in need of a Savior. God told the Serpent (Satan) that there would come a Messiah Who would be the offspring of a woman (Genesis 3:21)- This Messiah would eventually crush the head of Satan. (Genesis 3:15) - He would be from the "Seed of Abraham" (Genesis 12:3) - This Messiah would bless all the nations on earth. (Genesis 12:3) - He would be a “prophet like Moses”. (Deuteronomy 18:15) - He would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2) - He would be born of a virgin. (Isaiah 7:14) - He would have a Kingdom that will last forever. (2 Samuel 7:16) - He would be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This Messiah would possess an everlasting kingdom. (Isaiah 9:6-7) - There were also many prophecies concerning His arrival, His death, burial resurrection and His return - (Zechariah 9:9-10, Isaiah 53:5, Isaiah 53:9, Psalm 16:10,Daniel 7:13-14, Malachi 4:2, Zechariah 12:10) - Jesus was the one spoken of by the Prophets. He was the one pointed to in the Law. Then when the time was right, He took on a robe of flesh and then came to this Earth as the promised Messiah.
The Angel Gabriel went to a virgin named Mary and told her that she had found favor with God (Luke 1:30) Furthermore she would conceive in her womb the Son of God. She was instructed to name Him Jesus (Luke 1:31) - Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to be taxed While they were there Mary gave birth to Jesus. She laid Him in a manger because there was no room in the inn. (Luke 2:7) - After 8 days they took Jesus to the Temple to present Him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice (Luke 2:21-24) - There in the Temple Jesus was greeted and worshipped by a man named Simeon & a woman named Anna. (Luke 2:25-41) - At the age of 12 we have record of the boy Jesus discussing theology with the Doctors in the Temple. (Luke 2:46) - From the age of 12 to 30 there is a pause in the record concerning Jesus' life. But we are told that "He Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52) - Then in John Chapter 1 we find the forerunner of Jesus, (John the Baptist) as he came preaching repentance. When Jesus came on the scene John announced His arrival by proclaiming - "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) - The prophecy was fulfilled, God's promise had come to the Earth.
As we move further let's consider:
II. THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS CHRIST
- At Jesus' request... John Baptized the Savior (Matthew 3:13-17) - And after this Jesus went into the wilderness and fasted for 40 days and nights. We are told that after this Jesus was hungry and then He was tempted by Satan. (Matthew 4:1-11) - Once He overcame that temptation Jesus then began to preach in Galilee (Mark 1:14-15) - While in the region of Galilee He called some fishermen to "follow Him and be His disciples" (4:18-22& He went to Capernaum, entered the Temple, taught with authority and astonished the people there (Mark 1:21-28)
- In Matthew 5-7 Jesus preached the greatest sermon in the history of the world. We often refer to this as "The Sermon On The Mount" . In that sermon He shared "the Beatitudes" . He preached about being "salt and light". He covered subjects such as Anger, Hatred, Adultery, Divorce, Vows, Revenge, Judging others, Money, Material Possessions. Helping the poor, The Golden Rule and many other subjects. In that sermon He told us that we are to love our enemies. He also showed us the proper way to pray. His vast knowledge and authority were on display as He preached on that mountainside.
- Then in Mark 13:1-37 Jesus preached another sermon commonly referred to as "The Olivet Discourse". In this sermon He spoke of the events surrounding the end times. He spoke about: The Temple, False Messiahs Wars, Rumors of wars, Worldwide turmoil, Earthquakes, Famines, Troubles, Persecution, Tribulation and ultimately His return!
- There were two occasions where Jesus entered the Temple and cast out those that had "made His Father's house as den of thieves" (Luke 19:45-46)
- There were many occasions where Jesus confronted the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. In Matthew 23 He called them: Fools, blind guides, Hypocrites, Extortionists and a generation of vipers
- Throughout His time on earth, Jesus' great authority was on display.
Not only would I like to see The Authority Of Jesus Christ, I would also like to examine:
III THE MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST
- The Gospel's record the many miracles that He performed:
1) At a wedding He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11)
2) He healed the Nobleman's son who was at the point of death (John 4:46-54)
3) He caused Peter to catch so many fish that his nets broke (Luke 5:1-11)
4) He healed a man who was consumed with leprosy (Matthew 8:2-4)
5) He healed the centurion's servant who was sick with the palsy (Matthew 8:5-13)
6) There was a widow of Nain who's son was dead...Jesus brought him back to life (Luke 7:1-11)
7) He encountered a man who was possessed by a demon, He then cast that demon out of him (Mark 1:25)
8) He healed Peter's mother in law
9) As a result of this the people brought many sick and possessed people to Him and He healed them all (Matthew 8:14-17)
10) He caused a paralyzed man to walk (Matthew 9:2-8)
11) Jesus healed a lame man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-11)
12) He cured a man's withered hand (Matthew 12:10-14)
13) He made a mute man speak (Luke 11:14)
14) He cast the demons out of two men in a graveyard {sent the demons into the swine} (Matthew 8:28-34)
15) He was approached by a man named Jairus who's daughter died, Jesus brought her back to life! (Mark 5:22-24)
16) At the same time He encountered a woman who suffered from an issue of blood for 12 years, She was healed by touching the hem of His garment (Mark 5:22-24)
17) He touched two blind men and made them see (Matthew 9:27-31)
18) He encountered a dumb man who was possessed by a demon. Jesus cast out the demon and the man was able to speak (Matthew 9:32-34)
19) Jesus fed 5,000 men with 5 loaves and 2 fish... and there were 12 baskets of fragments left over! (Mark 6:31-44)
20) He cast a demon out of a Syrophoenician woman's daughter (Mark 7:24-30)
21) He made a deaf man to hear (Mark 7:31-37)
22) Again in Mark 8:1-9 He feeds a multitude of 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish... and there were 7 baskets of fragments!
23) There were several other blind men who received their sight (Mark 8:22-26, John 9:1-41, Luke 18:35-43)
24) He healed a boy who was described as a lunatic in Mark 9:14-29
25) There was a woman who suffered from an infirmity for 18 years, Jesus touched her and made her whole (Luke 13:10-17)
26) He also healed a man who suffered from the dropsy (Luke 14:1-16)
27) He encountered 10 men who were lepers...HE HEALED THEM ALL!
28) Then in John 11 we find that Jesus' friend Lazarus had been dead for 4 days, Jesus walked to the tomb cried "Lazarus come forth and Lazarus walked out of his own tomb!"
- Jesus worked countless miracles while He was here. And as a result He touched the lives of countless people. He said of Himself in - Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
- Throughout His ministry, Jesus exemplified a true servants heart. While He was here performing those miracles it became apparent that Jesus was 100% man as well as 100% God!
I would like to look at the human side for a moment and consider:
IV. THE HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST
One of the greatest verses that address the humanity of Christ is...Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
We serve a Savior Who can relate to all of the things that we encounter in this life. Even though He was the sinless Son of God, he still had a human body, soul, and spirit. This is seen in the fact that:
1) He prayed (Mark 1:35)
2) He was tempted (Matthew 4:1)
3) He hungered (Matthew 21:18)
4) He thirsted (John 19:28)
5) He was weary (John 4:6)
6) He slept (Matthew 8:24)
7) He loved (Mark 10:21)
8) He had compassion (Matthew 9:36)
9) He was angered and grieved (Mark 3:5)
10) He wept (John 11:35)
11) He experienced joy (Luke 10:21)
12) He was troubled (John 11:33)
13) He suffered (1 Peter 4:1)
14) He bled (John 19:34)
15) He died (Matthew 27:50)
In all of these things we see the humanity of Jesus but if you examine His life you can also see:
V. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF JESUS CHRIST
- The word Sovereign means - "supreme power or authority". As the sovereign God Jesus is worthy of worship. And while He was here He received worship:
a) He was worshipped by the angels (Hebrews 1:6)
b) He was worshipped by Wise Men (Matthew 2:11)
c) He was worshipped by a leper (Matthew 8:2)
d) He was worshipped by a Jewish ruler (Matthew 9:18)
e) He was worshipped by the woman of Cannan (Matthew 15:25)
f) He was worshipped by James & John's mother (Matthew 20:20)
g) He was worshipped by the maniac of Gadara (Mark 5:6)
h) He was worshipped by the blind man who received his sight (John 9:38)
i) He was worshipped by Thomas (John 20:28)
j) He was worshipped by Mary (Matthew 28:9)
k) He was worshipped by His disciples (Matthew 14:33)
l) He was worshipped by the crowd as He made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
In fact one of the Pharisees tried to get Him to get the people to stop worshipping Him and He said that -... if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. - Luke 19:40 - He was worshipped my many others and HE IS STILL WORTHY OF WORSHIP TODAY!!!
Even more evidence of His divinity is the fact that:
A. Jesus Is Omniscient - He knows all!
B. Jesus Is Omnipresent - He is everywhere at all times!
C. Jesus Is Omnipotent - He is all powerful!
Jesus and His disciples were on a boat in the midst of a great storm, and He stepped out onto the boat and simply said "Peace, be still" and the winds ceased. (Mark 4:35-41)
- His sovereignty is also revealed in the fact that:
a) He has the power to forgive sin (Mark 2:5)
b) He possesses all authority (Matthew 7:29)
c) He is the source of life (John 5:26)
d) He is Creator of all things (John 1:3)
e) He is preserver of all things (Hebrews 1:3)
f) He alone can meet all our needs (John 7:37)
g) He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:12)
h) He is the final judge (Revelation 20-11-15)
Jesus is, was and always will be the sovereign Lord! So far we have seen the Authority, Ministry, Humanity & Sovereignty of Jesus Christ...I would like to look a little further and see:
VI. THE VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST
- After all that Jesus had done, His enemies opposition to Him had only intensified. Through a horrific sequence of events it seemed that He would be defeated. One of His followers (Judas Iscariot) sought an opportunity to betray Him. Judas met with the enemies of Christ and agreed to betray Him for 30 pieces of silver.
- After this Jesus was...Arrested by the Soldiers, Abandoned by His Disciples, Denied by Simon Peter, Questioned by the High Priest, Tried and condemned. Sentenced to die at the hands of Pilate. He was scourged, mocked, spat upon abused, Nailed to a cross and crucified. For six hours he faced excruciating pain. And there on that cross He died for you and me. Just before He drew His last breath He cried... "It is finished"
- On Friday about sundown, when they took Jesus down from the cross, it appeared that Satan had won the battle. Then on Sunday morning, the Victor walked out of the grave, alive from the dead. God had raised him just as he had promised. Redemption was accomplished….Satan was defeated! - I John 3:8 …For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Jesus is the ultimate conqueror!
1) Jesus has secured victory over death!
2) Jesus has secured victory over Hell!
3) Jesus has secured victory over the grave!
4) Jesus has secured victory over the Law!
5) Jesus has secured victory over sin!
6) Jesus has secured victory over Satan!
And because of His victory we can have victory as well! - Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
- 3 days after they placed Him in that BORROWED tomb, JESUS rose from the grave in VICTORY! Not only did He come out of the grave:
a) He remained on the earth for 40 days
b) He appeared to His disciples
c) He was seen by 500 witnesses at one time
d) He ascended with a promise of a return
e) Some time later He appeared to Saul on Damascus Road
f) Then 60 years after His death He appeared to John on Patmos and said - Revelation 1:17 .... Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
g) 18 years ago He came to me and called my name!
h) and today, almost 2000 years after His death... HE IS STILL ALIVE! And He is still making His presence known in the hearts and lives of people all over the world! And HE STILL HAS THE VICTORY!!!
- As we continue let's consider for a moment:
VII. THE PERSONALITY OF JESUS CHRIST
- Throughout the Word of God we are given many titles and names that describe the personality of our Savior. - The Alpha and Omega, The Beginning And The End, The Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, The Bright and Morning Star, The Author & Finisher of our Faith, The Captain of our Salvation, The Chief Cornerstone, The Lamb of God, The Good Shepherd, The Great I Am, The Holy One Of Israel, The Way, The Truth & The Life, The Door of Heaven, Our Master, The Messiah, The Only Begotten Of The Father, The Resurrection and The Life, The Righteous Judge, The Seed of Abraham, The Savior, The Bridegroom, The Head of the Church, The Image of the Invisible God, The Firstborn of all Creation, The righteous Judge, The Amen, The Faithful and True Witness, The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, The Root of David, The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords. - I could go on and on... His personality is seen from Genesis 1:1 all the way through Revelation 22:21.
- One of the greatest aspects of our Savior is the fact that we can call Him friend. We are told in - John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
- This is why He...Left the glories of Heaven...Took on a robe of flesh...Lived a sinless life...Taught with authority... Performed all those miracles...Changed countless lives ..Laid down His life ...Paid the ultimate sacrifice...Rose from the grave...Commissioned His followers...Ascended to Heaven...Sat down at the right hand of the Father...He has provided atonement for our sins... He is making intercession on our behalf...He has forgiven our sins...Saved our souls from Hell...Changed our lives...Provided eternal life... and all that He did He did for you and for me!! And this is only the beginning!!!
- Just before He ascended, Jesus left His followers with instructions as to what to do until He returns. Notice what He said in - Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Also in - Acts 1:8 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.
- He left clear instructions for those who follow Him. There is still a great work to do! And we are privileged to be apart of this great work! Notice what happened after He gave these instructions: Acts:1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
What does this show us? It shows us that His ascension was not the end, rather it was THE END OF THE BEGINNING!! Jesus left us with some promises of things to come!
A. We Have The Promise Of A Return - He said "I am going away, but I will come again!"
B. We Have The Promise Of A Resurrection - I Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
C. We Have The Promise Of A Reunion - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 ¶But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. - We will be reunited with the Lord! We will be reunited with our loved ones who are "in Christ"
D. We Have The Promise Of A Reward - We are told of the Judgment Seat of Christ and that we have the opportunity to receive rewards/crowns! What a great privilege!
E. We Have The Promise Of A Residence - "In my Father's house are many mansions" - There is a place that is already prepared and one day we will reside with the Lord for eternity!!
F. We Have The Promise Of Rest - Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
This is one of the great benefit's of the amazing life of Jesus! One day when this life is over we will enter into the rest that has been prepared for us! Let us never forget that all of this is possible because Jesus paid it all!
Even after all He as done, HE IS JUST GETTING STARTED!!! Soon He will split the Eastern sky with a shout and the voice of an Archangel. And the sound of a trumpet... He will call His children home! We will rise up out of this world of sorrow to meet Him in the air AND SO SHALL WE EVER BE WITH OUT LORD AND OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST!
Yes, the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension were not the end...THEY WERE THE END OF THE BEGINNING!!!
- I pray that you understand that EVERYTHING we have seen today was for you!! God loved you enough to make a way for you to be reconciled to Him! - John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
- Won't you take that step today? Will you surrender to the Savior Who came to save you from the horrible consequences of your sins? Won't you seize the offer of eternal life? If you will do just that, then when you draw your last breath and this life is over, it will not be the end. Rather it will be The End Of The Beginning!
