But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
—Philippians 2:7
Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. We have just completed a look at the life of Jesus here on earth. In this lesson, we will learn of two witnesses who told others about Jesus. One of the witnesses reminded the people that Jesus was the Promised King. The other witness told that Jesus was God’s Promised Servant. In this lesson’s Key Verse, we understand that Jesus came not proclaiming that He was the king, but becoming God’s Servant made in the likeness of men. Because of that obedience, He was revealed as God’s Promised King.
Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus was the promised King, yet He was God’s Servant. Because Jesus came, fulfilling God’s plan, people have the opportunity to become Christians. It should then be their goal to want to know Jesus better – just as the witnesses, Matthew and Mark, did and were able to become God’s servants by telling others about Jesus. That is what Christians today are to do – become God’s servants telling others about Jesus.
Lesson Summary: Read what Paul understood about Jesus in the following verses. “7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:7-11). Paul did not believe in Jesus while He was alive on the earth. It was not until much later – after many witnesses had spread the gospel of Jesus that Paul became a Believer. The previous verses Paul recorded sums up what we will learn about in this lesson.
Matthew understood that God had sent Jesus as the Promised King, and He was a witness to the Jewish people of that fact. We will learn many ways Jesus lived, and taught, as the Promised King.
Mark revealed that Jesus was God’s Servant. Mark wrote primarily to the Romans – people who did not know or understand the promises of God to His people. In the book of Mark, we will learn just the kind of servant Jesus was – constantly on the move ministering to the people.
Most importantly, we are to learn that Jesus will be with witnesses of the gospel, even today.
“Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:2
We often refer to Luke 2:1-20 as “The Christmas Story.” It is important to read these verses, for there are many important things recorded in this passage.
Joseph and Mary went from Nazareth to the city of David, Bethlehem (because he was of the lineage of David)
Mary brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.
Shepherds were watching their flocks by night where an angel of the Lord appeared to them, bringing good tidings (good tidings means “bringing good news; to proclaim, evangelize, preach the gospel”).
A Saviour, Christ the Lord was born (Saviour means “the One who saves His people from the guilt and power of sin, from eternal death and punishment as the consequence of sin, and gives them eternal life in Heaven”).
The shepherds immediately went to see the baby born in Bethlehem, recognizing that God had made these things known to them.
After the shepherds saw Jesus, they made it known abroad (they told everyone).
Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, Jesus had been born, and the shepherds had visited. “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1). Notice the question these wise men asked, “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). They went to the obvious place to find a newborn king: the palace in the capital city, Jerusalem. Remember though, that the reigning king, Herod, was an illegitimate king appointed by the Roman government to rule over the Jewish people. Read how he responded to this news. “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:3). To understand this verse better, you have to know a little about King Herod. He built many great buildings, but he was also known for his great jealousy and cruelty. He had his own wife and two sons put to death. That helps us better understand why, “he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” No one at the palace knew of a newborn king – but Herod wanted to find out.
“4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet” (Matthew 2:4-5). We remember that the prophet, Micah, had declared this. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). Notice that the chief priests and scribes knew the answer – yet we read they did not even go and look for the one “to be ruler in Israel.” When Herod called the wise men to give them the answer, he sent them to search and find the child. Herod told them to return, informing him where this new king was found so he too, could go and worship him (see Matthew 2:7-8). When the wise men left, the star went before them until it stood over where the young child was. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10).
More importantly, see what they did. “11. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way”(Matthew 2:11-12). The Wise Men heeded the warning from God. They did not return to King Herod to tell him where the new king had been born. God also warned Joseph of the pending danger. Joseph obeyed God, and Jesus’ life was spared. Remember wicked King Herod, “… was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under …” (Matthew 2:16). However, what Herod did not know was that God had already moved Jesus to a safer place, protecting Him from wicked King Herod.
Read what Isaiah had written hundreds of years earlier. “1. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 6. The multitude of camels shall cover thee … they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD” (Isaiah 60:1-3, 6). Remember that there were about four hundred years of silence (“darkness shall cover the earth”), and then angels appeared declaring Jesus, the Saviour of the world, was coming (“his glory shall be seen upon thee”). Wise men (Gentiles) from the east brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (“they shall bring gold and incense”). It all happened just as God declared it would.
As we remember the “Christmas Story”, recognize that it was much more than just another Bible story. These events were just the beginning of the fulfillment God promised. He promised to send One to take away the separation caused by sin. We remembered that first step: the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, born the Saviour of the world. God’s time of silence had ended, and He was active in the lives of those willing to hear and obey His Word. God revealed the birth of His Son to the Jews and Gentiles. We saw that some went and saw the king (the shepherds and wise men), and some stayed right where they were (King Herod, the chief priests and scribes). The same happens today: some people seek and meet Jesus, becoming a Christian, and some hear about Jesus and that is it – they never meet Him.
Have you only heard of Jesus?
Or
Have you taken the time to seek him, recognizing Him as the Saviour, as the Wise Men did?
“Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. ”
1 Timothy 1:16
This amazing hymn was written many years ago. However, the truths revealed were recorded much longer ago.
“Man of Sorrows! What a Name”
“Man of Sorrows!” what a name For the Son of God, who came Ruined sinners to reclaim. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude, In my place condemned He stood; Sealed my pardon with His blood. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Guilty, vile, and helpless we; Spotless Lamb of God was He; “Full atonement!” can it be? Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die; “It is finished!” was His cry; Now in Heav’n exalted high. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King, All His ransomed home to bring, Then anew His song we’ll sing: Hallelujah! What a Savior!
~ Words and tune by Philip P. Bliss, published 1875
The following verses in Isaiah 53 were foretelling of Jesus, the Saviour, who was to come:
“2. For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”
Read how Paul declared what Jesus did for him; one who was a sinner saved by grace. “12. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13. Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:12-17).
Have you recognized the Man of Sorrows who gave His life to save yours?
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Hebrews 10:22
There is a very familiar event that takes place in 2 Samuel. David had been established as king, and he decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, the new capital of Israel. This was important because the Ark of the Covenant (or testimony) with the mercy seat upon it, was the place where God met with man in the days of the Old Testament (see Exodus 25:22). Bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem was a good thing. See that it is also called “ark of God”. If you remember, the Ark of the Covenant had been taken by Hophni and Phinehas into a battle with the Philistines. Israel lost the battle, Hophni and Phinehas were killed, and the Ark of the Covenant had been taken (see 1 Samuel 4:1-10). When it was returned to the land of Israel, the Philistine’s sent it back on a new cart (see 1 Samuel (see 1 Samuel 6:7-12). It ended up in the house of Abinadab where it remained (see 1 Samuel 7:1). Now David was going there to bring it into Jerusalem.
“2. And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. 3. And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. 4. And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. 5. And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals. 6. And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. 7. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God” (2 Samuel 6:2-7).
Remember that bringing the Ark of God to Jerusalem was a good thing for David to do. However, he did it the wrong way. He moved the Ark of the Covenant the same way the Philistine’s had moved it, which sounded like a good way to move it. They were having a great time playing music before the Ark of God, much as a time of worship before the Lord. However, David had not taken the time to seek God, nor how He would have it moved. Because of this error, there was a death. David was displeased, “And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?” (2 Samuel 6:9). In 1 Chronicles we understand that David found out the way God intended for the Ark of the Covenant to be moved (see 1 Chronicles 15:2). It was then they were successful in moving it to Jerusalem.
One cannot help but recognize the casual way that even King David approached God. David had no wicked thought in him in this venture. He only wanted to do something good for God and His people. Yet, because he did it man’s way and not God’s way, God was not pleased with David’s effort. David had to seek God, and do things God’s way.
How often do we approach God with the same attitude? Christians have the right to approach the throne of grace because of Jesus, anytime (see Hebrews 4:16). However, we often come before the Lord presumptuously, much like David. The right is there. But the means must be correct. God is holy, and we are sinful people; even after we have been saved by grace. The grace that we have been privileged with does not give us the right to approach God any way that we want to approach Him. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).
When the religious leaders asked Jesus why His disciples did not according to the traditions of the elders, Jesus quoted Isaiah: “6. He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me withtheirlips, but their heart is far from me. 7.Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teachingfordoctrines the commandments of men.8. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men,asthe washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition” (Mark 7:6-9). Recognize that just because they were religious leaders, they were not approaching God in the correct way, for their heart was far from Him. Christians must come before the Lord with a true heart, not worshiping the Lord in vain by keeping man’s traditions.
Have you considered how you approach God? Is it in the ways of man?
Or,
Is it with a true heart in full assurance of faith?
“And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.”
1 Samuel 18:14
Saul was the first king of Israel. Samuel declared God would remove the kingdom from Saul and his family because of rebellion and disobedience to God’s Word. “And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons” (1 Samuel 16:1). God rejected Saul as the king of His people, but He had chosen one who would fulfill God’s will (see Acts 13:22).
Samuel anointed David with oil. Up to this point in the Bible, the priests were anointed, and Saul had been anointed. Yet, we do not read that Samuel mentions to David why he has been anointed. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah” (1 Samuel 16:13). However, notice that the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. It makes one wonder if at this point, David thought in his heart that all there was to that anointing was that the Spirit of the Lord upon him.
In the next chapter of 1 Samuel, we read of David and his mighty victory over Goliath. See where David is in 1 Samuel chapter 18: “And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants” (1 Samuel 18:5). It is shortly after this, because the people ascribe the death of ten thousand of the enemy to David, “And Saul eyed David from that day and forward” (1 Samuel 18:9). Yet, understand the following: “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him” (1 Samuel 18:14).
King Saul offered his daughter, Michal, to David as his wife if he would kill one hundred Philistines (the Israelite’s’ enemy). “… But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines” (1 Samuel 18:25b). Saul wanted David to die at the hand of the Philistines. David killed two hundred Philistines to win the hand of Michal. “And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually” (1 Samuel 18:29). It tells us that David behaved himself more wisely than all of the servants of Saul (see 1 Samuel 18:30). David was just serving God and his king. We see nothing in David’s actions that reveal he had heard that he was to be the next king of Israel. Samuel knew, but up to this point we do not read that he had told David.
During all of this, King Saul’s son, Jonathan became great friends with David. He helped David elude King Saul’s attempts upon David’s life more than once. David fled for his life from Saul (see 1 Samuel 19:8-17). “So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth” (1 Samuel 19:18). One cannot help but wonder if David had many questions for Samuel. Why did Samuel anoint him? Why did King Saul continually try to kill David? What is going on? Do you suppose that it is at this point in time that Samuel tells David that God had chosen him to become the next king of Israel?
When King Saul heard that David fled to Samuel, he sent messengers to take David. Some interesting things happen. When the messengers came to take David, the Spirit of God came upon them and they prophesied. This happened three times, so Saul decided to go himself. Read what happened: “23. And he (Saul) went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24. And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 19:23-24). In this verse, stripped off his clothes means “he laid aside his armor and his royal vestments.” Do you suppose this happened to confirm to David what Samuel had told him? That one day, Saul would no longer be king, and that one day David would become the king of Israel? Wouldn’t that be like something God would do for David? To confirm that one day David would be king in place of Saul?
At this point in David’s life, he began to flee. “And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?” (1 Samuel 20:1). David had done nothing worthy of death by King Saul. However, as you read chapter twenty, there is a great covenant made between these friends: Jonathan and David. One can almost gather that Jonathan now understands that David will one day become the king of Israel. Moreover, Jonathan is fully supportive of his friend, David. David spends the next several years running from King Saul. Yet, one can recognize God’s hand upon David’s life. During these years, God was preparing David to become the great king of His people.
Have you learned to behave yourself wisely (like David), even when you do not fully understand the plans God has for your life?
“Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.”
Psalm 19:13
Samuel was an important man in the Old Testament. He was called as a young boy and lived a faithful life serving God as a judge, priest, and a prophet. However, when he was old, the people of Israel declared that they wanted a king. “And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). Samuel was not pleased. However, he obeyed God and anointed the people a king (see 1 Samuel 8:7). His name was Saul.
Saul became the first king of Israel. God gave him what he would need to be a great king. Saul was:
goodly, handsome, and head and shoulders taller than all (see 1 Samuel 9:2)
given a new heart by God (see 1 Samuel 10:9),
given the Spirit of God that would come upon him (see 1 Samuel 10:6, 10)
given loyal friends (see 1 Samuel 11:12)
privileged with the guidance and prayers of Samuel (see 1 Samuel 12:23)
When Saul began, he looked, acted and sounded like a great king. He led the people into a victorious battle against the enemy (see 1 Samuel 11). Yet in spite of these advantages given to him by God, he failed miserably. It was not long before Saul chose:
to become deceitful (see 1 Samuel 13:3-4 where he took credit for Jonathan’s victory)
to become impatience (see 1 Samuel 13:9-11 after he had been told to wait in 1 Samuel 10:8)
to show irreverent presumption (see 1 Samuel 13:12-14)
to become prideful (see 1 Samuel 14)
to be disobedient to God’s Word (see 1 Samuel 15)
to became presumptuous in his sin against God (see 1 Samuel 15:19-21), falsely proclaiming he obeyed God and blaming the people for his sin.
It was at this point in Saul’s kingdom that God rejected him as king of Israel.
What is a presumptuous sin? Sins that are committed with knowledge: “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin” (John 15:22). Read the prayer in Psalms. “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression” (Psalm 19:13).
Saul was not disadvantaged. God had given him everything he would need to become a great king. Yet with all that he had all going for him, Saul chose to disobey God’s Word. “22. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king” (1 Samuel 15:22-23). God wanted obedience above all else. Because he disobeyed God, God rejected him as king.
Saul could have repented at that point. Instead, he only admitted that he had sinned. There was no change in his attitude or life. “24. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 25. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD” (1 Samuel 15:24-25). Notice that Saul wanted forgiveness of sin, but he did not want to turn from that sin. Repentance would have been revealed if Saul had wanted to turn from that sin. Instead, he wanted Samuel to turn with Saul. That was the opposite of what was required for forgiveness. Why wouldn’t Samuel turn with Saul? “And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel” (1 Samuel 15:26). Samuel understood what Saul was saying. Remember what happened when Samuel would not return with Saul. “27. And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. 28. And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou” (1 Samuel 15:27-28). The thing that determined the removal of the kingdom from Saul and his family was when he disobeyed God and determined to continue in that choice. God would choose a man who would seek after God’s heart. A man who would obey God. Read how it is explained to us in the New Testament. “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22).
Apart from God, Saul was just another man. When God allowed Saul to become the first king of Israel, Saul had the opportunity to be a mighty leader who followed God and led the people back into a right relationship with God. However, when Saul became proud, presumptuous, and refused to obey God’s Word, he failed disastrously. When Saul would not repent and turn back to God, he then lost the kingdom to a man who sought after God’s own heart.
Have you chosen to obey God, and not continue in presumptuous sin against God?
“4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Galatians 4:4-5
Have you ever considered that God provided witnesses to the
birth of His Son, Jesus?
When Jesus was born, the angels declared His birth to the
shepherds who were watching their flocks by night. “10. And the angel said
unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which
shall be to all people. 11.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ
the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12). They immediately went to the city of
David, Bethlehem,
and found the child just as the angels had told them. “And when they had seen it, they made
known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child”
(Luke 2:17). After they saw the
baby, Jesus, they told everyone about this child and what they knew of Him.
We also remember that there were Wise Men from the East who
followed a star. They went to Jerusalem
to find out where the new King had been born. Herod called in the chief priests
and scribes to ask them where this new King would be born. They recalled the
answer from the book of Micah. “But
thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of
Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be
ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from
everlasting” (Micah 5:2).When the Wise Men learned that this King
was born in Bethlehem, they went and followed the star. It came to rest over
the house where Jesus was born. “And
when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his
mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their
treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh”
(Matthew 2:11).
The shepherds and the Wise Men are both witnesses that Jesus
was born in Bethlehem – just as
God’s Word had declared.
We find that God also had declared in His Word that Jesus
would come to the Temple. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he
shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly
come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in:
behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:1). The
people were to be watching for the Lord to come to the Temple.
In Luke chapter two, we find that there were two such people. Simeon was a man
waiting for the Messiah to come. When he saw Joseph and Mary bring the babe
Jesus to the Temple, he declared, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation”
(Luke 2:30). He recognized Jesus was
that Messiah God had promised from the beginning of time.
Anna was a widow who “… departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and
prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37b). When she came in at that
instant and saw Jesus, she gave thanks to the Lord, “… and spake of him to all them that looked
for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38b). She
understood that this was the One that God sent to redeem His people. (See
Hebrews 9:12.)
Simeon and Anna were both witness that Jesus came to the Temple
suddenly – just as God’s Word had declared.
Each of these instances took place in different cities, in different places, and at different times. Yet each of these instances fulfilled the stipulations put forth in the Bible. Only God could know that these events would happen exactly as they did, hundreds of years before they actually took place! God declared that he sent His only Son into the World, to redeem the world from sin – if only they would believe. It is only then that one can become a son of God, through Christ. “4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:4-7). One must only believe the witness that God sent His Son, Jesus, to redeem man from sin.
Have you believed the witnesses that Jesus came, born of a woman, to redeem any who would believe?
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14
Jesus told many parables. It is important to know that a
parable is a “heavenly story with an earthly meaning.” Because our earthly
minds cannot understand heaven or the things of God, Jesus often told parables
to the people, particularly to help his disciples understand what He was trying
to teach them.
One such parable was about a marriage and a wedding feast. “2. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain
king, which made a marriage for his son, 3. And sent forth his servants to
call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4.
Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden,
Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are
killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5. But
they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to
his merchandise: 6. And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them
spitefully, and slew them” (Matthew 22:2-6). First,
understand that the King is God and His Son is Jesus. The marriage (the
wedding) was for the King’s Son, Jesus, to the Christians (all those who belong
to Jesus through His Salvation). When salvation through Jesus was offered to
the Israelite people, the Israelites overwhelmingly rejected Jesus. This is
pictured when those were “bidden to the
wedding: and they would not come.” When the King sent other
servants, they made light of it a first, but they eventually treated the King’s
servants “spitefully, and slew them.”
What did the King do? “But when the king
heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed
those murderers, and burned up their city” (Matthew 22:7).
When they rejected the King’s Son, Jesus, salvation was then
made available to the Gentile people. This is pictured when the King spoke
again to His servants. “8. Then saith he
to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not
worthy. 9. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall
find, bid to the marriage” (Matthew 22:8-9). The servants went out
to tell any and all to come to the marriage supper with the King’s Son, Jesus.
“So those servants went out into the
highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good:
and the wedding was furnished with guests” (Matthew 22:10). Any who received the invitation came.
Read what happens next: “11. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man
which had not on a wedding garment: 12. And he saith unto him, Friend, how
camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was
speechless. 13. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and
foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall
be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14. For many are called, but few are
chosen” (Matthew 22:14). No one can join the wedding without a
wedding garment. Any not clothed with the righteousness given by Jesus will be
cast “into outer darkness; there shall be weeping
and gnashing of teeth.”
We can understand: “If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked” (2
Corinthians 5:3). Remember how to be clothed? “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God;
for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with
the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with
ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels”
(Isaiah 61:10). Salvation by faith in Jesus is the only way to be clothed in
righteousness. Read how Peter described himself and others who obtained this
righteousness. “Simon Peter, a
servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like
precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus
Christ” (2 Peter 1:1).
We can also remember the picture of Joshua when Satan accused
him before the Lord. Jesus (his Advocate) defended Joshua. “3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments,
and stood before the angel. 4. And he answered and spake unto those that
stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him
he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will
clothe thee with change of raiment” (Zechariah 3:3-4). Jesus took
away Joshua’s iniquity (his sin) and clothed him with the righteousness only
found in Jesus Christ.
And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
—Acts 13:22
Key Verse Thought: After learning of
King Saul’s death last week, we must remember that God removed Saul from being
king for his disobedience. We then read that God made David king. This verse
helps us understand why God chose David – for David wanted to please God with
all of his heart. In this lesson, we will see some ways David wanted to do
things God’s way – pleasing Him.
Emphasis: We are to learn that in order to please God we must learn
to seek God first. God demands obedience,
and then He blesses. Just as David sought after God’s heart, so too should we!
Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that God removed the
kingdom from Saul and gave it to David. In this lesson, we begin to remember
King David. Once the people came together making David their king, he then sets
his eye upon Jerusalem – where the
Jebusites lived. David’s first act as king was to take Jerusalem
and make it the city of David.
God gave David many mighty
men who helped bring in David as the next king of Israel. Not only will we learn things about those
mighty men, but about the events that led David from being the king of two
tribes to the king of the entire nation of Israel.
We will then remember David’s failed attempt at bringing the Ark
of the Lord (Ark of the Covenant) by a new cart into Jerusalem.
The procession halted when Uzza was struck dead (for touching the Ark). David recognized God’s anger, became fearful
of God, and left the Ark of the
Lord at the home of Obededom.
Once the Philistines,
enemies of Israel,
heard that David was king, they came out against Israel.
Before entering into battle, David sought God. He obeyed God, and God gave
David victory over the enemy.
David learned (by seeking
God’s Word to find the answer) the proper way to bring the Ark
of the Lord into Jerusalem, and he
successfully brought it into the tent made specifically to house the Ark
of the Lord. This time it was brought into Jerusalem
with much rejoicing – in the order God demanded it be done. David organized the
priests and Levites in their different ministries in the house of the Lord, and
he even organized the music and the musicians that were to play before the
Lord.
David recognized that he
lived in a beautiful house, but the Lord’s house was only a tent. David wanted to build a house for the Lord. Instead,
God promised to build David an everlasting house (descendants to remain upon
the throne – ultimately leading to Jesus). We will see how God blessed David’s
kingdom when David sought to please God first. God allowed David’s kingdom to
be extended, and the enemies around defeated.
When King Nahash died, David wanted to show kindness to his son, Hanun. We will read what happened when that kindness was rejected. David continued to extend his kingdom, conquering the enemies around.
Remember: The books of the Chronicles do not dwell upon the wrongdoings of the kings, but what good they accomplished for Judah.
“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8
The Gospel Message of Jesus is available to anyone who will
receive it. However, one must not only believe that message, it then must be
received into one’s heart and life by faith. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word
preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it”
(Hebrews 4:2). When one does not believe, it does not profit
them. See why not: “Seeing therefore
it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first
preached entered not in because of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:6). We can
read in the next verse that there is a cry for one not to harden their heart
(so that faith can enter in). See how this is described: “12. Take heed,
brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing
from the living God. 13. But exhort one another daily, while it is called
To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin”
(Hebrews 3:12-13). One who rejects the Gospel message of Jesus has departed
from the living God in unbelief. There is no hope for such a one.
Remember, in the Old Testament God’s people were to obey and follow God,
waiting for Jesus to come.
One cannot help but remember back to the Bible and a very
real example of one without faith. His name was Saul, the first king of Israel.
He was physically, everything a people could want in a king. He was
good-looking, and he stood head and shoulders taller than anyone else did.
However, what kind of a man was Saul really?
In the administration of his kingdom, we find out that Saul
demanded obedience to his command. He even promised death to anyone who defied
his command. In one instance, it turned out to be his son, Jonathan, who had
unwillingly disobeyed his father’s command. When the king was prepared to kill
his son, the people stepped in and saved his life. Shortly thereafter, God
required King Saul’s obedience in a matter. But when Saul disobeyed God, God
did not demand his death. God is forgiving and although there was discipline
for disobedience, God gave him a second chance.
God told Saul to go and utterly destroy Amalek and everything
they had (for they were God’s enemies). He was even to kill the king. Saul
gathered the people and went to Amalek. They took the city. “But Saul and the people spared Agag, and
the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and
all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that
was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly” (1 Samuel
15:9). Saul did not obey God’s command. God declared that Saul had turned back
from following Him, and not performed His commandments. When confronted with
the truth of the matter, Saul lied. Read his response when questioned by
Samuel, God’s prophet. “20. And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed
the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have
brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21.
But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which
should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in
Gilgal” (1 Samuel 15:20-21). Did you notice that King Saul blamed
the people for his disobedience? Because of his disobedience to God this time,
God removed the kingdom from Saul and his family. Samuel told him that because
he had rejected the word of the Lord, God had also rejected him from being
king.
It was not until the punishment had been uttered that Saul
admitted his fault. “And Saul said
unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the
LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice”
(1 Samuel 15:24). Samuel completed
the job that Saul was to supposed do. Samuel killed the king of the Amalekites.
Shortly after that, God chose a man after His own heart,
David. Saul spent the rest of his kingdom not trying to please God, but trying
to destroy David. This caused his kingdom to become one mainly of defeat. We do
not hear of him seeking after God until right before he died in his last
battle. When the Philistine army gathered together against Israel
again, Saul gathered all of Israel
together. He was afraid. Saul wanted a word from God, but he did not receive
one: for God did not answer him (see 1 Samuel 28:6). Saul then searched and
found a woman who had a “familiar spirit” (means a necromancer or sorcerer; a
witch). Saul disguised himself, went by night, and found her. He sought the
world’s ways of seeking answers instead of waiting upon God.
We can understand that the main problem of Saul was that he
had no spiritual foundation on which to build a godly life. Sure, he was God’s
chosen man to be king of His people, but Saul never sought God or His wisdom
with all of his heart. When David came into Saul’s life, many of Saul’s
insufficiencies (his lack of faith and obedience to God) revealed themselves.
Saul openly became a double-minded man. He was a soldier pursuing David as if
he were Saul’s enemy one day, yet the next he would acknowledge that God was
with David. “A double minded man is
unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). We can recognize that Saul
had no faith.
Are you one with no faith, like Saul who departed from the living God in unbelief?
Or,
Have you received the Gospel Message of Jesus, by faith, into your heart and life?
