Who is Jesus? Did Jesus Exist? Part 2.

No one in history has had an effect more than Jesus the Nazarene … who has always been and all was created by Him. In Him was life and that life was the light of men. (Paraphrased John 1 v 1-4).

INTRO.

Jesus was born to Mary just over 2,000 years ago and today more people than ever are talking about the Carpenter from Nazareth. “As of 2010, Christianity was by far the world’s largest religion, with an estimated 2 billion followers”. That work’s out at 30% of all that are living.

Whatever your take on Jesus, you owe it to yourself to find out.  “Not” going with what you hear … he didn’t exist, or he was just a man, or he’s a concoction of Rome. But to seek for yourself, as just maybe it could be the most important thing you ever do.

I hear all the time, “I can’t follow a God who bullies you with the threat of hell.” But if those people read the bible, they would realise that man has condemned us to hell and God has given us the way out, so to speak.

I’m a believer and something happens when you become born again, born from above, or more to the point, born from where this place is from. As in a marker, on our D.N.A, more on that at another time, but back to the subject at hand. Jesus Christ is that way that truth and that life that leads back to the Father (John 14 v 6 ). So, let’s have a look at just who Jesus is.

READ ABOUT HIM.

To find out about someone you have to go to the source and the source of Jesus comes from the bible – 66  books: 39 old Testament, 27 New Testament and if you look, you will find Christ on every page, whether that be Prophecy, Allegory or Proto-Type. He is there.

The writers of the Bible were men from a variety of backgrounds, we have kings, Prophets, Priests, Scribes, Shepherds and Fishermen, that all lived at different times. The only thing that bonded these people was that they all worshiped the one True God and they allowed the Spirit to guide their pen.

I hear all the time, it was written by Man, yes it was but guided by the Holy Spirit and this coming from New Agers who believe in channeling, to Occultists who believe in automatic writing, to Atheists who have more faith to believe we came from nothing or From goo to you Via the zoo, than we who have a book that has stood the Test of Time.

When God says he will preserve his word he means it from King James to the N.I.V he has written his word on the hearts of his believers. In the Bible, you will find out how he lived, what he taught, his purpose for you now and in the future. The main Sources we have for the Life of Christ is from the four Gospels.

We have:

Matthew the “Tax Collecter” that speaks of Jesus as the “Messiah” the promised one gives us his credentials it is the view of what Jesus Said and was written for a Jewish Audience.

Mark the “scribe”of Peter that speaks of how Jesus worked the “Servent” shows us his power it’s from the view of what Jesus did, and was written to a Roman Audience.

Luke the “Doctor” and contemporary of Paul Shows us what Jesus was like the “Son of Man” his nature from the view of what Jesus felt and was written for a Greek audience

John the “beloved Disciple”Shows us that Jesus was the “Son of God” we see his God ship from the view who he was, and written to ME and YOU the Church from the rest of the new testament books we find out more about Christ and how to live a Christian life.

From the rest of the new testament books, we find out more about Christ and how to live a Christian life. Let’s look into more depth about Christ.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT.

As stated above, Christ is on every page, the whole old testament is covered with Christ, some obvious clearly pertaining to him and some more alluding. From Adam through to Noah, to the promise of Abraham, to the root of Jesse and it reaches the destination when the Virgin shall conceive Isaiah 7 14/Luke 1 v 29-33.

That in itself is clearly talking of the there and now, in a time when the house of David was in ruin and facing an end. With the kingdom under attack, Isaiah is sent for and he reassures Ahaz the Lord will protect him. It also points to Christ when his Mother is told by Gabriel that she will fall pregnant. Isaiah 7 v 14 has a double meaning and not just a prophecy but for a future time whether by a dream, vision or a messenger sent by the Great “I am”. But for the saved and unsaved we will cover a few of the main ones and a few others.

Jesus fulfilled over 350 + prophecies The probability of Jesus fulfilling eight such prophecies would be only 1 in 1017. That’s 1 in 100, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000. Remember the Jews will not agree with most of the duel prophecies as they are still waiting for the Messiah. They will concentrate on the clear predictive prophecies pointing to a later date and most are about restoring Israel and making her great.

They were waiting for a priest, a prophet, and a king, in modern Judaism this will be fulfilled at the one go. A messiah that is a substitute for sin is a foreign concept, one of the reasons Isaiah 53 is virtually not heard of by the common Jew. Yet back in the day before the  Mystic Hasidic Jews, they at times believed in two Messiahs, “Messiah ben Yosef” and “Messiah ben Dovid”.

 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3 v 15

This one has a name all to itself, the “Protoevangelium” the first Gospel some say there is a Nephilim connection. I’ve even heard some talk of the “Serpent seed” Doctrine that also the Nephilim clearly are in the future tense. It  talks of Jesus bruising his heel, Paul refers to this in Romans.

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16 v 20

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Job 19 v 25

Job talking about the resurrection and his belief.

For dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They pierced^[a] My hands and My feet;
 I can count all My bones.
They look and stare at Me.
 They divide My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots. Psalm 22 v 16-18

This is a Psalm of David crying out to the Father and clearly, has a reference to the crucifixion, read the whole Psalm, as other verses back the Calvary (Cross) scene.

Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell? Proverbs 30 v 4 

This is one of my favourite verses and proverbs written not only by Soloman but by Agur asking God for Provision but not too much a nice prayer of confession.

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7 v 14

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned. Isaiah 9 v 2

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots Isaiah 11 v 1

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. Isaiah 40 v 3-5

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.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. Isaiah 60 v 1-2

Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? 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. 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. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isaiah 53 v 1-4

I grouped the Isaiah scriptures together 7 v 14 we covered above and the rest are clear indications of a time that the Light of the Messiah will come and all will know about it. The glory of the Lord that comes out of the Family line of Jesse, Davids Father. At the end is Isaiah 53 v 1-4 this is just part of the Suffering servant, it leads on from chapter 52 this passage if reading it aloud (try it), you would think it was straight out the new testament!

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Zechariah 12 v 10 

How true this scripture is.

The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2 v 9

This is a problem for the Jews as the Messiah had to appear before the second temple was destroyed in 70 a.d and the fire of  The great “I am” consumed the sacrifice in the first temple and in the second he appeared in Person. as I stated these are just a few scriptures mentioned that Christ fulfilled and that clearly point to him.

There are 1,239 prophecies in the Old Testament and 578 prophecies in the New Testament making a  total of 1,817. There is 8,352 verses in the Bible that are prophetic. In total there are 31,124 verses in the Bible, so 8,352 verses of 31,124 make just under 1/3 of the Bible 28.6% This is according to the Encyclopaedia of Biblical Prophecy” by J. Barton Payne,

JESUS AS A CHILD.

Herod the Great Died in 4 b.c  but recently this has been challenged and if true it would make Herod dying in 1 b.c. So Christ could have been born in 3 B.C the same year as a planetary alignment, that would back the Star that the wise men followed. We are told that he wanted all children 2 years old and younger to be killed, this places Jesus at a possible age of two or younger at Herod’s Death.

Jesus was not born on the 25th of December, we know this as the Gospel of Luke mentions Zacharia doing his priestly duties, known as the course of Abijah, he served one week in spring and one in Autumn. After his duties finished Elizabeth fell pregnant with John 6 months later Mary fell with Jesus.

So if taken, the spring account, Elizabeth would have fell pregnant in June, 6 months later Mary conceived December, 9 months later born in September. Some use ‘the Shepherds grazing’ as to say it couldn’t have been autumn, as the Shepherds were out letting the sheep graze but the climate is different in the east!

They also had a custom at Passover (April) to let the sheep out till the first rain in September and there being no room at the Inn would make sense, as September has a few festivals. All Jews had to return to their place of birth for the census and 3 kings nope (don’t think so) … there was a band of Magi who travelled in bands of 9-12. The gifts were Gold for kingship frankincense for a Priest and Myrrh to represent suffering also anointing and they were not present at his birth. They got there and Mary and Joseph were in a house and mentions Jesus as a young child not a babe in a Manger.

A Seventh Century pilgrim  De locus Sanctis thinks this house could possibly be that of Jesus the Nazarene

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 v 11,

Some point out Mark and John don’t give an account but silence doesn’t mean denial. Mark being one of the Synoptics and the other two mentioned the birth and each account was addressed to different people for example.

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1 Corinthians 1 v 22

And John being the last book he goes one further and tells us about the Pre-Existent Jesus

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1 v 1 

Also.  Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.  John 8 v 58

There also was a so-called contradiction in Lukes account about Quirinius and the censuses  “First of all, archaeological discoveries show that the Romans had a regular enrollment of taxpayers and also held censuses every 14 years.” Luke’s would have corresponded to that of 9-8 B.C.”

Second, we find evidence that Quirinius was governor of Syria around 7 B.C. This assumption is based on an inscription found in Antioch ascribing to Quirinius this post.

As a result of this finding, it is now supposed that he was governor twice — once in 7 B.C.” and in 6 CE.” Last, in regard to the practices of enrollment, a papyrus found in Egypt gives directions for the conduct of a census.

“It reads: ‘Because of the approaching census it is necessary that all those residing for any cause away from their homes should at once prepare to return to their own governments in order that they may complete the family registration of the enrollment and that the tilled lands may retain those belonging to them.’”

http://infidels.org/library/modern/jeff_lowder/jury/luke_and_quirinius.html

We see that Jesus grew up learning the trade of a Carpenter  The Ancient Greek noun tektōn (τέκτων) is a common term for an artisan/craftsman, in particular … The term is also used in the Gospel of Matthew in relation to Jesus‘ adoptive father Joseph. With King Herod and his many building projects, Joseph was more likely a Technician even a stone Mason.

Before any conspiracies arise here and I’m one to look into them, this was a common trade of its day and it was a case of cutting blocks, Yes the Temple has sacred geometry but that was one of many projects that Herod undertook. The point being a carpenter to me is unlikely in Israel in the time of Christ where the typical house was a one-roomed flat roofed house built of clay.

Although Herod died in 4 B.C the ancient city of Sepphoris was being re-built a total facelift so a busy time for those in construction. The city was completed Just before the time Jesus was baptised it was the same Herod Antipas Herod’s son who had Johns head on a platter and” he proclaimed the city’s new name to be Autocratoris, and rebuilt it as the “Ornament of the Gallalie (Josephus, Ant. 18.27).

Nazareth, on the other hand, didn’t have the splendour of Romes wealth up until recently the town of Nazareth was under the myth scope but that has also been put to rest. Remains of water cisterns have been found along with other items of archaeological interest.

A Seventh Century pilgrim,  De locus Sanctis described two large churches in the middle of Nazareth as the Church of the Annunciation, located just across the modern street from the Sisters of Nazareth Convent.

The other stood nearby and was built over vaults, that also contained a spring and the remains of two tombs. The population of the town would be roundabout 200. That being the reason why the existence of the town was hard to find, it wouldn’t have been recorded in Rome’s official records and being part of Galilee it was looked down upon.

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. john 1 v 46

Others said This is the Christ. But some said Shall Christ come out of Galilee? John 7 v 41

Being in the middle of trade route, Jesus would have met all types of people, he probably spoke three languages. Hebrew was no longer the common tongue, we know he could speak Hebrew well, as he was able to read from Scripture in the Synagogue (Luke 4 v 16-20) something not common place for a tradesman. Aramaic being the everyday language, basically a form of slang Hebrew and we have Greek, the language that gave the gospel legs throughout the Roman empire.

Apart from a Story of Jesus (Luke 2 v 41-52) at the age of 12 being lost and found at the Temple, there is nothing more mentioned up till he starts his ministry. That’s why I have gone into a bit of detail on this side of Christ doesn’t get spoken of much. Concerning his family we know he had siblings:

Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. Mark 6 v 3 

We don’t hear any more of his Father Joseph and we know his brothers and sisters didn’t follow him at the start. His Brother James became a central figure in the early Church, writing a letter ‘the book of James’ and possibly ‘the book of Jude’ was a relative. His mother Mary ended up being part, no doubt, in the early church.

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts 1 v 14

Due to the lack of writing about Jesus’ childhood, there came on the scene gnostic writings such as “The gospel of Thomas” “The childhood gospel of Thomas”,”The nativity of Mary” and story’s of Jesus Coming to Britain with Joseph of Arimathea. Also, accounts of him spending the missing years in  India. None of these accounts were based on real story’s written earliest in the middle of the second Century.

JESUS BAPTISED AND TEMPTATIONS.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40 v 3

Here enter’s John the Baptist to fulfil his role in the life of the Messiah, a relative of Christ being his cousin. John being a Nazarite (priest) it would have been unlikely they were close. But close enough for John to know who he was, as he objected till Christ told him this is how it must be.

For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Luke 1 v 15-17

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. Matthew 3 v 15

John was Baptising in the River Jorden Preparing the people for the coming of the Lord. This was an adaptation of the Jewish mikvah, or ritual immersion bath, that had been part of Jewish life for generations.

It was to signify a spiritual cleansing and signified new beginnings the Jewish People in Exodus 19 went through this before they heard the Voice of the great “I am”. Who took them out of Egypt and guided them a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

The voice of the Lord petrified the people and so a 40 day plus process that involved Moses not just going up the mount once but eight times follows they also purified their clothes as well.

John’s baptism was one of repentance greek metanoeo is Change of mind as he says to the Pharisees bring forth fruit “meet for repentance” referring to the fruit of change. To prepare us for the baptism of the holy Ghost.The Baptism shows the start of Jesus ministry and relationship with the father, as when Jesus came out from the water.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3 v 16 – 17

This is the first time you see the tru-une Godhead together in scripture.Jesus is the awaited one the Spirit comes upon him like a dove and the speech is to fulfil the old testament

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. Isaiah 42:1

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Psalm 2 v 7

Jesus was sinless and we see that his baptism marked the start his ministry it also was a public declaration that Jesus was the promised one. He identified himself with our sin having none of his own became our substitute he also led by example for those that were to follow.

As soon as Jesus was baptised he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil (in Greek, Diabolos meaning The Slanderer 1228). This was so Jesus could get his priorities right as the messiah. The temptations are recorded in Matthew Mark and Luke.The word for temptation in greek is peirazó 3985 and can mean test we read in Hebrews:-

For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 2 v 18

Jesus experienced in the flesh all the feelings and challenges that we did he lived a sinless life he walked the walk and talked the talk. He made all the requirements concerning the law that pointed to himself and put right Adams wrong. The temptations have three main points

Stone to Bread

We see after 40 days Jesus would have been physical and mentally drained and the devil came at him tempting him with the phrase “if you are the Son of God turn this stone into bread” by this statement he was toying with Jesus. There is also a link that at a later point he feed 5000, and at another time 4000 by miraculously using a few fish and loaves of bread and this would have been Just the head count of the men not counting their families.

Jesus used the Weapon of the spoken word that is sharper than a two-edged sword (Hebrews 4 v 12) and he quoted Deuteronomy.

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Deuteronomy 8 v 3 

Bread symbolises a maintaining of our life in this word and as John 6 says Jesus is the bread of life.We are spiritual beings having a fleshly experience.Our bodies can crave all manner of things and when we do feel weak we look to the Word to fill us up.

Pinnacle, of the temple.

This was probably at the top of the temple overlooking the inner courtyard, there is also a message here. A possible reference to a prophecy about the messiah appearing in the temple (Malachi 3 v 1 ) and that if he were to do this his angels would catch him (Psalm 91) and would show that he had special powers.

There are examples all through Jesus ministry of his divinity,  by this time Jesus was even more physical and mentally drained but once again he uses the Word of God

Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah. Deuteronomy 6 v 16

This was referring to a time when Israel ran out of Water and they were about to stone Moses as a result. God did as always he supplied what was needed but we must not put the Lord to the test and have faith he will provide.

Whom to worship.

This was no doubt the strongest and most important as the Jewish people were awaiting their king and ruler. Satan comes with the test showing Jesus a vision of all the kingdoms and their splendor this was to put Jesus off his task at hand.

As he came as the sacrificial lamb riding on a donkey it’s when he comes back it’s on a white horse to inaugurate his physical kingdom. The first time round Jesus Preaches that the Kingdom is here (Kingdom in Greek is Basileia and means kingship 932) and signifies Christs rule in our heart and Jesus in his reply the third time around says it is written:-

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.  Deuteronomy 6 v 13.

If Jesus had accepted the throne before his job on the cross it would spell the end before the end. It would have been tempting, he was shattered in the desert, at his lowest resolve. Satan tells us that the easy way or an alternative route is best but God knows what’s best for us. Jesus here leads by example showing us that when we are weak we can find support in the Great “I Am” and that the Word of God is the weapon we use to defeat the Enemy.

WHO DO MEN SAY THAT I AM.

When Jesus started his ministry he came against all sort’s of opposition from his family the authorities and people in general. This is of course, living up to what the prophecies said would happen but what did people think of Jesus who did they think he was did they think he was a tradesman a teacher or a madman. In john 7 he is talking with his brothers on the way to the feast of tabernacles.

 His brethren, therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth anything in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him. John 7 v 3-5

as they mock him above with a sarcastic tone at other times they thought he was just plain of his head.

When His family heard about this, they went out to take custody of Him, saying, “He is out of His mind.” Mark 3 v 21

On more than one occasion Jesus made it clear who he was In John 10 he is talking of a shepherd and his flock and at verse 30 says I and the Father are one. No matter what the theologians say about this verse the Jews knew exactly what he meant by it as in Verse 33 they knew exactly what he as saying that he was equal with God.

 I and the Father are one.” The Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.” John 10 v 30-33

On two other occasions this happens in John 8 when Jesus has a run in with the scribes and Pharisees. It is in the book of John that he zones in on Light versus dark this is touched on in Matthew 5 when Jesus is delivering his sermon on the mount in verse 12 Jesus tells them he is the light of the world and those who follow him will not walk in Darkness. This was Jesus affirming that he is the WAY and those who don’t follow him are still blind and as we go into the next chapter we have Jesus healing a man blind from birth.

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. John 8 v 56-59

On the Sabbath, Jesus was Invited to read in the temple and he read from the scroll of Isaiah.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the favourable year of The Lord. Isaiah 61 v 1 -2a 

There was no mistake what Jesus meant when he quoted this, especially when he says to them Today this scripture is fulfilled v 21. This was the second time that Jesus made a public declaration the first in action by Baptism bearing in mind that Jesus did not recite the last portion of Isaiah 61 v 2 when it says “the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn”. 

This was because the day of vengeance will be fulfilled in the second coming of Jesus Christ his first mission was to atone for Israel to bring reconciliation to God, The next time he comes it won’t be on a donkey he will be coming to rule on a physical earth and will Judge the nations (Matthew 25 ). The crowd, the chapter says, marvelled then began to say ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son?’

They began to boil over as Jesus in one hand was the same as them an ordinary man and in the other hand now saying he was the Messiah. The Crowd Rejected Jesus claim and it says they were “filled with Wrath” They dragged Jesus to a cliff to throw him off but Jesus disappeared through the middle of them.

 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.But he passing through the midst of them went his way, Luke 4 v 29-30

From the shores of galilee Jesus Came across his first followers and said follow me and I will make you fishers of men Mark 1 v 17. From the Start, they recognised the significance of Christ some felt he was the Messiah from the start others a great teacher till we had Doubting Thomas.

Thomas in Greek, is Didymus and means twin this would make sense why he didn’t believe in the resurrection as being possible as a twin his first thought would have been Jesus had a brother. It wasn’t till he encountered the risen Christ that he believed. Jesus mentions after this Passage blessed is he who believes that has not seen.

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. John 1 v 41

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. Luke 11v 1 

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. John 1 v 49

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16 v 16

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. John 6 v 68-69

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20 v 28.

The disciples witnessed Jesus heal the sick raise the dead and cast out Demons they heard his teaching and came to the conclusion that he was the son of God. Saying that it wasn’t till after the resurrection that the disciples became bold in the Lord as they fled when he was crucified.

After they encountered the risen Christ they went on to proclaim the gospel with no fear 11 out of the 12 John being the exception died horrible deaths for the name of Christ.

WHO DID JESUS SAY HE WAS.

I am the bread of life. John  6 v 48

I am the light of the world. John 8 v 12

I am the door. John 10 v  9

I am the good Shepherd. John 10 v 11

I am the resurrection and the life. John 11 v 35

I am the Way the Truth the Life. John 14 v 6

I am the true vine. John 15 v 1 

I personally go by the name the Great I am “God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”Exodus 3-14 Hebrew :- Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh (exist/was) Ehyeh asher Ehyeh literally translates as “I Will Be What I Will Be”, Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
John 8 v 58 Greek: Ego eimi “I exist”.

Every time Jesus is saying I am he is directly saying that he is God through time this is one that has definitely been watered down in my opinion, all through the Gospels, when Jesus is walking on Water this is a time when the Disciples were scared thought Jesus was a ghost he approaches them saying Ego Eimi and at other times when he says Ego eimi,   it has power

“As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he (Ego eimi), they went backward and fell to the ground”. John 18 v 6

The son of man is a reference to Daniel 7 v 13-14

I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7 v 13-14

And this is talking about Jesus appearing before God and being given authority over all. It is also a reference to being a human being as Ezekiel a human being was known by this name.

This phrase is saying that Jesus is the  Messiah and at the same time a human. Jesus When questioned  by the high priest in mark 14 asked him are you the Christ Son of the blessed Jesus answered “I AM”on hearing this the condemned Jesus to death.

Jesus says he existed before Abraham:-

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8 v 58

He said he was one with the Father:-

I and my Father are one. John 10 v 30

Jesus was known by a lot of titles Lamb of God, Master, Rabbi, TheWord and when he is sending the disciples out he equates himself with God.

“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you“.  John20 v 21 

As you have read up till now the jews knew who he was some liked it and followed other wanted to stone him his disciples knew who he was and Jesus directly and indirectly in many different ways told you who he was he was The Son of the living God.

JESUS MINISTRY.

When Jesus came out of the water that was the start of his Ministry, Jesus Preached he taught he lay hands on the sick and he cast out Demons that side has been put on the back burner for today and that is needed to be reintroduced. People say there is a contradiction with his first Miracle as in the Synoptics it was healing a leper and in John, it’s turning water into wine.

First, the healing is a healing in John he is showing power over nature once again we have to bear in mind that John comes from a different view point. As he is speaking to us and his account was  more or likely written last and would want to cover new ground John himself says:-

And 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. John 21 v 25

The Most important things that Christ spoke would be the sermon on the mount recorded in Matthew 5-7 like any teacher when they have a message they will repeat it as he did at a different time on a plain recorded in Luke 6 v 17-49.The main point of the sermon was the beatitudes.

 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

The Beatitudes are found in the old testament and also extra-biblical sources in the book of Enoch they are known as the Similitudes.The Beatitudes show us what a man or woman of God should be like what their Character should represent The Greek word translated “blessed” means “spiritual well-being and prosperity”.

Jesus delivered the Sermon in a clear easy way to understand he was telling the people the true meaning of the old testament.For the people to now follow Gods way and not the scribes or the Pharisees. Jesus’ Revelation was to be taken on board for his yoke is easy and his burden light (Matthew 11 v 30).

We were to live by faith through grace and not works.Jesus had shown the people his Authority over nature, demons and death he came bringing healings and miracles and the people where marvelled in awe but very hesitant with the religious mindset of their day (sadly this yoke is creeping back in). For their failure to turn and follow Jesus he turned to teaching in parables. Jesus says

That seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. Mark 4 v 12

Jesus is quoting

And he said, Go, and tell this people Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Isaiah 6 v 9-10

Jesus had come to his chosen people to set them free his chosen priesthood they found it

hard to accept, especially to understand the kingdom Jesus preached,  it was a mystery, something that was concealed in the old Testament and revealed in the new   like in Ephesians 3 v 3 -6

How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words Whereby,  when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Ephesians 3 v 3 -6

When paul is told to preach to the Gentiles this came as no surprise as it was prophecised

And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. Isaiah 11 v 10

God ruled in Heaven and would rule on Earth but the Kingdom Jesus Preached was not heard of a mystery made known Jesus came preaching his rule in our heart for to seek the kingdom First (Matthew 6 v 33).When it was clear they were not listening to Jesus in Matthew 13 v 35 says

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. Matthew 13 v 35

The People knew he was different a prophet a wonder worker We know this from the Bible also from the Jewish writings

“The master said: Jesus the Nazarene practised magic and deceived and led Israel astray.” (Sanhedrin 107b)

Josephus calls him a worker of astonishing deeds but they did not accept who he really was Their awaited “Messiah” Jesus spoke in Parables When it was too late for the first-century Jews to turn and find forgiveness and healing to shed the old man and to put on the grace of the Kingship of Christ.

JESUS DEATH AND RESURRECTION.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15 where we find one of the earliest creeds that Jesus was born died and was resurrected verses 1-8.Paul wrote the Letter to the Corinthians in 52/3 a.d and says:-

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen And if Christ be not risen then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15 v 13-17

We pick up the gospel in the garden of Gethsemane  when Jesus is praying for he knows what is to come and we see hear that he shows human emotion

Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch^[a] with me.” ³⁹ And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26 v 28-39

Jesus hear is Troubled and sorrowful and is attacked hear with doubt and fear Luke 22 v 44 tells us to the point that he started to sweat blood The clinical term is “hematohidrosis.” “Around the sweat glands, there are multiple blood vessels in a net-like form.” Under the pressure of great stress, the vessels constrict.

Then as the anxiety passes “the blood vessels dilate to the point of rupture. The blood goes into the sweat glands.” As the sweat glands are producing a lot of sweat, it pushes the blood to the surface – coming out as droplets of blood mixed with sweat.

This was a mixture of that Jesus knew he would soon face the Whip then Golgotha to be hung on a tree “the crucifixion”.Not only this but Jesus knew that he would bear the sins of mankind to the point that the father would forsake him as Prophecy told us as God can not look upon Sin.

To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? Psalm 22 v 1 

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27 v 46

Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Isaiah 59 v 1-2

After Jesus was brutely beaten Pilate at the 6th hour gave him over to be crucified and at the 9th hour, he was on the cross. Jesus was placed in between two others and after a few hours round about 3 in the afternoon Jesus gave up the Ghost.

We have a few over the years who doubt this even happened with the koran stating that Jesus was caught up to heaven. Now the koran was said to of been written at Mohammed’s time 586- 632 it was said to of been written over a 23 year period 609-632 a.d. That’s nearly 600 years after the fact if you believe that was when the koran was written down, and not in the 8th century.

We can’t mention Muslims without mentioning the Gospel of Barnabas that says that Jesus was caught up to heaven and Judas took Jesus’ place. This Gospel is a mid-evil fake and the Turkish Bible doing its rounds is fake also.

Archaeologists have found an ankle bone with a nail driven through it.It is believed to belong to a first Century victim of Crucifixion. The Gospels are clear that Jesus was dead on the Cross John says

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. John 19 v 33-34

Jesus would not have lasted long the guards had whipped and scourged him people died of that alone. When the scripture above says blood and water this only happens when the body has stopped working basically the separation occurs after Death.

When Jesus’ body is taken down, Joseph of Aramathia asks Pilate for his body  and he puts Jesus in his family Tomb. The guards are outside the tomb.Then a few days pass and the woman appear to anoint Jesus body and they  come across an “Empty” tomb. Have an encounter with a heavenly being and go and tell his disciples this account more or less is in all four gospels.

People all through the Ages past have known that this is the pivotal point in the Gospels as Paul said “ if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain” Gary Habermas in his book “The case for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ” compiled a list of 2,200 sources from 1975 to the present of scholars on the Resurrection.

In Finding The Real Jesus by  Lee Strobel, on the Resurrection he gives us five Minimal facts 

Fact 1 : Jesus was Killed by Crucifixion 

There is multiple Sources in the New Testament and outside Sources who will find in my Other Blog  Did Jesus Exist..  and even among sceptics, the majority agree he was  Crucified.

Fact 2 : Jesus Disciples believed that he rose from theDead

There is a few pieces of Evidence Pauls Letters and The Gospels Oral traditions passed through the early church and the writings of the early church fathers.

Fact 3 : The Conversion of Paul who persecuted Christians

Paul himself says he met the Risen Christ and Converted and the ancient sources of Luke, Clement of Rome, Polycarp, Tertullian, Dionysius of Corinth and Origen say that paul was willing to suffer and die for his faith.

Fact 4 : The Conversion of James the half brother of Jesus

The Gospels of Mark and John Tell us his brothers never believed in him and in pauls Letter to the Corinthians we Have Jesus appearing to James and James later became a leader in the early Church.

Fact 5 : The Tomb was Empty

This isn’t as well received as the last 4 but the Gospels themselves speak of Christ being raised and the Tomb being empty To give this support out with the Bible we have the Jerusalem Factor that is the Disciples from the start preached he was risen it didn’t take 30-40 years and wasn’t done in a far away land it was done where he was from and at the time it happened and if this was not true we would have all sorts of writings to attest to it being false and it wouldn’t  have gathered pace at all if false.

When talking of the Body of Christ if the Authorities stole the body all they had to do was produce it to put an end to the whole resurrection.In the Gospel of Matthew, the jews admitted the body was gone and concocted a cover story.

Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. Matthew 28 v 11-15

Now Psychology tells us no man will die for something that he knows to be a lie we are talking about 12 men who disappeared like scots mist when Jesus was arrested. Something must of happened to make these 12 men go on and proclaim the Gospel knowing that they would probably be martyred for their faith.

Round about now you will get what about Kamikaze pilots,jihadists they believe in what the are doing  it’s not only dying for a lie ts dying for a lie that you concocted that just doesn’t happen and mass hallucination doesn’t cover it.

Also because everybody’s mind is different, not everybody that is hallucinating sees the same thing and Christ appeared at different times to different people. If you were going to concoct a story in the first century you would not use a woman as the witnesses as their testimony did not count in a court of Law so to use this shows that it is also added to the truthfulness of the account.

We also have the ‘Jesus was a rehash of sun gods from the past’. See Copycat Saviours to dispel this one!

So if you have made it this far, well done!

I hope if you are a Christian this has helped your faith and gives you some future ammunition. If you are seeking I Pray this has helped in your Journey. Jesus was and always will be the most important person in history and you owe it to yourself to find out more about him as he is the Messiah the redeemer your saviour and friend and he will guide you into all truth if you let him.

I thank the Lord   I am not where I was (my story ) and I know I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Any thought’s feel free to comment, I’d love to hear from you and if you enjoyed this post, consider sharing it on social media and please like and subscribe.

Caleb Keogh

Sources Used:

Did Jesus Exist..

What Is The Bible…?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible

Introducing the New Testament by John Drane

https://answersingenesis.org/jesus-christ/resurrection/the-body-was-moved/

https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/jesuss-house-the-abysmal-state-of-biblical-archaeology/

Every Teaching of Jesus in the Bible by Larry Richards

http://infidels.org/library/modern/jeff_lowder/jury/luke_and_quirinius.html

Copycat Saviours

Finding The Real Jesus by Lee Strobel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris

http://christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-t018.htmlhttp://www.thefaithexplained.com/blog/authenticating-the-resurrection-of-jesus-the-jerusalem-factor/