Jesus of Nazareth

 

Allow me to look back through the fog of history and re-introduce you to some notable men even though you may be acquainted with them. The first is Homer who wrote the Iliad circa 700 BCE. Next is Plato writing c 427-347 BCE, followed by Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars c 50-40 BCE. The latest was Tacitus’ a Roman historian c 100 CE. There are no original texts available for any of these authors only copies made years later. The earliest surviving copies of Plato’s work is from c 900 CE, Julius Caesar’s copies were compiled in the 9th century CE and Plato c 900 CE, followed by Tacitus c 100 CE. The time gap between original writing and copies for Homer is from 400-1,000 years, Plato c 1,200 years,  Julius Caesar c 900 years, and finally Tacitus c 750 years. The number of manuscripts available for Homer is 1800, Plato 200, Julius Caesar 10, and Tacitus 2.

Now let me introduce you to Jesus of Nazareth from Jewish writings in the first century CE. The original writings date from c 40-70 CE. The earliest surviving copy is dated c 125 CE, the time gap c 55-85 years. The number of manuscripts, c 25,000+.

Greek (5,800): The originals’ language, closest witnesses.

Latin (10,000): Western tradition, early translations (Old Latin + Vulgate).

Other (9,300): Ancient translations (Syriac, Coptic, Armenian, etc.), giving cross-regional confirmation.

You will not learn about Jesus of Nazareth in school because writings concerning him are designated religious. Compared to other ancient works, the New Testament is exceptionally well authenticated in both time proximity and manuscript quantity. The man Jesus of Nazareth is one of the most influential figures in history. His life and teachings reshaped ethics, law, politics, art, education, and social institutions on a global scale.

John Locke (1632–1704)

Called the “father of liberalism.”

Argued for natural rights (life, liberty, property) grounded in human dignity.

In his Reasonableness of Christianity (1695), Locke claimed Jesus’ moral teaching was simple and universal, freeing it from scholastic theology.

His idea of religious tolerance (“no one should be forced to believe”) echoes Jesus’ teaching on conscience (e.g., “Render to Caesar…”).

Locke’s ideas shaped the American Declaration of Independence and modern democracy.

Voltaire (1694–1778)

Fierce critic of the Catholic Church (“Écrasez l’infâme” — “Crush the infamous thing”).

Yet admired Jesus as a moral teacher:

• “His religion was holy and gentle, simple as his soul; he made men love God and their neighbor.” (Philosophical Dictionary).

Separated Jesus from the institutional church, using him as a model of virtue against clerical corruption.

Helped shape the secular Enlightenment view of Jesus as an ethical reformer, not a divine figure.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)

In Émile (1762), he wrote:

• “The life and death of Socrates are of a philosopher; the life and death of Jesus are of a God.”

Saw Jesus as the highest example of moral purity and natural religion, even as he distrusted organized Christianity.

His vision of the “social contract” was indirectly shaped by Jesus’ ethic of human equality.

His thinking inspired modern democracy and secular humanism.

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)

Admired Jesus’ moral teachings but rejected miracles and divinity.

Created the Jefferson Bible (cutting out supernatural elements, leaving only Jesus’ ethical sayings).

Praised Jesus’ “pure and sublime system of morality.”

His vision of religious freedom (First Amendment) drew partly on Jesus’ teaching of personal conscience.

Jefferson fused Jesus’ ethics with Enlightenment rationalism, giving the U.S. founding documents their moral tone.

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804)

Developed the categorical imperative: act as if your behavior should be a universal law.

While Kant grounded this in reason, it closely parallels Jesus’ Golden Rule (“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”).

He considered Jesus the “personification of the moral ideal.”

Kant secularized Jesus’ ethics into modern moral philosophy.

The man Jesus of Nazareth is irrefutably the most influential person to have ever lived. From a secular point of view no other individual has had such a wide-ranging impact on world civilization. The importance of knowing Jesus the man has been overlooked. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He grew up in Nazareth his  brothers were James, Joseph, Simon and Judas, he also had sisters. Jesus followed his father being a carpenter. Around the age of thirty he began teaching not as a rabbi since he had no schooling. He was an itinerant teacher who taught using parables and proverbs about ethics and social justice. Unlike most Jews he openly associated with tax-collectors, the irreligious, diseased people, women and foreigners. He liked children. His teaching included love of neighbours and enemies, forgiveness, humility and compassion. He wept for those grieving the death of a friend. He was angered by the hypocrisy of religious leaders. He experienced hunger, thirst, and tiredness. He was recognized as a wise man by Josephus. His teaching threatened the establishment who orchestrated a near riot to convince the governor to execute him. The historical documentation of Jesus of Nazareth is authoritative and sound. No other person has such credible validation.

Some will try to erase the history of Jesus of Nazareth, but they can’t. Many will ignore it. Some will see it as unimportant. Whatever your reaction to the man Jesus, weigh it next to the evidence supporting other historic figures that you accept as valid. That Jesus of Nazareth lived in what is now the Middle East is factual, proven by a wealth of evidence greater than that for any other notable person in history.

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In the scriptures it is recorded that Philip told his brother that they found the man Moses and the prophets wrote about – Jesus of Nazareth. Sarcastically Nathaniel responded, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathaniel quickly believed in Jesus. Many more would accept Jesus and believe in him. John in his gospel wrote, “Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book, but these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.”

God’s plan to save humanity is not complicated it is straight forward and clear – believe in Jesus of Nazareth.

In the Louvre Museum in Paris there is a large rock dating from before 1700 BCE, on it is the Code of Hammurabi; civil, criminal, and commercial laws. The stele also displays an image of Hammurabi receiving the law from the sun god Shamash. In the Hebrew scriptures it tells of the Ten Commandments being given by God to Moses, c 1500 BCE. Both the laws of Hammurabi and Moses were based on the principle of “an eye for an eye.” A millennium and half after Moses Jesus of Nazareth rebuked religious leaders for substituting human rules in place of God given laws.

Jesus emphasized the spirit of obedience to the law instead of grudging compliance. John wrote that the law came through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus. Jesus of Nazareth was not a law giver; he was the living message of God. The Pharisees accused the disciples of breaking the law; Jesus asked them if they had read that “the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless?” The temple was the centerpiece of Jewish life and religion but it was not as important as Jesus. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, saying they should have known that God desired mercy not sacrifice then they would not have condemned the innocent.

The Pharisees institutionalized religion. Pharisees held that the written Law and its interpretations, traditions, and applications were equally authoritative. They saw themselves as the keepers and enforcers of Israel’s covenant obligations. They expanded the Law into detailed rules for daily life and created “fences” — extra rules to prevent people from coming close to violating the core commandments. They imposed priestly purity regulations on all Jews and developed rules on what constituted work. The Pharisees adapted the law to new situations substituting traditions in place of God’s commands. Jesus denounced the scribes and Pharisees baring their hypocrisy.

Jesus provided a prescription for discipleship; According to Matthew Jesus said “he who does not take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me,” and Luke wrote Jesus’ saying “whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Vincent’s comments on Matt 10:38 include the English proverb, “’Every cross hath its inscription’ - the name of him for whom it is shaped.” The proverb was based on the Roman practice of listing the crimes of the person being crucified above them on the cross. Each persons discipleship is unique, the Greek word Matthew used translated “take” can mean to physically grasp, hold or figuratively to accept. The gospel authors record Jesus saying “his cross” or “their cross” in the context demonstrating the personal nature of discipleship. While there are common traits there is no standard model of discipleship to which all must comply, it is individual. Our basic responsibility is to love God and love our neighbour. We are not to compare our discipleship to that of another person. Paul wrote “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls.” People were arguing about eating meat or vegetables, Paul said, “Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgement on those who eat; for God has welcomed them.” Regarding special days Paul wrote, “Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds.” Discipleship has nothing to do with rules or rituals it is the pursuit and practice of love in daily life.  

A key feature in discipleship is denial of self interest; in the beginning disciples faced persecution and death because of their commitment to Jesus. Jesus rebuked those who wanted to attend to personal matters before committing to discipleship. One thing we must give up is the destructive notion we can save ourselves; discipleship is submitting to God’s grace. In the same way that in the beginning Jewish believers reverted to the Law and its regulations, believers since have turned to rules and rituals to appease guilt. Discipleship requires us to put our trust in the one we follow – Jesus of Nazareth. Discipleship is not doing things and going places, it is living the way that Jesus lived, treating people the way he treated them, showing love and compassion as he did.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go to the place he was to receive as an inheritance, and he went out not knowing where he was going. The scriptures say that God’s people walk by faith not by sight. It is written of Abraham that he was looking forward to the city whose designer and builder is God. We too walk by faith along a path we do not see, all we know is that it stretches beyond the horizon. It is the narrow road of which Jesus spoke. We walk alone except for the gentle breath’s encouraging touch. There are no sign posts or distance markers only the faint footprints of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus is our example, he is our teacher and supporter.

God established Jesus of Nazareth as the one all must listen to while he was on earth, not the law or the prophets, but only his Son Jesus. In the period of the new covenant, Jesus must be listened to, not church practices or doctrines. Church membership or religious affiliation must not be confused with discipleship. Belonging to a church or having a religious affiliation can be encouraging and supportive for disciples, but it is not discipleship. Going to church doesn’t make someone a disciple any more than going to a synagogue or to the temple made Jesus the Son of God. To be a disciple one must pick up their cross and follow Jesus.

God denounced the people of Israel for their waywardness.

•  I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. 
• I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt-offerings. 
• With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?' He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? 
• You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment, and a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
• Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. 
• Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord", will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?" Then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers." 
• Rituals and sacrifices were part of the first covenant relationship between God and Israel, but God wanted more than a performance, he wanted people to be devoted to him and his ways. There are no ritual encumbrances in the new covenant, there are no temple ceremonies because, we are God’s people, our bodies are his temple. The cross of discipleship is uniquely individual. The four gospels record the teaching and life of Jesus.

Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not  seen and yet have come to believe.' Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. 

The Tyranny of Church

 

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations, ‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’?

When we believe in Jesus God accepts us as his children; we become citizens of his kingdom. There is no earthly institution to which we must belong or rituals we must perform. Jesus’ mission on earth was to preach the kingdom of God. On trial before Pilate, he stated that his kingdom was not of this earth.

·         Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – “poor” in this context means acknowledging utter dependence on God. “…by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works.”

·         …strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness – “strive” suggests – a priority and ongoing pursuit of God's kingdom and his righteousness. “…not having a righteousness of my own that comes from regulation, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.”

·         Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord", will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples.”

·         …the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

·         …unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. “Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation.”

·         I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above. “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word.

The author of Hebrews began by establishing Jesus as the spokesperson of God. Jesus of Nazareth was “the exact imprint” meaning he carried God’s essential nature. John referred to Jesus as the logos which means word – the word of God, the word of Christ, the word of truth, the word of life. Logos means a spoken or written message, but Jesus’ life was the living message. We are to follow Jesus’ teachings and examples. The scriptures provide life examples and principles; they do not legislate religious practices for believers after the end of the Jewish age. We must pattern our lives on the life and teachings of Jesus.

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

The mindset of the followers of Jesus seen in the scriptures:

After Pentecost the characteristics of joy, peace, and assurance in believers is evident from the scriptures. Those were not passing emotions, but deeply embedded qualities rooted in in faith. Those characteristics provided strength even when suffering persecution. Joy, peace, and assurance were not dependent on circumstances but came from the conviction that Jesus was the Son of God and salvation was in his name.

·         the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

·         May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

·         the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

·         the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another. 

·         in spite of persecution, you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 

·         whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance

·         in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world.

·         since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 

·         the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

·         Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice.

·         Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

·         you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 

Unity of believers:

Unity of believers was a central theme in Jesus' teaching as well as in the writings of the apostles. It was not only a social or ethical requirement but a spiritual necessity. Unity is an expression of God's nature,   and the relationship between Jesus and God. The New Testament presents unity of believers a necessary  component of the kingdom.

Jesus required his disciples to avoid religious hypocrisy saying “you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah.” People have different abilities but in the family of God we are all his children.

·         …those who will believe in me … may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me

·         All who believed were together and had all things in common

·         I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you should be in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you should be united in the same mind and the same purpose. 

·         Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 

·         Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 

Church:

First, we must understand the Greek word ἐκκλησία translated “Church”:

The strictly literal definition of ἐκκλησία can apply to any organized group of people gathered for a common purpose, especially if summoned, whether civic, military, ideological, or religious. Eκκλησία does not inherently connote goodness, truth, religion, or even legitimacy — it is a neutral term for a gathered collective, not a judgment on the nature of that group.

The word ἐκκλησία applies to groups like the Israeli army, the Islamic State, the Chinese parliament, the Catholic or other religious institutions, the Russian army, and the Rotary Club. By extension then the designation Church also applies to these same groups.

The first time ἐκκλησία is used in the LXX is in Deuteronomy 9:10 to translate the Hebrew word qâhâl. Moses recounting the giving of the ten commandments referred to “the day of the (ἐκκλησία) assembly.” From prophesy Jews looked forward to the Messianic kingdom. Matthew recorded Jesus saying that he would build his ἐκκλησία, which was a direct reference to the eternal kingdom. Jesus was not speaking of an earthly institution as seen from what followed – “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Using the word ἐκκλησία Matthew looked back to prophecy, he looked back to the gathering of Israel at the foot of Mount Sinai. Matthew used ἐκκλησία in the same framework as found in Hebrews – “you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the ἐκκλησία of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant…”

Had Jesus been speaking of an earthly institution he could have made it clear by using the term (συναγωγή) synagogue. James addressing gatherings of believers used synagogue “if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly synagogue (συναγωγή).” The early believers met in the temple area and were considered a sect of Judaism. Until Cornelius no Gentiles were included in the body of believers. The destruction of the temple ended the kingdom of Israel, the first covenant and the Law of Moses.

Moses was instructed to tell the Israelites:

Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.

Peter wrote:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

The first assembly was earthly governed by law; the second assembly is spiritual governed by grace.

Neither the word Church nor any likeness of the modern church is found in scripture. It is wrong to equate the Messianic kingdom or spiritual assembly with church. From its start the Church has been antithetical to the kingdom taught by Jesus. The kingdom Jesus spoke of was different to the kingdom of Israel. Jesus began his ministry by contrasting the old ways with his way.

·         I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. 

·         unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

·         You have heard that it was said - you shall not murder, I say to you…

·         You have heard that it was said – You shall not commit adultery, but I say to you…

·         It was also said – Whoever divorces his wife, but I say to you…

·         you have heard that it was said – You shall not swear falsely, but I say to you…

·         You have heard that it was said – An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, but I say to you…

·         You have heard that it was said – You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy, but I say to you.

Jesus taught life principles not church doctrine. He said, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven,” not go to church. Jesus used everyday situations to describe the kingdom of God. He portrayed positive human attributes as requirements of his kingdom not religious practices. Jesus told the Pharisees that the kingdom of God had no physical manifestation, but it is inside you. Christianity is not a religion it is way of life. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him. God looked on Noah as favourable because he was righteous not religious. Job was pleasing because he was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. The author of Hebrews catalogued people who lived by faith.

Church is a human organization.   

·         Church requires people to come to it. Jesus said we must love God, and love our neighbour.

·     Church requires membership and conformity with its doctrines. Discipleship requires we follow the teaching of Jesus.

·        Church develops programs to convert people. Jesus said “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

·         Church is tied to its building. The Christian life is free from material hindrances.

·         Church has a hierarchy of leaders. Disciples have one master - Christ.

·         Church is a human institution. The kingdom of God is spiritual.

·         Church is religion. Christianity is a relationship.

 

 

From Mount Sinai to Mount Zion

Heb 12:18 - 24 Exo 19:10-13

For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that has been burned with fire, and to darkness and gloom and storm, and to the sound of a trumpet and a voice of words, which those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them; for they could not bear the thing being commanded: “Even if a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned”; and so fearful was the appearance that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.” 

But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to a festal gathering and assembly of firstborn ones who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous ones made perfect, and to Jesus, mediator of a new covenant, and to blood of sprinkling speaking better than (that of) Abel.  

Mount Sinai stands in contrast with Mount Zion. Mount Sinai is associated with fear, law, and judgment, whereas Mount Zion symbolizes grace, access to God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and the unshakable kingdom. Because Christ is our high priest; the scripture says, “let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” 

Heb 12:25 - 27   Hag 2:6

See that you do not refuse the one speaking; for if they did not escape who refused the one warning them on earth, much more (will not) we (escape), who turn away from the one (speaking) from heaven, whose voice shook the earth then, but now he has promised, saying: “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven.” Now the phrase “Yet once more” indicates the removal of the things being shaken, as of things having been made, so that the things not being shaken may remain. Therefore, receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us have grace, through which we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe; for indeed our God is a consuming fire.

The land of Israel, the material temple, physical laws and rituals represented the earthly kingdom. The prophet Daniel interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dream pointed to the Roman Empire when the God of heaven would establish his everlasting kingdom. The author of Hebrews referred to the prophesy given to the people of Israel, “Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendour, says the LORD of hosts … the latter splendour of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts.” The kingdom of Israel would be destroyed, the temple would be torn down, the law and covenant would be annulled. Concerning the unshakeable kingdom, Jesus told an audience, “…the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Jer 31:31-34 

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, 'Know the LORD', for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. 

• if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need to look for a second one. 

• I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah

• not like the covenant that I made with their ancestors (in Egypt)

• I will put my laws in their minds

• I will write them on their hearts

• I will be their God

• they shall be my people

• they shall not say “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me 

• I will be merciful towards their iniquities

• I will be merciful towards their iniquities 

Heb 12:18-29

• In speaking of 'a new covenant', he has made the first one obsolete. And what is obsolete and growing old will soon disappear.

• Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

• it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins

• (Jesus) abolishes the first in order to establish the second

• Christ offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins

• in a very little while, the one who is coming will come and will not delay

• my righteous one will live by faith

• You have not come … (to Mount Sinai)

• you have come to Mount Zion

• to the city of the living God

• to the heavenly Jerusalem

• to innumerable angels in festal gathering

• to the assembly of the firstborn

• to God the judge of all

• to the spirits of the righteous made perfect

• to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant

• (At Sinai) his voice shook the earth

• once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven

• once more' indicates the removal of what is shaken – that is, created things

• so that what cannot be shaken may remain

• we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken

• give thanks

• offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe 

Peter speaking to Jews stated that all the prophets from Samuel on spoke of the events that occurred at that time. Jesus said he would return within the lifetime of some of his audience. The Hebrew letter claimed, “the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the sanctuary has not yet been disclosed as long as the first tent is still standing. This is a symbol of the present time…” Jesus was is the mediator of the new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance… 

Scriptural interpretation must be aligned with God’s plan and purpose. God’s plan was to provide a means of reconciliation. The scriptures are the record of God’s dealings with humans as he accomplished his plan. The period from John the Baptist to the destruction of the temple was transitional, the new covenant was in effect while the first covenant still applied to Jews. At the return of Jesus circa 70 CE the new covenant became of full effect. God’s plan was completed. 

God’s relationship in keeping with Jeremiah’s prophecy changed from religion and law to a relationship through faith. Paul points out that believers are the children of Abraham whose relationship with God was through faith. The rituals and regulation followed by believers prior to the destruction of the temple are superseded by walking by faith. There are no rituals and no doctrines bound upon God’s children from the ancient scriptures. Those scriptures provide examples and principles to help us draw close to God. Our spiritual obligation is to love God, and love our neighbour – nothing else. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God –  not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. 

Paul told the Corinthians that they were God's temples and that God's Spirit lived in them. And, that their bodies were temples of the Holy Spirit within them, which they received from God, and that they were not their own because they had been bought with a price; therefore they should glorify God in their bodies. We don’t worship God by going to church or performing rituals, we worship God with our lives. What religious practices we follow are personal preferences they do not determine our relationship with God. 

Seek, Mature, Faith

 Mat 6:33  But strive (seek) first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

ζητέω (zēteō) – to seek in order to find

1a) to seek a thing

1b) to seek [in order to find out] by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to enquire into

1c) to seek after, seek for, aim at, strive after (Thayer)

Literally – ζητέω conveys active pursuit, whether physical (e.g., searching for a lost item) or abstract (e.g., seeking wisdom or truth).

πρῶτος (prōtos) – Contracted superlative of G4253; foremost (in time, place, order or importance): - before, beginning, best, chief (-est), first (of all), former. (Strongs)

Heb 5:12-6:3  For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic elements of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food; for everyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is unskilled in the word of righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us go on towards perfection, leaving behind the basic teaching about Christ, and not laying again the foundation: repentance from dead works and faith towards God, instruction about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgement. And we will do this, if God permits. 

τέλειος (téleios) –  complete, perfect, mature, or fully developed  

• A fully grown adult (as opposed to a child) — mature.

• Spiritually mature

• A trained or cultivated faculty

Mature – those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.

τελειότης  (teleiótēs) – perfection. Completeness, maturity

… let us go on towards perfection – maturity.

Note the things the author said should left behind – basic teaching Christ, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgement. 

Php 3:7-9  Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 

Php 4:7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

ὑπερέχω (hyperéchō)  surpass

• ὑπέρ (hyper) – over, above, beyond 

• ἔχω (echō) – to have, to hold…the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord:

• Surpassing value implies that nothing else comes close. This is not just something better – it's far more valuable than anything else. 

• By calling him my Lord, Paul emphasizes his personal allegiance and devotion that define this knowledge. It’s relational not merely intellectual.

Paul’s righteousness of did not come from obedience to a law, but through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 

Just as Abraham 'believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness', so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. Gal 3:6, 7.

A literal meaning of Matt 6:33 is, “your number one priority is to keep seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness.”

We learn from Hebrews that spiritual maturity is going beyond quoting scripture, it is that the principles of scripture are inculcated to where right and wrong are obvious.  

Paul tells us that the relationship with Jesus is spiritual and through faith, that striving for righteousness through works is rubbish.

    You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that             testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. Joh 5:39, 40 

God spoke to the people at Sinai:

     Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession         out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom         and a holy nation. Exo 19:5, 6 

In time Israel rebelled against God demanding a king so they could be like the countries around them. Paul rebuked Jews who deserted Jesus by returning to law. In Christ according to Peter we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Let us not make the same mistakes as those who went before.

         God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. 

Jesus Returned

 

“Coming” (Greek: παρουσία — parousia)

Mat 24:3, 27, 37, 39	What will be the sign of your coming…
Mat 24:42, 44, 50	…an unexpected time
1 Cor 15:23	At his coming…
1Th 1:10	…to wait for his Son from heaven,
1 Thes 2:19	Before our Lord Jesus at his coming
1 Thes 3:13	At the coming of our Lord Jesus
1 Thes 4:15	By the word of the Lord… at the coming of the Lord
1 Thes 5:23	Blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
2 Thes 2:1, 8	Concerning the coming of our Lord… the brightness of his coming
Jam 5:7–8	Be patient… until the coming of the Lord
2 Pet 1:16	Made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
2 Pet 3:4, 12	Where is the promise of his coming?

“Appearance” (Greek: ἐπιφάνεια — epiphaneia)

2 Thes 2:8	“Destroyed by the brightness of his coming”
1 Tim 6:14	Until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ
2 Tim 4:1	At his appearing and his kingdom
2 Tim 4:8	Loved his appearing
Tit 2:13	Looking for… the glorious appearing of… Jesus Christ

“Revelation” (Greek: ἀποκάλυψις — apokalypsis)

Luke 17:30	The day the Son of Man is revealed
1 Cor 1:7	Eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus
2  Thes 1:7	When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven
1 Pet 1:7	Be found… at the revelation of Jesus Christ
1 Pet 1:13	Set your hope on the grace to be brought at the revelation of Jesus
1 Pet 4:13	That you may rejoice… at the revelation of his glory

“Coming with Clouds / Glory / as Judge”

Mat 16:27	Son of Man is going to come… in the glory of his Father
Mat 6:28	Will not die… see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.
Mat 24:30	They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds…
Mat 25:31	When the Son of Man comes in his glory…
Mar 8:38	When he comes in the glory of his Father…
Mar 9:1	…see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.
Mark 3:26	Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds…
Luke 1:27	Then they will see the Son of Man coming…
Luke 2:40	Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
Luke 7:20	The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed.
Luke 7:24	As the lightning flashes - so will the Son of Man be in his day.
Acts 1:11	Jesus… will come in the same way as you saw him go…
Heb 9:28	Christ… will appear a second time, not to bear sin…
Rev 1:7	He is coming with the clouds… every eye will see him

Additional Notable References

Mat 10:23	…through the towns before the Son of Man comes.
Mat 13:34,35	…your house is waste, blessing on him who comes in the name of the Lord.
Luke 18:8	When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?
Luke 19 12ff	The parable of the nobleman who gave money to servants 10/5/1.
Luke 21:32	This generation will not pass away until all things have taken place.
Luke 21:31	When you see these things … you know that the kingdom of God is near.
John 14:3	I will come again and take you to myself
John 21:22	If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?
Acts 2:20	The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day.
Acts 3:20, 21	Jesus, … must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration
1Co 11:26	You proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
Phi 3:20–21	We await a Savior… who will transform our body
Col 3:4	When Christ… appears, you also will appear with him
1Th 5:2	the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
Heb 10:37	He who is coming will come and will not delay
Rev 1:4, 8	peace from him who is and who was and who is to come,
Rev 3:11,	I am coming soon
Rev 22:12, 20	Behold, I am coming soon/surely, I am coming soon

 Jesus returned within the time he gave – in the lifetime of some of the people who heard him teaching.

All these references related to Israel, Jerusalem, the temple, and Jesus’ return.

None of these references have anything to do with global affairs, or the supposed demise of human life.

The references connect to the end of Israel’s exclusive relationship with God and the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham that all people would be blessed.

The new covenant became of full effect with the destruction of the temple.

The material kingdom ended with the destruction of Jerusalem, being replaced by the eternal spiritual kingdom.

Traditional interpretations of Jesus prophecy concerning his return (the second coming) are erroneous and deceptive. They disparage the plan of God making Jesus at best equivocal or worse a blatant liar. Most churches interpret scriptures according to what they already believe. Jesus said he would return within the lifetime of some of those he was talking to. I believe he did what he said he would do. There is no historical evidence of Jesus’ return; does that mean it didn’t happen?

The scriptures provide insights into God’s dealing with humans. It contains records of people of faith as well as the history of Israel. We read about the promise God made to save the world through Abraham’s descendants. We notice the state of Jewish religion at the time of Jesus. The time from John till the destruction of the temple was the end of the age for Israel, it was the last days; that’s what the Christian writings say. The end days were a time of transition. After the death of Jesus his followers for some years were only Jews and Gentile proselytes. After Gentiles were accepted Jewish believers demanded they follow Moses law, but Peter, James and the group decided Gentiles did not have to submit to the Law. They were instructed to live godly and moral lives. Jews were required to comply with the Law. God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah promising a new covenant that would not be like the first. The apostle John wrote that the Law came through Mose, but grace and truth through Jesus. God promised people he would put his law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and he would be their God, and they would be his people. And they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. The final event of transformation from the physical to spiritual kingdom was Jesus what promised, “there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”