The Divine Mandates. Morris A. Inch
announced; “he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11)
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared along with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Having delivered their glad tidings, they retreated to their heavenly abode. Leaving the shepherds to see for themselves. After which, they “returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
When the time of their purification was completed, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, and to sacrifice according to the Mosaic instructions. In this instance, indicative of their modest means. There they encountered Simeon, “who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” It had been revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Taking Jesus in his arms, he allowed: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
There was also a prophetess named Anna. She was widowed, advanced in years, and worshiped in the temple day and night. “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Recalling the sage advice, “Good news should be shared.”
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required of them, they returned to Nazareth. “And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.” In every way, setting an enviable example.
When Jesus was twelve years of age, the family went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. After the festival was over, his parents were returning when they realized that Jesus was not with family or friends. Upon returning to Jerusalem, they discovered him in the temple courts, “sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” Persons were amazed at his understanding.
“Son, why have you treated us like this?” his mother inquired. “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” She appears perplexed.
“Why were you searching for me?” Jesus asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” He seems similarly perplexed. “The he went down to Nazareth with them, and was obedient to them.” Thus assuring us that it was his intent to honor his parents, and “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Thus concludes the brief account of his youth.
Fast forward. John “went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3). Graphically characterized as the drama of decision. Jesus also came to be baptized. When John questioned whether this was appropriate, Jesus insisted—apparently as a means of identifying with those he had come to redeem.
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. There to be severely tempted by the devil. Whose intent was to compromise his redemptive mission, but without success. After which, the devil departed “until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13). Perhaps when weary from well doing, or experiencing intense opposition.
Jesus then returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, news about him spread throughout the countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and received their praise. Incidentally, those thought qualified to teach were supposed to be knowledgeable and able to communicate effectively.
He returned to Nazareth, and went to the synagogue—as was his custom. Handed the Isaiah scroll from which to read, he found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (cf. Isa. 61:1–2). He stopped pointedly short of reference to “the day of vengeance of our God.” It was Jubilee imagery applied to the advent of the Messiah.
Jesus then rolled up the scroll and sat down, in anticipation of teaching. “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,” he observed. Those present were initially impressed, and marveled that one raised in their midst could be so gifted. From this point, the situation rapidly deteriorated. With the result that they were determined to do away with him. He, however, walked through their midst, and continued on his way. If this constituted a miracle, it was decidedly not the kind for which they had hoped.
Jesus’ public ministry was of relatively brief duration. Initially, the populace was impressed by the fact that he taught with authority (cf. Matt. 7:28–29). As noted above, they applauded his teaching. Until or unless it conflicted with some invested interest. Miracles served to validate his ministry and reflect his compassion.
Jesus gathered disciples around him, and taught them by word and deed. He singled out the apostles to act on his behalf. Recalling the Talmudic observation, “The one sent is as the one who sends.” He was both commended and criticized for befriending sinners, those who were religiously non-observant. He defended this practice on the grounds that he had come to seek and save that which was lost.
Opposition continued to build. He alerted the Twelve of his impending demise, and subsequent resurrection (cf. Luke 18:31–33). While they did not grasp his meaning at the time, they would recall his words. God works in mysterious ways, which often become increasingly clear with the passing of time. This proved to be no exception.
The passion accounts consist of Jesus’ resolve to pursue God’s will in the face of adversity and suffering. In this regard, he prayed: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). If it were possible to achieve God’s redemptive purpose in some other way, he would welcome the reprieve.
This proved not to be the case. “The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” And they said many other insulting things to him.” Thus adding insult to injury.
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him. “Father, forgive them,” Jesus petitioned, “for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Thus exhibiting remarkable consideration for others under excruciating conditions. He subsequently cried out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” His trust had triumphed.
The centurion, having witnessed what had transpired, praised God and allowed: “Surely this was a righteous man.” Those who were standing by expressed their remorse. Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, having not consented to its decision, meant to give Jesus’ remains a proper burial. Pilate granted his request.
The perpetrators must have heaved a collective sigh of relief, but their euphoria was short lived. On the first day of the week, women intent on anointing the deceased arrived at the tomb. They found the stone rolled away, and Jesus’ body missing. While they were wondering what had happened, two figures in radiant clothing appeared. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” they inquired. “He is not here, he is risen!” (Luke 24:5–6).
“For what I received I passed on to you as first importance, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.” Paul allows. “After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of who are still living. Then he appeared to James, and then to all the apostles, and last of all to me also” (1 Cor. 15:3–7). Recalling the liturgical response, “He is risen indeed!”
Jesus initially instructed his disciples to wait until endued with power from on high. In greater detail, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This should be understood in terms of “cause and effect. Effective witness can only be borne where the Spirit is, and where the Spirit is, effective witness will always follow.”31 Whether by way of guidance, enablement, or favorable response.
Then, too, witness first to those close at hand. As concerned family