Sunday 25 November 2007

Background

Jesus is executed. He is mocked by Jewish leaders and Romansoldiers alike as the 'King of the Jews'. But for Luke theirmockery tells the truth, for that is exactly who and what hebelieves Jesus was.

'Messiah' (or 'Anointed One') was the title of the kings of David'sline who ruled in Jerusalem for 500 years until the Babyloniansdestroyed the city and the kingdom in 586BC. There had been a fewyears of real independence since then but the old monarchy had notbeen re-established. But was that time coming soon?

That was the mood at the time of Jesus. The Romans were in controlof Judea and Galilee and some people were beginning to say thatenough was enough. Soon, surely, the new age would dawn?

So some were hoping that God would raise up a new king of David'sline, the Messiah, the anointed one, his chosen leader. A number ofmessianic claimants had already appeared, and disappeared. Jesuswas, to the Jewish leaders and the Roman authorities, just anotherone.

Jesus had lived with this all through his ministry. The 'kingdom ofGod is near' had been a big part of his teaching. Getting ready forthe time when God's kingdom would come and his will be done onearth as in heaven had been his challenge. But was he its king inwaiting? Many thought so, but Jesus was strangely reticent aboutmaking that claim.

Until the end.

Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday in a powerful demonstrationthat he was its king. He staged another demonstration in theTemple. At the end of the week a cross at the Skull was histhrone.

To Ponder

What sort of messiah/king did the peoplewant?

What sort of messiah/king did the people get?

When you pray about contemporary problems in theworld, how do you believe God affects these?