2nd Sunday of Advent
“The PRACTICE of Messiah”
What will He do?
INTRODUCTION
Advent means arrival, start, coming, beginning, dawn. Christmas commemorates the first advent; the first coming of Jesus Christ. Every Jew and many Gentiles anticipated the coming of the Messiah promised all through the Hebrew Scriptures. The prophecies provided pertinent clues in answer to the basic questions anyone asks. Who, What, Why, How, When, Where?
The prophecies began with a general announcement of a coming deliverer. As time progressed they became more specific as to who He would be and what He would do; why He was coming and even specified the where and when.
THE PERSON OF MESSIAH – Who will He be?
The prophecies predicted his connection to us. SON OF MAN - His humanity
These prophecies unfolded through history right up to the moment of the angel’s most amazing announcement to Mary a young teenager in Israel.
They also spelled out His relationship to God. SON OF GOD – His deity
The prophecies indicated some aspects of His character. PERFECT SON
Today we will focus on prophecies related to His practice. What will Messiah do? What difference will He make in our lives? What impact will He have on history? How will it affect me? We gain some idea of His practice by some of the titles connected to the coming Messiah.
I.Prophesy as the anointed Prophet
A prophet is authorized to speak to men on behalf of God. Prophets forth tell as well as foretell.
“Thus saith the Lord!” God anointed many individuals to speak for Him but Jesus was the ultimate spokesman.
A. Prophecy
’I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you (Moses), and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. ’It shall come about that whoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him. Deut 18:18-19
B. Fulfillment
Peter referred to this prophecy in one of his sermons calling for repentance.
"Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time. "Moses said, ’THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED to everything He says to you. ’And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ "And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his successors onward, also announced these days. Acts 3:19-24
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. Hebrews 1:1-2
Therefore when the people saw the sign which He (Jesus) had performed, they said, "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world." John 6:14
Fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and, "God has visited His people!" Luke 7:16
"For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. John 12:49
Jesus spoke for God. Hebrews warns us not to ignore Him. Since Jesus was God’s ultimate spokesman, Paul urges us to pay closer attention to what He said.
For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will. Hebrews 2:1-4
Hear Jesus God’s anointed Prophet.
II.Intercede as God’s High Priest
A priest speaks on behalf of men to God. A priest intercedes to God for men. God appointed priests from the tribe of Levi. God appointed Jesus a priest under a different order (Melchizedek) the eternal priesthood) because He was not from the tribe of Levi but the tribe of Judah. In Christ a priest sits on the throne as prophesied.
A. Prophecy
"Then say to him, ’Thus says the LORD of hosts, "Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple (priesthood) of the LORD. Zechariah 6:12
’Now listen, Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who are sitting in front of you—indeed they are men who are a symbol, for behold, I am going to bring in My servant the Branch. Zechariah 3:8
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." Psalm 110:4
B. Fulfillment
Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Heb 2:17
So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him, "YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU"; just as He says also in another passage, "YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK." In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:5-10
Come to Jesus our High Priest.
III.Rule as King of kings and Lord of lords
A king rules over the affairs of men.
A. Prophecy
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
"Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the LORD, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices."’ Zechariah 6:13
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9
B. Fulfillment
Matthew records the visit of Gentile astrologers or Magi from east of Israel to the residence of Joseph and Mary some time after the birth. They anticipated the arrival of a special individual by a careful study astronomical phenomenon.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:1-2
Even their special visit was prophesied in the Scripture, not once but at least three times.
Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. And let all kings bow down before him, all nations serve him. Psalm 72:10-11
Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and its Holy One, To the despised One, To the One abhorred by the nation, To the Servant of rulers, "Kings will see and arise, Princes will also bow down, Because of the LORD who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel who has chosen You." Isaiah 49:7
"Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60:3
The royalty and authority of Jesus as King was demonstrated throughout His earthly ministry.
This (acquisition of a donkey) took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "SAY TO THE DAUGHTER OF ZION, ’BEHOLD YOUR KING IS COMING TO YOU, GENTLE, AND MOUNTED ON A DONKEY, EVEN ON A COLT, THE FOAL OF A BEAST OF BURDEN.’ " Matthew 21:4-5
Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?" And Jesus said to him, "It is as you say." Matthew 27:11
Is He your Lord today?
The ultimate fulfillment of His rule is yet to be realized but is certain as His first coming.
God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11
From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." Revelation 19:15-16
Everyone will face Him as either Savior or Judge. Which will it be for you? If He is your Savior, you will rule and reign with Him. Serve Jesus our King.
IV. Preach and Teach
A. Prophecy
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD and the day of vengeance of our God…Isaiah 61:1-2
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. Psalm 78:2-3
Then I said, "Behold, I come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart." I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation; behold, I will not restrain my lips, O LORD, You know. I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation. Psalm 40:7-10
B. Fulfillment
The bulk of Jesus’ ministry was to teach and preach the Word of God and proclaim truth.
He placed greater emphasize on teaching than healing. He taught everywhere He went and the people flocked to hear Him.
Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. Luke 8:1
Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom… Matthew 4:23
And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips; and they were saying, "Is this not Joseph’s son?" Luke 4:22
They went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach. They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Mark 1:21-22
And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, "What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out." And the report about Him was spreading into every locality in the surrounding district. Luke 4:36-37
The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. Acts 1:1-2
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
As mentioned before. Are we listening to Him? Are we obeying whatsoever He commanded us? Hear and heed Jesus our teacher.
V.Shepherd as Chief Shepherd
A. Prophecy
"My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd; and they will walk in My ordinances and keep My statutes and observe them. Ezekiel 37:24
"Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate," Declares the LORD of hosts. "Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones. Zechariah 13:7
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. Isaiah 40:11
"For behold, I am going to raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for the perishing, seek the scattered, heal the broken, or sustain the one standing, but will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hoofs. Zechariah 11:16
B. Fulfillment
"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep…I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. "I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. Joh 10:11, 14-16
Jesus cared for the perishing
Jesus sought the scattered
Jesus healed the broken
Jesus strengthened the standing.
Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
He will continue to be our Shepherd through eternity.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:4
"They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:16-17
Follow Jesus our Shepherd.
VI.Heal the spiritually and physically sick
A. Prophecy
On that day the deaf will hear words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. The afflicted also will increase their gladness in the LORD, and the needy of mankind will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 29:18-19
But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. Isaiah 53:5
"But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2
B. Fulfillment
And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written, "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD." And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Luke 4:17-21
Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, "Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and report to John what you hear and see: the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM. "And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me." Matthew 11:2-6
When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: "HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES AND CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES." Matthew 8:16-17
and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24-25
He is our healer today. Come to Jesus our healer.
VII.Deliver from sin and Satan
A. Prophecy
The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.
B. Fulfillment
Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. "The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34-36
"You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38
The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.
1 Corinthians 15:25-27
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Hebrews 2:14-15
And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10
There is victory in Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. Call out to Jesus our Deliverer.
VIII. Redeem / Save
A. Prophecy
But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:10-11
B. Fulfillment
The saving ministry of Jesus was indicated from the very beginning.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
"She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45
For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6
You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:18-21
Call out to Jesus our Savior; our redeemer.
IX.Sacrifice His life as the Lamb of God
A. Prophecy
The whole sacrificial system was a graphic picture of the work Jesus would come to do.
He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, o He did not open His mouth. Isaiah 53:7
B. Fulfillment
The next day John saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
"These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful." Rev 17:14
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever." Revelation 5:12-13
Worship Jesus the Lamb of Glory.
X.Establish peace as the Prince of Peace
A. Prophecy
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
And He will arise and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God. And they will remain, because at that time He will be great to the ends of the earth. This One will be our peace. When the Assyrian invades our land, when he tramples on our citadels, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight leaders of men. Micah 5:4-5
In his days may the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon is no more. Psalm 72:7
B. Fulfillment
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." Luke 2:10-14
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27
But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:13-18
Is He your peace today? He promises to be our peace in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty.
Come to Jesus our Prince of Peace.
Through Christ, ultimate peace will one day be an eternal reality as foretold in the Scripture.
There will truly be peace on earth good will toward men.
Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, and He will not judge by what His eyes see, nor make a decision by what His ears hear; But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, and faithfulness the belt about His waist. And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. Then in that day the nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; and His resting place will be glorious. Isaiah 11:1-10 (See also Isa 65:17-24)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." Revelation 21:1-4
There are many prophecies concerning Christ yet to be fully realized. He came the first time as savior. On His second return, He will return as judge.
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead…2 Timothy 4:1
"Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." Acts 17:30-31
As you can see, Jesus was more than just a man. These are not things He did during His ministry one earth. Because He rose and still lives, He continues to…
•Speak as God’s Prophet
•Intercede as our High Priest
•Rule as King of kings
•Teach truth as our great teacher
•Provide as our Good Shepherd
•Heal as our Great Physician
•Deliver as Captain of the Lord’s host
•Redeem those who call on His name as our Savior and Redeemer
•Offer His life as the Lamb of God
•Give us His peace as the Prince of peace
As Jesus came to us as the Scriptures promised, I urge you to come to Jesus.
