Hi friends, this is Mark Fox with another edition of amazing prophecies. 2,000 years ago, the Messiah stepped into human history at a crossroads of the world, Israel. It was here that a showdown between the Messiah and the religious establishment would rock the world. It was here in the Holy Land that the Messiah would change the course of history. But God’s Word says, “He came to his own and his own did not receive him.” (John 1:11) Many people, especially Christians, are thoroughly confused and perplexed why the Jews rejected Jesus as the Messiah. So quickly I want to share with you five fast facts, five reasons why I believe the Jews rejected Jesus as the Messiah.
- They misinterpreted the prophecies about the Messiah. Jesus exposed the religious leaders as being ignorant of the true interpretation of many Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. He said “Have you never read in the scriptures?” (Matthew 21:42) Again, “You are mistaken not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29) Of course this infuriated them as they boasted to have perfect knowledge of the Torah but pride kept them from admitting they were wrong.
- Jesus was not a political Messiah. They all desired a powerful Messiah who would deliver them from the long and fierce oppression of the Roman government. And when they could see that he was not going to fulfill their cherished ambitious hopes, they rejected him. Just hours before his crucifixion, Jesus said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)
- Jesus pointed out sin even among the religious leaders showing that he read the hearts of his accusers. He trumpeted, “You are of your father, the devil.” (John 8:44) Jesus made the religious leaders squirm.
- Jesus did not conform to man-made traditions that clashed with the Word of God. Jesus did keep the Sabbath holy but he did not believe it was wrong to heal on the Sabbath and that made the religious leaders enraged. Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against him how they might destroy him. (Matthew 12:9-14)
- The people chose to follow their misguided religious leaders. Jesus boldly declared, “they are blind leaders of the blind.” (Matthew 15:14) And when Pilate asks the Jews what they wanted to do with Jesus, the Bible says “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.” (Matthew 27:24)
My personal question to you now is: What will you do with Jesus today? Accept him or reject him. I urge you to make a decision right now to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.