The Prophet from Nazareth

October 27, 2021

And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?" So the multitudes said, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee" (Matthew 21:10-11).

Prophets are spokesmen for God. When Israel asked Samuel for a king, God said he would be God’s voice to the people (1 Samuel 8:7). Jesus said, My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me (John 7:16). God said to the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him! (Matthew 17:5). Jesus was a prophet.

Prophets foretold future events through divine revelation. Isaiah prophesied of the coming Suffering Servant of God (52:13 - 53:12) 700 years before Jesus was born. Jesus told His disciples (Matthew 16:21) He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. This was fulfilled in all four Gospels (Matthew 27 - 28; Mark 15 - 16; Luke 22 - 24; John 18 - 20). Jesus was a prophet.

Prophets performed signs and miracles. Moses performed many miracles in gaining the release of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 7:14 - 12:51). Elijah called fire down from heaven to burn up a sacrifice (1 Kings 18:36–38). All four Gospel accounts record Jesus performing miracles and healing  (Matthew 8:14–15; Mark 1:40–45; Luke 8:42–48; John 6:16–21).

Jesus referred to Himself as a prophet (Mark 6:4). Many people also referred to Jesus as a prophet (Matthew 21:11; Luke 7:16; John 4:19). Did they believe Jesus to be a prophet in the classical sense? Some, yes. They were witnesses to these things during His ministry. But for the most part, the majority of the people saw Jesus as a prophet in a more general sense - as religious teacher, a Rabbi. Though they didn’t see Him as the ‘official’ voice of God (which they believed the Chief Priests to be), they did recognize Him to be an authoritative voice from God (John 3:1-2).

The point is that the Holy Spirit of God can pull back the veil of our spiritually blinded eyes so that we may see Jesus for who He truly is - Prophet, Priest, and King of kings and Lord of lords. Although people today are swayed by the liberal perception of Jesus (religious leader, teacher, martyr, etc.), the truth of God’s Word, as revealed to us through the Holy Spirit, affirms in us that Jesus is the Prophet of God from Nazareth in Galilee.

“Holy Spirit, continue to confirm the truth of Jesus Christ in our hearts and minds. May we not be swayed by liberal, godless opinions and statements of men. Hold us to the authority of Your Word. To Your honor and glory, Amen.”

Pastor

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