Tehillah Generation Chapel
Daily Manna
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Topic: The empty tomb 64
Reading: Matthew 27:57-66, 28:1-15
Scripture: He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee. (Luke 24:6)
Note: The Jews knew what to expect from the promised Messiah and they always looked for those signs from any promising, rising figure who could perfectly fit that role. Being under an oppressive political rule of the Romans, who had powerful legions of soldiers overseeing and controlling the Roman subjects under the headship of an appointed Governor by the Emperor of Rome demanded that the coming Messiah must be an extraordinary mighty conqueror.
The Roman soldiers were well motivated, highly skilled in what they do, particularly focused and very mean. This required that the coming Messiah must be adequately equipped militarily, spiritually and with a background of demonstrated acumen to garner the right support and confidence in people to be able to conquer their powerful oppressors.
Additionally, the Messiah would be expected to rebuild the temple to the required magnificence befitting Yahweh, that would serve as a source of pride to the people, the whole nation and an example to the rest of the world, depicting Yahweh as the only true God. Thirdly, the expected Messiah would be expected to restore the true worship of Yahweh under his divinely inspired leadership.
Jesus had all the required qualities and more for the role of the Messiah. His extraordinary ability to raise Lazarus from the dead after four days in the grave, gave hope to the faintest of persons that such a leader could go to war with his troops and be able to raise all fallen soldiers back to life if need be. The triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem with the singing of hosanna by the masses was not a coincidence. It was a song of expectation, welcoming the expected promised Messiah into the capital city.
Food for thought: The death of Jesus on the cross without offering any defence or resistance, was an anticlimax to the hope of many, including his own disciples.
Declaration: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom. (1Cor.1:22)
©Author: Rev Fred Aboe
