Session 8: Stages in the Rejection of Jesus

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Stage

Feature

Verses

Expectations from Old Testament Prophecy

Suffering servant.

Isa. ');}

 

Victorious king.

Ps. ');}; Isa. ');})

Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom

Kingdom is “at hand.”

Mark ');}; Mtt. ');}

 

What gospel? Death of Jesus not yet understood by apostles.

Mtt. ');}

 

Presented to Israel.[1]

Mtt. ');}

Public Blasphemous Rejection of Messiah by Religious Leaders

Exorcism of dumb recognized as Messianic work.

Mtt. ');}

 

The Unpardonable Sin (Jesus’ work by the Holy Spirit attributed to Satan.)

Mtt. ');}

 

Jesus accused of being demon-possessed!

Mark ');}

Jesus Reveals the Mysteries of the Kingdom

Uses parables to illustrate and hide truth.

Mtt. ');}

 

Reveals new information concerning the kingdom.

Mtt. ');}

 

An intervening age, gradual growth, final harvest.

Mtt. ');}

Presentation as King

Timed according to Daniel’s prediction, fulfills prophecy of Zechariah.

Dan. ');}

 

Taught on delay of political kingdom prior to presentation (due to expectations).

Luke ');}

Crucifixion

Jesus’ affirmation as “the Christ, the Son of God” considered blasphemous.

Mtt. ');})

 

Israel chooses Barabbas (the wrong “son of the father”).

Mtt. ');}

 

God pronounces Jesus innocent by Pilate

Mtt. ');}

 

God identifies Jesus as King by Pilate

John ');}

 

Jews undertake a blood curse on themselves and their offspring.

Mtt. ');}

Political Kingdom Delayed

Awaits fulfillment.

Mtt. ');}; Luke ');}

 

Kingdom in mystery form.

John ');}

Church Age

Awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Acts ');}

 

Baptism of Holy Spirit forms the body of Christ, the Church.

Acts ');}; ');}

 



[1]    This is not to say that righteous Gentiles did not have a part in trusting in Messiah all along (e.g., Mtt. ');}).