Tag: Messiah

He knew that

March 23, 2026

Let me take you to around two thousand years ago when a man called Bar-Abbas was going to be crucified for his rebellion against the Roman Empire. He and two of his associates were taken, arrested, and judged to be worthy of death. But something unusual happened.

To his surprise Bar-Abbas received a pardon. When they were nailed to their crosses the other two insurrectionists, were surprised not to see their leader between them. There was a man they did not know. His name is Joshua and he’s from Nazareth. We know Him by His Greek name, Jesus.

Jesus knew that all of this was going to happen. He knew that He would have disagreements with the Jewish leaders and that His words needed to be guarded for the first two years. These arguments would morph into hatred on their part for Him. There was only one way to end up on the cross in the place of a man who wanted to be the Messiah that many thought the Nazarene to be.

The prophetic scriptures give us a picture of two different times when this representative of Yahweh would appear. In one, He came as a baby born in Bethlehem. He grew up as a teacher, shepherd, and friend of the people. His purpose was to die as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all humans.

At another time the mission would be to free the country of Israel and become the King of the Jews. During this period many of the suffering servant and messianic deliverer prophecies were mixed in the writing of the same prophets. Jesus was trying to correct the confusion.

To add to these problems were the personal prophecies of the times between these two appearances of Jesus that He made. He talked of the destruction of the temple and the overthrow of Israel and the Jews being taken away from their promised land for the third time.

Many have accepted Him as the Hebrew Messiah because of these proofs. The fall of Jerusalem and Israel happened after Jesus’ resurrection. Today we know that Israel is facing many hardships due to the hatred they face in the middle east. The Old Testament stories of the first two exiles of the Hebrews from their homeland was well known to Jesus and everyone of His time.

It is hard for most of us to understand how He was able to predict so many things and seemingly read the minds of those around Him. Let me help you with that mystery. He is God. He limited himself to some extent, but His power and knowledge still exceeded that of the rest of us.

©Copyright 2026 by Charles Kensinger

Get behind me, Satan

October 30, 2023

Do you recognize this quotation from Jesus? Matthew and Mark, both tell us this story. Matthew 16:23 tells the same story Mark gives us in chapter 8 and verse 33.

The story begins with the Pharisees asking for a sign. They have seen Jesus heal hundreds of people. He has cast demons out of others. The demons have tried to announce to bystanders that Jesus is the Son of God. Others recognize that He is the Messiah or Christ. The anointed one is another prophetic name that is used for Him.

Jesus later asks the disciples who the people think He is. They list names I have stated and others. He then asks who they say that He is. Simon calls Him the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Can you get more specific than that?

This is when Jesus starts to tell them that He will be persecuted and crucified and will arise on the third day. He does not stop reminding them of this coming event. He wants them to understand that it is necessary for Him to die and be raised from the dead.

This first time Peter objects. The Apostles will not allow Jesus to die. They will give their lives for Him. That is when the Lord states, “Get behind me, Satan.” Jesus recognizes that Simon Peter does not want to lose His friend and teacher. Satan wants to convince the Savior to become a king like David.

Peter was chastised for this statement. I make comments to others that should never have left my mouth. I criticize, contradict, and constrain the faith and lives of those around me. I may give them the idea that they must agree with me or that I think less of them. It is difficult to keep these thoughts from becoming words.

How do we stop the concepts and ideas in our minds from emanating through our voices? Can we prevent the thoughts in the first place? It is difficult. It can be done. Reject these concepts as soon as they inhabit your mind. That is what Jesus did. Peter voiced Satan’s desire and he was called out on what he was really saying.

He did not wish to stop Jesus from doing what the Father had sent Him to accomplish. The disciples expected a kingdom to be established in Jerusalem. They did not realize that first, salvation for the world needed to be purchased. The death and resurrection of a sinless human was required. No one could do this but Jehovah.

We know Him as God’s son. Jesus Christ is another name and title He is known by. He is also the I Am. It is difficult for us to recognize Jesus as Yahweh. It is easier to think of the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost. He is a triune being like us. We were made in His image.

Simon Peter knew the man Jesus was the foretold Messiah. The Jews had been waiting for Him to defeat the Romans and take the throne of Israel. All twelve, as well as hundreds of others, could be mobilized to fight for Israel and their King. That was not his mission. But after He arose from the grave, He told them He would return to be their King. I’m still waiting. Are you?

©Copyright 2023 by Charles Kensinger