Just As Planned (Acts 26:22-23)
Gary McManus, 03/28/2021Part of the Holy Week series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
Palm Sunday March 28, 2021 Acts 26:22-23
Words placed on the Apostle Paul’s lips:
I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets
and Moses said would happen—
23 that the Messiah would suffer. . .
Read the Gospel accounts. Jesus was in danger.
Jesus was in danger from the authorities; Roman
and Jewish.
Remember: John the Baptizer, who carried a similar
message, was beheaded.
So, was Jesus safe? NO.
Some said Jesus was John the Baptizer, alive again.
Herod heard that too! (Matthew 14:1-2, Mark 6:14, Luke 9:7)
Jesus was hounded by the Jewish leadership.
Acts 5:36-37 reminds us; guys like Jesus get killed.
Then JESUS HIMSELF said:
(Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:22-23) He goes to Jerusalem
to die.
Luke’s Gospel reported the same on THREE occasions.
(See Luke 9:22, Luke 9:44, Luke 18:31-33)
Peter even opposed Jesus’ vision of the future.
(Matthew 16:23, Mark 8:33: “Get behind me, Satan!)
Satan cannot PREVENT the will of God going forward.
(See Luke 9:51)
We read that Jerusalem and death were not the ultimate
destination for Jesus. Jesus said, “I am going to the Father.”
(See John 13:3, John 16:28)
Jesus would go (die) at the right time (Matthew 26:18).
(See also John 7:6, John 7:8)
Should Jesus’ death be a tragedy? No.
Jesus’ death is God’s plan.
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, Jesus was not
a step closer to Jesus being a political King in
Jerusalem, even though many in the crowd wanted
that. And all the trappings of Kingship were there.
(See Matthew 1, Matthew 21:4-5)
When Jesus drew near to Jerusalem,
YOUR SALVATION DREW NEARER in that same moment.
Jerusalem’s salvation is not nearer
—OUR SALVATION IS NEARER!
Your salvation and Pastor’s salvation had to happen
the way we read that it happened.
(See Luke 24:25-27)
“. . .suffer. . .and then enter into His glory. . .”
It is.a glory that Jesus will share with us. . .
(See Romans 8:17, 2 Thessalonians 2:14
Ephesians 3:6, Colossians 1:12, 1 Peter 5:1)
Be sad during Holy Week if you wish.
There was no Plan B to deal with our sins.
Pastor could be ashamed of his sins, but it doesn’t
change the plan of salvation.
Pastor is human= Pastor sins.
Sin will be judged. What to do?
Get to know the judge, Jesus.
Shame happens. Regrets will come.
The best thing to do is God’s will through Jesus.
(See 1 Peter 2:9-10)
And remember Acts 26:22-23.
Amen.
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