“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is Near!”

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The people were waiting for a new king and a new kingdom. This hope and expectation had been borne in them by the sacred text of the Old Testament. Already in Genesis, aged Jacob had prophesied about the One who would come from Judah to whom the scepter belonged. (Genesis 49:10) Their hope of a future king and kingdom was further shaped by prophecies like Isaiah who spoke about the Child, the Son, who would have the government on his shoulders, whose government and reign would never end. (Isaiah 9:6-7) At the time of Daniel, the people were given the description of the one “like a son of man” who approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all peoples, nations, and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14) Jewish hopes and expectations hung on a king and a new kingdom.

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The Lord is Near!

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To begin this morning, may I say to you that there are two ways we can approach the next few weeks in our culture. On the one hand, we can say, along with just about everyone, “Christmas is near!” And there is a way of saying those words that “detaches” them from real meaning and significance. The word “Christmas” used more like it’s a deadline. “Christmas is near! I gotta have the presents purchased, wrapped, in the mail or under the tree. I’ve gotta have the cookies made and the decorations up. I’ve gotta have the cards mailed, at least to the people who sent one to me! I gotta have the food ready for Christmas Day dinner. I’ve gotta have the guest room ready. Ahhhh! Christmas is near!” The sentence triggers anxiety.

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Why Me?

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You have all heard it said, or maybe even said it yourself: “Why me?” The common association with saying such a thing looks like this – a person is sitting alone, frustrated, demoralized. Their world is coming undone. Everything is going wrong. Their face is in their hands. They are at wits’ end. The only words that come are these, “Why me?” Can you relate?

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Only One Truly Saw the King

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The people stood watching. (v. 35) This is the first verse of our text this morning. That verse may seem rather insignificant. Yet it actually reveals something quite interesting. You see, the word used for “watching” is a word that means more than simply glancing at something. It is a word that means to carefully observe something. To concentrate on something. The people are watching and trying to discern the meaning of this strange crucifixion.

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Relief is On the Way!

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We are a people and a culture in search of relief.  Have you ever noticed that?  How many products at the pharmacy promise “relief”?  There is medicine for pain relief and indigestion relief and the relief of seasonal allergies.  There are medicines that promise relief from itching and burning.  There is sunburn relief and dandruff relief.  There is medicine for the relief of upset stomach and diarrhea.  Some of you will remember the ads from years ago, “Plop! Plop!  Fizz!  Fizz!  Oh, what a relief it is!”

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Yes, Sadducees, there is a Resurrection!

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The matter before us today is that of the resurrection of the dead. The resurrection lies at the core of Christian teaching. Belief in the resurrection begins with the belief that Jesus himself rose from the dead and it ends with the resurrection of all the dead when Jesus returns. And we do not play word games with the word “resurrection.” We don’t say “resurrection” and mean some kind of metaphorical resurrection or metaphysical resurrection. By resurrection of the dead we mean that corpses will come to life again.

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God’s Love on Full Display

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Crucifixion was meant to be a display. It was intended to be a display of Roman power and might. It was meant to be a display of Roman justice and judgment. It was meant to put the crucified on display. Crucifixions were done publicly in public places. The crucified person was lifted high so all could see. The crucified was stripped bare and exposed for all to see. It was designed to be a display of pain and suffering and shame. God’s Son, our Savior, was crucified.

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The Truth that Sets Men Free

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I want to read for you John 8:30. This is the verse that comes immediately before our text. John 8:30 says, As he [Jesus] was saying these things, many believed in him. As Jesus was saying what things? Well, Jesus had proclaimed, I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12). He had also said, When you lift up [crucify] the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one. (John 8:28) As he was saying these things, many believed in him. Something wonderful was happening! As people listened to Jesus, they were being brought to faith in him!

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When Your Faith is Challenged

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Fall-on-Your-Face Gratitude

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How do you show gratitude? There’s not a simple answer to that, is there? It depends, doesn’t it? If someone holds the door open for you at the store, a simple spoken, “Thank you” seems sufficient. If Grandma and Grandpa give you $50 for your birthday, maybe it’s time to write a thank-you note. If your neighbor mows your lawn for a month while you recover from foot surgery, maybe you get him a gift card for a nice dinner at a local restaurant. If someone gives you one of their kidneys, perhaps you give them a huge hug and, with tears in your eyes, tell them “I don’t know how to thank you for what you did for me!” There seems to be an ascending scale when it comes to gestures of gratitude.

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