The key concepts in this passage are the virgin birth of Jesus Christ and the meaning of two of his names, Jesus and Immanuel.
Read Matthew 1:18-25
A Promised Ruler from Bethlehem
This is an important prophecy concerning the coming of Jesus Christ. It was a promise of hope given during a difficult time in Judah’s history. From it we learn that the Messiah will be a Shepherd-King who will rule over his people forever.
Read Micah 5:1-5
Four Encouragements for our Faith
In this passage our faith in Jesus Christ is encouraged in four ways. We see Jesus’ determination to go through will the coming suffering motivated by his passion for his Father’s glory. The Father attests to the great significance of Jesus mission by speaking from heaven. Jesus teaches that by his death, he will judge the world, defeat Satan, and draw people from all nations to himself. Finally he underscores the urgency of trusting in him.
Read John 12:27-36
Worldly Wisdom Contrasted with Wisdom from God
This passages gives us insight into the limitations of wisdom that is not rooted in God. It reveals God as One who is involved in the lives of his people and who speaks to them. It also presents Daniel as an example of living wisely, making it clear that his wisdom came from God.
Read Daniel 2:1-23
The Necessity and Implications of the Death of Christ
These verses show how the death of Christ was central in God’s plan to bring salvation to the gentiles. It also shows that the death of Christ was a key manifestation of his glory as well as being a paradigm for the life of following Christ.
Read John 12:20-26
Resisting Assimilation into a Wicked Society
The purpose of King Nebuchadnezzar in bringing Daniel and his friends to the Babylon was to assimilate them into his pagan society. This is a picture of what Satan tries to do to the people of God who also live in a wicked culture. This chapter teaches how we like Daniel can resist the attempts of the world to press us into its mold.
Read Daniel 1:3-21
The Triumphal Entry
Jesus has become a sensation in Jerusalem and the people line the streets and hail him as the King of Israel. Their expectation is that he will deliver Israel from the Roman occupation. Jesus, by riding on donkey in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, was conveying the fact that he was a different kind of king than what the Jewish people expected. He was riding into Jerusalem in a humble manner towards his death by which he would bring peace.
Read John 12:12-19
The Historical and Theological Context of Daniel
It is significant that Daniel 1:2 says that “the Lord delivered Jehoiakim into his [Nebuchadnezzar’s] hand." This shows us that God is in control of history. It also shows us that God is a holy God who keeps his Word, also when that Word is a word of warning. The broader context shows however that God is also merciful. Alongside the prophetic warnings of exile, there were also promises of salvation beyond the exile. These are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Read Daniel 1:1-2
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
In this passage, Jesus is heading towards his death. The Jewish leaders are determined to kill him. The reference to the Passover in the opening verse, suggests that Jesus’s coming death is to be understood as the fulfillment of the Passover lamb. The fact that Jesus comes back to the vicinity of Jerusalem knowing the danger there shows that he is laying down his life. Mary’s act of anointing Jesus' feet is an extravagant act of devotion which is also a prophecy of Jesus’ death and an indication of Jesus’ royal status. Judas’ response shows the complexity of human motivations as he says one thing and means another. We are invited to consider our own lives both in the light of Mary’s devotion and Judas’ worldliness as well as to reflect on Jesus’ love for sinners.
Read John 12:1-10
Anything Else Besides Making Disciples?
This is the last sermon in this series. The question asked is whether the mission of the church extends beyond preaching the gospel and making disciples. The answer stresses the priority of the call to make disciples and the need for the church to always maintain that priority. The call to teach disciples all that Jesus has commanded, however, includes such matters as helping the poor, daily work and seeking justice. The disciples of Jesus are called to have an influence in the world.
Read Isaiah 58:1-12