The Crucified Messiah

In the opening section of Colossians , Paul stresses the exaltation of Jesus following and because of his resurrection from the dead. Some members of the congregation were confused about his authority over the spiritual powers that remained hostile to his people. So, Paul reminded the church of just how highly God exalted the one who became the “ firstborn of the dead .”

Satan tempted Jesus with political power over “ all the kingdoms of the world .” But the man from Nazareth refused the offer. Instead of might and grandeur, he submitted to the way of the ‘ Suffering Servant .’ But the most startling detail is that he did not dispute the Devil’s claim to have jurisdiction over the political systems of the world.

In its eighth chapter, Hebrews highlights the incomparable benefits believers now receive in the New Covenant inaugurated by the Son. If the fulfillment of God’s promises arrived in him, to return to the incomplete revelations of the past is to embrace the old types and “ shadows ” rather than the substance provided by God in Jesus of Nazareth.

The New Testament links Christ’s enthronement to his death and resurrection by using key messianic texts in the Hebrew Bible. He achieved the authority to rule because of his faithful obedience unto death, and God vindicated him by raising him from the dead. And not only did the Father resurrect him, but He also seated him “ at His right hand ” where he now reigns supreme over all things.

The gospel of Matthew begins by declaring that Jesus of Nazareth is the “ son of Abraham .” This is more than a genealogical notation - it sets the stage for the theme of fulfillment in this gospel account. The Nazarene is the Messiah and King of Israel, the promised “ seed ” of the Patriarch. In him, all the covenant promises find their fulfillment.

At Sinai, Yahweh summoned Israel to be a “ kingdom of priests, a holy nation .” If she kept His covenant, the nation would become “ my own possession… for all the earth is mine .” He never intended for His people to be isolated from the rest of humanity. Instead, Israel was to reflect His light in a dark world.