“If we were to create a divine identity verification for the Messiah (think LinkedIn profile meets FBI background check), what would the nonnegotiables be? . . . Jesus fulfilled all [the] prophecies about the Messiah — something that would have been statistically impossible on a human level. He might not have been what the people expected, but he was indeed what the Scriptures predicted.”- Kyle Idleman and Mark E. Moore
As Kyle Idleman and Mark E. Moore move on in Chapter 6 of The Missing Messiah, they observe that, throughout His ministry, Jesus dropped breadcrumbs about His death. In fact, Jesus warned the disciples multiple times. And in specific detail.
For example, the first major clue came right after Peter’s great confession. Jesus then mapped out the path to His own crucifixion (Matthew 16:21). Certainly, a great shock to the disciples’ systems. Consequently, Peter pulled Jesus aside to give Him a piece of his mind.
The Greek phrase roughly translates as “No way!” Therefore, because Peter parroted the devil, Jesus rebuked him, saying:
“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:23, NIV).
Hence, Kyle and Mark counsel, when Jesus fails to meet our expectations, we might want to take another look at our biblical interpretation. Because the Word of God never changes or fails. Thus, it’s prudent that we measure our beliefs against the Bible and live according to it.
Most significantly, Kyle and Mark stress, the resurrection represents the turning point all in human history. And the only lens through which a crucified Messiah makes sense. Above all, only Jesus could fulfill all the prophecies, doing so down to the tiniest detail.
Today’s question: What would you highlight in your LinkedIn profile of the Messiah? Please share.
Coming Monday: the September Short Meditation, “All creatures, lift up your voices”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Son of God – off the prophetic radar”