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The Messianic Tame Surrender

Wayne Galloway
09/23/18 - Sunday Morning Worship

The Messianic Tame Surrender

Matt. 20:28; Mk. 10:45

 

Introduction:

 

1.  Our recent studies have revealed that the Messianic King and thus the Messianic kingdom do not meet the expectations of men. 

2.  While men look for power and domination, the Messiah is submissive. 

3.  When they confess He is the Messiah, the Son of God, He says, “Don’t tell anyone.”

4.  When they seek to take Him by force to make Him King He withdraws.

5.   But nothing evidences His approach to Kingship more than His tame surrender to the cross.

 

Discussion:

 

I.  Jesus describes Himself as “the Son of Man” which is equivalent to “the Servant of the Lord” portrayed in Isaiah.  It is this Servant of God concept that sets the tone of His Kingdom.

 

    A.  The Son of Man description comes from Dan. 7:13-14.

          1.  Some have reasoned that Israel is “the son of man” in the Daniel context, that

               Israel will be given dominion, authority and a kingdom.

          2.  Indeed Israel is the kingdom of God and Dan. 7:18, 22, 27 suggest that Israel is

               the son of man.

               a.   Isaiah predicts that she will be granted dominion and authority, even though

                     Babylonian captivity is the current reality.

               b.   Jeremiah had been thrown into a cistern following his preaching surrender

                     (Jer. 38).  Jeremiah preached to Zedekiah, the King of Jerusalem.  “Surrender

                     and live.  Obey the Lord” (Jer. 38:17ff).

               c.  But Jerusalem would fight.  Zedekiah’s sons would be slain before his eyes.

                    Zedekiah’s eyes were blinded (reflecting his unwillingness to see what God

                    had revealed) and he was taken to Babylon (Jer. 39:5ff).  The king refused to

                    submit to the word of God.

      B.  But the Son of Man concept goes beyond Israel and its earthly kings.  In the

           language of Jesus (and others) it refers to Him specifically as the King of Israel.

           1.  There are numerous passages where Jesus implies that He is “the Son of Man”

                 (ex. Matt. 16:13, 28; Mk. 2:10; 8:31; 14:41, 62; Jn. 12:34).

           2.  Stephen’s statement is striking (Acts 7:56).

           3.  For Paul, the true Israel is “the Son” (cf. Gal. 4:4-7; Rom. 9:6-8).  With this, our

                adoption into the family of God takes on new meaning.  “We are no longer a

                slave, but a son.”  Because we are sons, “God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son

                into our hearts” (Gal. 4:6-7).  It is a spirit of submissive obedience that Paul

                describes as “faith working through love” (Gal. 5:6).

      C.  For Jesus the Son of Man concept is associated with servitude (Matt. 20:28).  Israel

            is Servant of God in Isaiah (ex. Isa. 49:3-6), but the language goes beyond this to

            see Jesus as God’s Servant par excellence (Isa. 53; Rom. 10:16).

            1.  A suffering servant may not look like a King.

            2.  Yet this is the King who serves the God who seeks and saves the lost!!

            3.  Instead of a lion tearing His prey He is a lamb led to slaughter, not opening His

                 mouth.

            4.  That’s what Israel was supposed to be.  That’s what first century Christians

                 exemplified (ex. Heb. 10:32-38a; 11:36-38).  That’s who we are!! The admonition

                (Heb. 12:1-4).

 

II.  The Son of Man will proceed to Jerusalem.  He predicts His death amidst mockings and scourging (Mk. 10:33-34).  Yet, He enters the city amidst shouts:  “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David” (Mk. 11:10).  He enters the temple and drives out those buying and selling.

 

     A.  This may have enhanced the crowd’s expectations of a powerful King.  The chief

           priests and the scribes were afraid.  Is it because they feel their place is being

           threatened?

           1.  We look at this episode and describe it as an example of Jesus’ anger.

           2.  It may be, but our perception of anger may not be correct.  Often we see anger

                as a manifestation of dominance and forceful power. 

           3.  This fits our fleshly expectations.

     B.  But Jesus quotes a text here that would seem to take us in a different direction.

           1.  Mk. 11:17 quotes Isa. 56:7.

           2.  Note the phrase:  “My house shall be called a house of prayer FOR ALL THE

                NATIONS.”

           3.  They have made the court of (for) the Gentiles a sort of shopping mall.  It has

                become secularized.  But Isa. 56:7 says, “My house shall be a house of prayer for

                all the nations.”

      C.  If the Jews were expecting Gentiles to be cleared out of the city Jesus’ actions run

            in the opposite direction.  Instead of clearing them out He is clearing a place for

            them!  In the temple, no less!!!!

            1.  This is what the Servant of Isaiah was supposed to do (Isa. 49:6).  Note Lk. 2:29-

                 32; Acts 13:47).  Cf. also Isa. 42:1-9; Matt. 12:15-21.

            2.  This is consistent with the nature of God who exercises His lovingkindness to all

                 mankind.

            3.  It is consistent with the plan of God as evidenced in the Acts of the Apostles.

       D.  Now here is my concern, “Are we so concerned about our right to the Kingdom

            that we shut others out?”  Are we so polarized and angry against sinners that we

            close the door to the Kingdom or are we clearing the way for them?  Is our

            message angrily against sinners or an invitation to forgiveness?  Are we more like

            Jonah or more like the God who sent him to Ninevah?  Are we self-centered or

            others-centered?

       E.  The reactions to what Jesus did.

           1.  The chief priests, scribes and elders questioned His authority (Mk. 11:27ff).

           2.  Jesus told about a stone which the builders rejected becoming the chief corner

                stone (Mk. 12:1ff).

           3.  The Pharisees and Herodians tried to trap Him in a statement (Mk. 12:13ff).

           4.  The Sadducees also (Mk. 12:18ff).

           5.  All the while they are seeking to seize Him (Mk. 12:12).

 

III.  The Messianic King tamely surrenders to the cross.

 

      A.  Jesus has predicted what is going to take place in Jerusalem.

      B.  He has tried to prepare the disciples.  He tells them what to expect (Mk. 13:9-13).

            1.  Surrendering to God’s plan is not easy.

            2.  Our natural tendency is to rise up in defense.  It is hard to see the Kingdom

                 come by giving up power instead of taking it!!!

      C.  Jesus moves to the cross deliberately.

            1.  It is as if no one else understands.

            2.  When the soldiers come to take Him they come with swords and clubs.  No

                 need!  He submissively goes with them.

            3.  He is accused by the High Priest.  Spat upon, beaten, slapped!!

            4.  Denied by Peter.

            5.  Handed over by Pilate.  Scourged.  Mocked.  Stripped.  Crowned with thorns. 

                 “Hail, King of the Jews!”

            6.  Crucified.  I am amazed at the restriction used by the writers.  “When He had

                 been crucified” (Matthew).  “They crucified Him” (Mark and Luke).  John is just

                 as brief.  No dramatic elaborate descriptions.  No emotional appeal to break our

                 hearts.  Just the facts Mam!  Just the facts!

       D.  The King tamely surrenders to the cross.

             1.  Unexpected by the people.

             2.  Part of the plan of God.

             3.  “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give His life a

                  ransom for many.”

 

Conclusion:

 

1.  Will you crown Him King in your life?

2.  Will you serve like He served?

3.  Will you tamely submit to the will of God, take up your cross and follow Him?