Welcome to Day 2644 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2644 – New Testament Orientation – Jesus' Message to Gentiles and Jews - the Cross

Putnam Church Message – 06/01/2025

Sermon Series: New Testament Orientation

Message 6: “Jesus’ Message to Gentiles & Jews - the Cross”

 

Last week, we explored The Four Gospels - Four Witnesses to the King Core Verses: Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)

This week is Sermon: 6 of 12 Title: Jesus’ Message to Gentiles & Jews - the Cross Core Verses: Hebrews 3:1-2 Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)

Core Verses: Hebrews 3:1-2 (NLT) “And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our faith. For he was faithful to God who appointed him, just as Moses had been faithful in all God’s house.”

Opening Prayer

Our Gracious and Holy Father, we come before You this day with hearts open and minds eager to receive Your truth. As we gather to explore the profound message of Your Son, Jesus, we pray that your Holy Spirit will illuminate our understanding. May we grasp the depth of His faithfulness, the power of His victory, and the boundless love extended to all—Jew and Gentile alike—through His sacrifice on the cross. Guide our thoughts, stir our spirits, and transform our lives, we pray, in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Introduction: The Unveiling of a King’s Message

As we continue on this incredible journey through the New Testament! We are now in our sixth week, and today, we stand at a pivotal juncture, peering into the very heart of Jesus’ mission. If you could have walked up to Jesus, as many did, and asked, “What are you about? What is your core message?” what would He have said? Today, we will explore four crucial aspects of His message—ideas that might not always get the attention they deserve, but are foundational to understanding Jesus, His kingdom, and the radical inclusion He brought to all nations. We’ll speak of Jesus’ faithfulness, His decisive victory over demonic powers, the revolutionary relationship between Jew and Gentile forged in Him, and finally, the profound meaning of the cross. (Bulletin Insert)

Jesus’ Faithfulness: A Quiet Carpenter’s Perfect Obedience

Our journey begins with a look at Jesus’ faithfulness, a quality often overlooked amidst the dazzling miracles and powerful teachings. The writer of Hebrews—a sermon in itself—highlights this in our core verses today: “He was faithful to God who appointed him, just as Moses had been faithful in all God’s house” (Hebrews 3:2, NLT).

Imagine Jesus, not as the public figure we know from His ministry, but as a young man in Nazareth. For nearly 30 years, He lived a quiet life as a carpenter, the son of a carpenter. There were no public miracles, no grand sermons, just the humble rhythm of daily life. And yet, when He emerges for His public baptism, the heavens declare, “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” (Matthew 3:17, NLT). What was God pleased with?/ A life lived in perfect, quiet faithfulness.

We often interpret Jesus’ sinlessness as merely avoiding the negative—never lying, never cheating, never succumbing to temptation. While that is true, a deeper understanding, especially from an ancient Israelite perspective, reveals something more profound: His consistent, unwavering loyalty and allegiance to his Father God in every thought, word, and deed. He wasn’t just not doing bad; He was always doing good, always aligning His will with His Father’s.

Think of it like this: We might admire a disciplined athlete who avoids unhealthy habits in our modern world. But true greatness isn’t just about what they don’t do; it’s about the relentless training, the strategic choices, and the unyielding dedication to their craft that leads to peak performance. Jesus’ faithfulness wasn’t merely the absence of sin; it was the active, positive pursuit of God’s will in every moment, in every mundane task, long before the spotlight of His ministry.

Object Lesson: Imagine a beautifully crafted wooden yoke, like one a carpenter might have made in Jesus’ day. It’s perfectly balanced, smooth, and fits comfortably. This yoke represents Jesus’ faithfulness. A good yoke doesn’t chafe or break; it allows the oxen to work efficiently and in harmony. Similarly, Jesus’ faithfulness was not about being rigid or burdensome, but about perfect alignment and harmony with God’s will. It’s what allowed Him to perfectly bear the Father’s purposes.

Jesus’ Victory Over Demonic Powers: The King Has Arrived

From the quiet faithfulness of the carpenter, Jesus steps onto the stage of public ministry, and immediately, He confronts the very powers that have held humanity captive. This brings us to a topic often overlooked in New Testament studies: exorcisms. Why are they so central to Jesus’ ministry? Because they are a direct, undeniable declaration of His kingship and His victory over the spiritual forces that had long held sway.

From the Old Testament perspective, after the rebellion at Babel, God “allotted” the nations to other divine beings, often referred to as “sons of God” or “gods of the nations.” While God remained the Most High, these divine beings were given authority over the various people groups. Over time, many of these divine beings, like the nations they governed, became corrupt, leading to idolatry and spiritual bondage. Satan, the adversary, emerged as a dominant figure among them.

This understanding is crucial to appreciating the significance of Jesus’ encounter with Satan in the wilderness. In Luke 4:6-7, Satan offers Jesus,  “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. 7 I will give it all to you if you will worship me.” Is Satan lying? No, he’s stating a grim truth established since the tower of Babel in Genesis 11. But Jesus’ response, while debated in its exact phrasing, carries immense weight: “Get behind Me!” (Luke 4:8, NLT, paraphrasing Matthew 4:10). This isn’t just a rejection of temptation; it’s a declaration of authority. “Your reign is over; I am the One in charge now!”

And what happens immediately after this confrontation? The text tells us in Luke 4:14: Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power, and He begins casting out demons. These aren’t just random acts of healing; they are direct assaults on the very strongholds of the enemy. When a demon-possessed man in the synagogue cries out,  “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24, NLT), it’s not just recognition; it’s a terrifying acknowledgment that the true King has arrived, and their days are numbered.

Think of it like a tyrannical ruler who has occupied a territory for centuries. People have learned to live under his oppressive rule, perhaps even worshiping him out of fear or ignorance. Then, the true, rightful King appears, not with an army initially, but with a quiet authority that sends shivers down the spine of the usurper. The King’s presence itself exposes the tyrant’s illegitimate claim,/ and every act of liberation, every freeing of a captive, declares:/ “The kingdom has shifted! The real King is here!”

Object Lesson: Imagine a strong, heavy chain that has been wrapped around a post, binding it tightly. Then, a powerful tool comes along and, with a series of decisive strikes, breaks the links of the chain. The chain is no longer binding the post. The chain represents the authority of the demonic powers, and Jesus’ exorcisms are the powerful strikes that shatter that authority. His coming meant that their binding power was broken, and people could now be set free.

The Revolutionary Relationship: Jew and Gentile at the Cross

One of the most radical and often contentious aspects of Jesus’ message, and indeed the entire New Testament, was his approach to the relationship between Jews and Gentiles. For centuries, the chosen people of Israel, the descendants of Abraham, understood themselves to be distinct, set apart by the one true God. And rightly so! God had made a covenant with them, given them the Law, and promised them a Messiah. But over time, this distinction sometimes hardened into exclusivity, where Gentiles were seen as “unclean” or “sinners” by default.

Consider the perspectives of the day. A prominent Jewish theologian like Philo, living in Jesus’ era, described Gentiles with harsh terms, calling them “ships without ballast,” “blind,” and having “dimmed the eye of their soul.” This wasn’t mere prejudice; it was a deep-seated theological conviction that Gentiles, by their worship of other gods and their unrighteous ways, were fundamentally estranged from the one true God.

Jewish evangelism in Jesus’ time often focused on proselytism: for a Gentile to become right with God, they had to become a Jew—observing the Law, circumcision, dietary restrictions, and Sabbath. While well-intentioned, this approach often increased tension rather than alleviated it, as it demanded cultural assimilation before spiritual acceptance.

But Jesus’ message turned this on its head. When He said, “For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Matthew 9:13, NLT), He wasn’t winking, suggesting everyone is a sinner. From an Israelite perspective, “the righteous” were those like Cornelius in Acts 10, a “devout man... who feared God,” who was already a God-worshiper. “Sinners,” in contrast, were the non-God loyalists, the Gentiles, those estranged from God. Jesus was proclaiming a revolutionary invitation: loyalty to the one true God was now open to all, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background, without first becoming a Jew. Jesus was inviting Gentiles to turn to God through Him.

Think of a rigid, exclusive country club or yacht club with a long and storied history, where membership is only granted to those who meticulously follow a specific set of rules and traditions. The club has operated in this manner for generations, and its members take pride in their heritage and the strict criteria it upholds. Then, the founder’s true heir arrives and declares that while the original principles remain, the doors are now flung open to anyone who pledges allegiance to the founder’s vision, not just those who meet the old, intricate membership requirements. This would cause an uproar, wouldn’t it? That’s the kind of revolution Jesus brought to the Jew-Gentile dynamic.

Object Lesson: Imagine a beautifully woven tapestry that has a tear down the middle, separating two distinct patterns. The Jewish people and the Gentile nations were like these two halves, distinct and often separated by cultural and religious barriers. Jesus, through His life and especially His death, is like the skilled weaver who meticulously re-joins the threads, creating a single, new, and even more beautiful tapestry where both patterns are perfectly integrated, no longer torn apart.

The Cross: Passover, Victory, and Cleansing

Finally, we come to the profound and multifaceted meaning of the cross. The cross is not merely the instrument of Jesus’s death but the culmination of His mission, the ultimate demonstration of His faithfulness, and the means by which the revolutionary relationship between Jew and Gentile is forged.

It’s crucial to understand that while we often use the word “atonement” to describe what happened on the cross, the New Testament itself doesn’t use that specific term to define Jesus’ death. Instead, it describes the effects of His death and the profound accomplishments wrought through His sacrifice. What does the New Testament say Jesus’ death accomplished? At least three things:

Jesus as the Gentile Passover: For the ancient Israelites, Passover was the foundational event of their identity, where God delivered them from slavery in Egypt and established them as His people through the blood of the lamb. Gentiles had no part in this. But Paul declares to the Gentiles in Corinth, “Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7, NLT). This is revolutionary! Now, through Jesus’ death, a new people of God is being formed, transcending ethnic boundaries. Just as the blood of the lamb marked Israel for deliverance, Jesus’ blood marks all—Jew and Gentile—who place their loyalty in Him, for deliverance from spiritual bondage.

Jesus Defeats Satan Through Death: It seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? How does death lead to victory? Yet, the New Testament repeatedly asserts that through His death, Jesus delivered a decisive blow to the powers of darkness. Hebrews states: Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. (Hebrews 2:14, NLT). This is not a defeat;/ it’s a strategic maneuver. Just as a general might draw the enemy into a trap, Jesus, through His willing sacrifice, rendered Satan’s ultimate weapon—death—powerless. The scene in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, where Satan recoils in horror as Jesus dies, captures this biblical truth: Satan thought he had won, but instead, he was duped; his power was shattered.

Jesus Cleanses the Pagan (Dying for Our Sins): The concept of “dying for our sins” is deeply rooted in the Levitical system of sacrifice, where blood was shed to make atonement for sin and cleanse impurity. But who were the “sinners” for whom Jesus died? As we discussed, not all were considered “sinners” in the sense of being non-God loyalists. Romans 5:8 declares, But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (NLT). Paul is speaking to Roman Gentiles here. The cross was the ultimate act of purification, not just for Israel’s sins, but for the “commonness” and “impurity” of the Gentiles. Peter’s vision in Acts 10, where he hears the voice say, “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” (Acts 10:15, NLT), is directly linked to Jesus’ death. The death of Jesus cleansed the pagan, making it possible for Gentiles to be fully welcomed into God’s family without first adhering to Jewish law.

Object Lesson: Imagine a vast, intricately designed padlock that has long hidden a valuable treasure. This lock is not simple; it has many tumblers and requires a precise, unique key to open. The treasure is access to God’s presence and family. The cross is that unique, perfect key. It’s not just a piece of metal; it’s precisely crafted to fit every tumbler of sin and separation, unlocking the way for all who believe to enter God’s presence.

Applications and Takeaways – Hebrews 3:1-2 Christ’s sacrifice reconciles us to God and one another.

Embrace Active Faithfulness, Not Just Absence of Sin

Summary: Jesus’ life demonstrates that true godliness is not merely avoiding wrongdoing, but actively pursuing and aligning with God’s will in every aspect of our lives.

Narrative & Illustration: We often hear phrases like, “I’m not a bad person,” or “I haven’t killed anyone, so I must be okay.” This way of thinking, while understandable, misses the profound nature of Jesus’ faithfulness. He didn’t just not sin; He always did what was right and always glorified God.

Consider the craft of an ancient Israelite potter. A truly skilled potter wouldn’t just avoid making a cracked pot; they would meticulously prepare the clay, center it perfectly, shape it with precision, and fire it at the exact temperature to create a vessel of beauty and utility. Their art wasn’t defined by the absence of flaws, but by the excellence of their creation.

In our modern lives, are we passively avoiding negative behaviors, or are we actively pursuing faithfulness? Are we just “not cheating” on our taxes, or are we actively giving to those in need? Are we just “not gossiping,” or are we actively building up others with our words? Jesus’ faithfulness challenges us to move beyond mere compliance and embrace a vibrant, active pursuit of God’s will, understanding that true righteousness is a positive allegiance to Him. This often means living out our faith in quiet, unseen ways, trusting that God sees and is pleased with us.

Live in the Reality of Jesus’ Victory Over Spiritual Darkness

Summary: Jesus’ triumph over demonic powers means that believers today live under His authority, not under the dominion of spiritual oppression or fear.

Narrative & Illustration: The ancient world, including Israel, was acutely aware of spiritual forces. Sickness, misfortune, and various afflictions were often attributed to spiritual influence. When Jesus cast out demons, it was a public demonstration of His superior authority. He wasn’t just healing; He was reclaiming territory from the enemy.

In our modern world, we might not always speak of “demon possession” in the same way, but spiritual battles are still very real. Fear, anxiety, addiction, despair, and spiritual strongholds can still grip lives. When Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning!” after His disciples experienced authority over demons, He was reminding them (and us) of the decisive shift in power that happened in the wilderness.

Imagine a city that has been under siege by an oppressive regime for a long time. People live in constant fear, under strict surveillance, and with limited freedom. Then, the true, rightful liberator King arrives, and in a decisive battle, He defeats the oppressor. Even though the rubble might still be clearing and the scars of occupation remain, the reality is that the oppressive regime has been overthrown. The King is now in charge. As followers of Jesus, we live in that “now” of His victory. We can boldly declare His authority over any darkness or oppression, knowing that Satan’s power has been broken at the cross. We don’t have to live in fear.

Embrace Radical Inclusion: The Cross Levels All Ground

Summary: The cross demolishes the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating one new family in Christ, calling us to a revolutionary unity that transcends all human divisions.

Narrative & Illustration: For millennia, the distinction between Jew and Gentile was fundamental. Imagine the shock and controversy when Peter, a devout Jew, is told by God to go to Cornelius, a Gentile, and then sees the Holy Spirit fall on him and his household—without them first becoming Jews! This was earth-shattering for the early church, as it shattered deeply ingrained cultural and theological assumptions. In Paul’s words, speaking of the cross, For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. (Ephesians 2:14, NLT).

Our contemporary society still struggles with “dividing walls”—walls of ethnicity, economic status, political affiliation, nationality, or even denominational background. We often gravitate towards those who are “like us,” creating our own exclusive “clubs.” The cross, however, levels the ground. It declares that our primary identity in Christ is not our ethnicity, nationality, or social standing, but our shared loyalty to Jesus.

Think of a bustling international airport. People from every nation, speaking every language, and wearing diverse clothing, all move through the same space. Their passports declare their origin, but at that moment, they are all travelers, subject to the same security checks and waiting for the same flights. The cross is like that airport. It brings us all to the same starting point – our need for God’s grace – and unites us under the same destination: the family of God, regardless of our earthly distinctions. The cross reminds us that our unity in Christ is not a mere suggestion; it is a divine mandate, a living testimony to the power of His sacrifice in reconciling us to God and to one another.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound truths we have encountered today. Thank You for Jesus, our faithful Apostle and High Priest, whose life of perfect obedience pleased You. We marvel at His victory over all spiritual darkness, a victory secured at the cross. And we praise You for tearing down the dividing walls, making us one family in Christ—Jew and Gentile—through His shed blood. Help us, Lord, to live out this radical faithfulness, to walk confidently in His victory, and to embrace the beautiful, diverse unity You have created through the cross. May our lives be a testament to Jesus’ powerful message. In His holy name, we pray. Amen.

Next week is Pentecost, and we will be covering lesson 7 in our New Testament Orientation series. Our seventh lesson will cover the Book of Acts by God’s perfect timing. The core verse is: Acts 1:8