Did Jesus come as a martyr or to sit on David’s throne?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: The problems in the Middle East – particularly Israel – are treacherous and unsettling, but it does cause me to consider why Jesus came to Earth to bring peace when it seems in vain. Did he come as a martyr or to sit on David’s throne? – B.L.
A: Jesus came to Earth for the purpose of preparing hearts for eternity. Shortly before He laid down His own life that we might have life, He said, “Let not your heart be troubled … I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2, NKJV).
Jesus came also as a prophet (see Luke 4:24), and the Good Shepherd (see John 10:11). One day He will come back to Earth in glory as King (see Revelation 17:14). The King of glory will rule the nations of the world. His kingdom is being built in the hearts of those who submit, surrender, and serve the King of kings in the kingdom of the ages, and we will worship Him on His everlasting throne.
King David’s life is a glimpse of the coming King. David was not only a shepherd boy; he was also a prophet and king. He knew that one day his descendant – and Savior – Jesus, born in the City of David, would ascend to the throne in the city of His God: Jerusalem. This is a tremendous vision of glory. It is not a dream or fantasy but the very reality of hope for those truly born again.
We are all God’s creation, but we are not all God’s children. Those who are born once (physical birth) will experience physical and spiritual death, but those who are born twice (physically and spiritually) will die only a physical death because they will be resurrected to life eternal. This is why Jesus came.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
