THE TIME WAS RIPE FOR A SAVIOR

The Torah wasn’t being taught on a daily basis, as it should’ve been. Families were breaking apart. Religion had become geared to the hierarchy and the common folk felt they had nothing to fall back on. We see things like this today as our own country has become so self-absorbed and God has taken a back seat – again. 

This boy, Jesus, who studied diligently with the scholars – who had complete understanding of God’s Word – who was determined to be about His true Father’s business – knew He had a mission to fill. He would bring hope back to the people. He’d show them there was a purpose for their lives. He told them to love one another. He demanded they follow the truth of God in His commandments and laws. He did not come to us, to condemn the law, but to fulfill it.

The young man, Jesus, who worked hard along His stepfather, was obedient to His parents and showed them respect. He ate, slept, drank, walked, wept, laughed like any other teen, but never gave into temptation. He was determined to complete the work He was placed on earth to do. His parables would be well received, because His audience could relate. He would upset the tables of the merchants using the temple area for selling their wares. He called them a den of thieves. He pulled no punches, yet He exuded kindness and comfort.

So what do we know about Jesus? He was the perfect son. His siblings probably didn’t like that too much. He worked hard at a physical job. He traveled by foot to celebrate the Passover each year. He saw the corruption within the synagogue and challenged them. He was strong physically. He was vocally astute, as He later would speak to crowds of thousands and each ear would be open to His words.  He was kind and compassionate and loved everyone. He suffered sadness, depression as He prayed for the cup to pass from his lips. He went through grief, as friends would die and go through illnesses. He witnessed their poverty and hunger and provided abundantly when the time was right. He respected the government, because all government (good or bad) is instituted by God. He was a common man yet had a captivating personality which opened doors and minds for Him. He could heal people from their afflictions, drive out demons, restore life to the dead, because He was not just an ordinary man. In the end He bore the sins of the world as He was tortured and carried His cross to Calvary.

What kind of person would do that? Most folks today think only of themselves. We still have a few who put their lives on the line in their work or in the service of our country, but when it comes right down to it, we have become very self-serving.

When Jesus lived, the world was a mess. He saw all of it. He lived through it. He suffered along with His family and friends because of it. Much like today, everything had turned upside down. They strayed from their laws. The unity of community had died. They again were under oppression. They were ripe for a Savior. They longed for God to send the Messiah and He did. Today, we long for Christ’s return. The time is ripe once more. We know He will come back, because He said He would.

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14