Were the People of Israel (including the religious leaders and His closest followers) Confused About Jesus' Full Identity?

Setting the Stage

1. 1450 BC - Lev 23 was given to Moses. Throughout the Old Testament dozens of prophecies foretold of a conquering, miracle performing, hero (Messiah) who would free the Jews from their oppressors.

2. 1405 BC - Balaam prophecies a "star" will come out of Israel (Num 24: 12-17).

3. 607-586 BC - Jews exiled to Babylon (Iraq). Daniel teaches the Magi (wise men - Dan 2:48). Rabbis and synagogues become significant to the Jewish people in exile.

4. 63 BC - Roman general Pompey conquers Israel. Ultimately, Herod was made a puppet king and the Sadducees were given the Temple "concession."

5. 4 BC - Jesus is born in Bethlehem (the House of Bread); the star appears and the magi in the East set out to investigate.

6. 27 AD - Jesus begins His public ministry with a miracle at Cana. To those who were interested in the coming of Messiah, He seemed to be doing the right things (ie. the verification miracles), but He also seemed to be saying the wrong things (ie. "love your enemy.") He appears to be elusive regarding His identity --- son of man, living water, the bread of life, etc.

7. He embarrasses the Pharisees and calls them hypocrites (actors); He embarrasses the Sadducees and threatens their business interests (ie. turning over their tables.)

8. The week before He dies, He raises Lazarus from his grave of 4 days.

9. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey on "lamb selection" day - 69 weeks of years (176,295 days) from the decree made by Cyrus King of Persia (Dan 9:20-27; Is 44:28;

2 Chron 36:22-23)

10. Judas plots to betray Jesus during the High Holiday. Was Judas truly interested in getting Jesus arrested and killed? What was at least one of the reasons the Apostles followed Jesus?

11. Jesus celebrates the Passover with His Apostles (did He do so a day early?)

12. Judas leads the cohort of soldiers to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus:

4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" 5 "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me." 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" 12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him. (John 18:4-12 NIV)

13. Jesus confesses His true identity to the chief priests and elders.

14. Pilate condemns Jesus to be scourged (Is 53) and crucified (Ps 22).

15. Jesus is crucified at Golgotha at 9:00 on Passover morning.

16. At 12:00 Jesus quotes from Ps 22 "My God, My God why have you forsaken me?"

17. At 3:00 Jesus says, "It is finished" and yields His spirit having not had a rebellious thought, word, or action during His entire life!

18. He is entombed on the Feast of Unleavened Bread and raises from the dead on the Feast of First Fruits!!!

19. Easter Sunday night He breathes on 10 of His Apostles and says, "Received the Holy Spirit" (John 20:21). These become the first "Christians."

20. On Pentecost (50 days later) His Holy Spirit "fills" the believers gathered in "The House" (the Temple courts). Peter proclaims:

36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord(God) and Christ (Messiah)." 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:36-39 NIV)