The Work of the Messiah

Introduction:

“ And again:  Praise the Lord, all the Gentiles!  Laud Him, all you peoples!”  (Romans 15:11)  The work of the Messiah had always pointed to bringing Gentiles into one body with Jews. (Ephesians 2:11-18) In Romans 15:12, Paul refers to Isaiah’s prophecy about the Messiah.  “And again, Isaiah says:  There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.” Three characteristics are given. 

Body:

I. A Descendant of David

· Jesse was the father of David.  Note Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus.  (Matthew 1:1,6)

· “a righteous branch”  (Jeremiah 23:5)

· “a descendant as prophesied”  (Romans 1:1-3)

· Jesus’ words about Himself  (Revelation 22:16)

· This fulfilled the covenant God made with David.  (II Samuel 7:13, Luke 1:32:33) 

II. Ruler Over All Nations

· Root of Jesse has arisen, by His resurrection and ascension, He now reigns over His kingdom.  (Hebrews 1:8, Revelation 5:5-6, 12, Philippians 2:8-11)

· David prophesied about His rule.  (Psalm 22:27-28)

· His kingdom though, is not a physical one, but a spiritual one.  (John 18:33-37)

· Daniel prophesied about Christ’s kingdom.  (Daniel 2:44, Daniel 7:14)  Also see Revelation 11:15. 

III. The Gentiles’ Hope

· “Hope” is the absolute assurance of some future good.  One will be able to look forward with confidence.

· Read Romans 15:8-10.  “ Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers.  And that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:  For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.  And again he says: Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!”  God has extended mercy to all, both Jew and Gentile.  (Matthew 12:15-21)

Conclusion:

Because of the work of the Messiah, we can look forward to being with Him throughout eternity. 

Bobby Stafford 

November 9, 2014