From rejection to redemption: experience transformative grace.

Why did Jesus make the offer of Messiah to a generation He knew would reject Him? It's a burning question, and today, we're diving deep into Matthew 12 to unravel this mystery. Get ready for a mind-blowing ride! Let's start with a personal story. I recently reached out to a loved one, eager to share my faith in Jesus. I knew the possibility of rejection was high, but my heart was sincere. Just like Jesus, I offered love, knowing it might not be accepted.

In Matthew, Jesus extends an offer of Messiah to His generation, fully aware that they would reject Him. Why? Well, because He is omniscient. God knew the response beforehand. But here's the mind-bending part: the offer wasn't completely removed. It was postponed. The rejection of Jesus by that generation of Jews was a part of God's ultimate plan for redemption. Their rejection led to something remarkable - the church age. You see, the church age, which we are in now, is a brand new revelation that stemmed from the Jews' rejection of Jesus. God didn't mention the church age in the Old Testament because it depended on the Jews' decision. It's like prophecy, watching mountain tops from a distance.

The Old Testament prophets didn't see the valley of the church age between Jesus' first and second comings. It's in the New Testament, available to everyone, that the secrets are revealed to those who listen. The church age is a mystery unfolding.

The New Testament was written quickly by a generation who knew Jesus or were close to someone who did. They recorded the teachings and acts of Jesus, including His plea for the generation to embrace Him as the Messiah. Even individuals from that initial rejection group, like Nicodemus and Paul, were granted grace to change. Paul became the apostle to the Gentiles, revealing the mystery of the church age. Jesus started teaching this mystery to individuals after the nation rejected Him. In Matthew 13, Jesus shares parables that provide a timeline and description of what will happen. The church age continues until Jesus comes again. We are in this incredible, unpredictable chapter of God's plan.

So, why did Jesus offer Himself as Messiah to a generation He knew would reject Him? Because God's perfect plan unfolds through rejection, grace, and redemption. The rejection of Jesus by the Jews is the ultimate redemption for believers. Awe-inspiring, isn't it?

Are you looking for a place to take notes, some topics to research on your own, or some questions you could ponder to go deeper during your quiet time with God or with a friend? Remember, we have workbooks available for this episode, and every other episode of our Jesus Rabbi and Lord series. For each episode, they contain a summary, listening guide, key takeaways, quotes, questions and topics to go deeper. Go to gospelspice.com/jesus to purchase these workbooks.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alongside Jesus and his initial audience? To experience the fresh spiritual flavors that the Messianic Jewish culture weaves into the four gospels? Well, that's exactly what we here aim to do through this original series, JESUS RABBI AND LORD. Stephanie invites you to dig deep into Scripture, unearthing raw diamonds that may need a little cleaning up, but will ultimately shine brightly.

So get ready to embark on this enlightening and transformative journey with Gospel Spice. Prepare to encounter Jesus in a way that resonates with our modern world and discover the richness of the gospel through the lens of Jewish culture. Let's dig deep, uncover the hidden spices, and experience the beauty of the Scriptures together. Welcome to Gospel Spice!

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