Consider Jesus: Ensign of the People

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Isa. 11:10-12“Then it will come about in that day That the nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious. 11 Then it will happen on that day that the Lord Will again recover the second time with His hand The remnant of His people, who will remain, From Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, And from the islands of the sea. 12 And He will lift up a standard for the nations, And will assemble the banished ones of Israel, And will gather the dispersed of Judah From the four corners of the earth.”

The Lord, through Isaiah, says that He give the nations relief and shelter through the “root of Jesse,” which we know to be the Messiah. He will be for them a “standard” (variously translated as “banner,” “signal” and “ensign”). 

The Messiah will be the promised rallying point for the beleaguered people. The “banished ones of Israel” as well as a host of people from pagan nations will all come to the signal that God has raised and find shelter and relief there.

We think of all the symbolic importance of a flag – we pledge alliance to it, we gather under it, we rally around it, we march behind it, it represents us and our cause, we have a special place in our hearts for its colors and symbols, we view attacks and disparagements of it as personal affronts. In this sense, Christ is the flag of God to the world and all nations are called to find rest and peace under it.

Consider Jesus: Emmanuel

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Matt. 1:21-23“And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, 23 “‘BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,’” which translated means, “‘GOD WITH US.’”

Isaiah 7 records Judah fighting against both Syria and Isreal. King Ahaz was tempted to call on Assyria to relieve Judah by having them attack from the north. Isaiah assures him God will be deliver him and uses the symbolic names of children to make God’s point. He took his own son, named “Shear-jashub” (“a remnant shall return”) to assure him that the two kings will not succeed (Isa. 7:3-9). Then, to assure Ahaz that the first prophecy was true, he gave another, saying that a virgin (young maiden) will have a child, named “Immanuel” (“God with us”) and before that boy knows the choice of right and wrong, these enemies will be defeated. (Isa. 7:14-16) It might take a few years, long enough for a girl to marry, conceive and carry a child, and that child grow, but it would still be a little one when the victory God gave was complete. 

While this prophecy surely came to pass in Ahaz’s day, likely with the marriage and motherhood of a young woman known to the prophet and the king, we don’t know of its particulars. But it is the second fulfillment of this prophecy that is of most known to us. 

Here is Jesus, appearing in the world as “God with us” in the fullest sense possible. God as with Ahaz, and is with us too, but not in theJohn tells clearly that He is God “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (Jn. 1:1,14)

Consider Jesus: Door

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

John 10:7-9“Jesus therefore said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.  8 All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.  9 I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

Doors mean access. Both in the scriptures and daily life we often figuratively speak of doors being open or shut (1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col 4:3). Open doors imply access, welcome; closed doors imply rejection and alienation (Rev. 3:7). Jesus opens the door, stands at the door and knocks, and on evil, closes the door.

But in John 10, Jesus isn’t just the one who opens the door for us, but He says that He is the door for us. Of course this is figurative, a metaphor, since Jesus doesn’t really hang on hinges and swing in the frame. But He really is our access to the Fathers, and in the parable in John 10, the access to the flock of God and the shelter of the fold. 

We don’t get to God except by Him. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” (Jn. 14:6) He is one and only way, door, to the Father. So, as He said using door in a slightly different figure: “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24)

Consider Jesus: Deliverer

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Rom. 11:26“and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, “THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB.”

This is quoting Isa. 59:20. “Deliverer” is often translated as “Redeemer” (as it is in the Isaiah passage quoted in Romans 11:26 as “deliverer.”) Jesus is the one and only hope of deliverance from our sins. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.” (Gal. 1:3-5)

Let us consider Jesus who is the great king (in the likeness of David), the light for us, and our deliverer from sin by the covenant that He alone could bring us.

Consider Jesus: Day Spring

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Luke 1:78,79“Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise [Dayspring, dawn] from on high shall visit us  79 TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, prophesied hopefully of the work that his would do in leading the way for the Messiah. After speaking of the deliverance from sins that would be offered in Christ, Zacharias said that this was like the warmth and enlightenment of the sun shining on a world darkened in sin. Now the will be clearly illuminated. Christ will visit the earth like the rising sun with the tender mercy of God.

Zacharias was quoting Mal. 4:2 when he spoke these words, “But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings.” Christ's coming was the dawn of a new day for Israel and for mankind.  

Consider Jesus: David

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Jer. 30:9“But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.”

Ezek. 34:23,24“Then I will set over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them; he will feed them himself and be their shepherd.

24And I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken.

Ezek. 37:24“And My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd; and they will walk in My ordinances, and keep My statutes, and observe them.”

References to the Messiah as the “son of David” are very familiar to every Bible student. Even in Jesus’ time all knew that the Messiah would be a descendant of David. The hurting called out “Son of David have mercy” (Matt. 9:17; 15:22) and the crowds at the triumphal entry cried “Hosanna to the son of David.” (Matt. 21:9) The prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel go so far as to present Jesus coming as David Himself.

Of course Jesus is not a reincarnation of Jesus. When God promised to provide an unsurpassed leader for His people, only David was suitable for comparison. David was the greatest king of Israel – Jesus is the eternal king of spiritual Israel, the King of Kings. David was such a fitting king because he was “a man after God’s own heart, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will.” (Acts 13:22) Jesus was God’s own heart, who came to do God’s will. (Heb. 10:9) So Jesus is aptly called David.  

Consider Jesus: Covenant Of The People

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Isa. 42:6“I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you, And I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations”

Isa. 49:8“Thus says the LORD, “In a favorable time I have answered You, And in a day of salvation I have helped You; And I will keep You and give You for a covenant of the people, To restore the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages”

The great hope of the New Testament relies on a covenant that is different from the one that the Jews had. The Old Law condemned them for their sins, but did not offer a way of complete pardon or forgiveness. So a new covenant was promised to take away their sins (ref. Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:7-13). Jesus not only brought us the new covenant, but He is the very embodiment of the covenant. He gave His life for it, and His blood brought in the covenant. “for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” (Matt. 26:28)

Consider Jesus: Counselor

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

IsaIsa. 9:6“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”

Jesus is the greatest advisor that has ever been. His words have faithfully guided more men in times of trouble than any other. His teaching was so profound that none could argue with it and it amazed all who heard it. After the Sermon on the Mount it says, “when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were amazed at His teaching.” (Matt. 7:28) When he preached in Nazareth it says, “He began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they became astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom?” (Matt. 13:54)  Jesus was so effective in His teaching that Mark records, “for all the multitude was astonished at His teaching.” (11:18)

Whenever we are in any need of encouragement or counselor, we should turn to the best and mightiest of teachers and consider His words. We should consider all the words of the God’s chosen and anointed One.  

Consider Jesus: Consolation of Israel

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

IsaLuke 2:25-30“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God… 30For my eyes have seen Thy salvation”

The word “consolation” is also translated as “encouragement,” “exhortation” and “comfort.” Jesus was all of these things to Israel. Jesus is all of these wonderful and helpful things to us because He is our salvation. 

Consider Jesus: Christ

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Matt. 1:1“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”

Matt. 1:16“and to Jacob was born Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”

[and 499 other verses]

By far the most common title or description given to Jesus is “Christ.” In fact, it is some common that many seem that that “Christ” actually is Jesus name. The word “Christ” means “anointed” or “Messiah.” On three different occasions Jesus directly accepted this title, admitting to first the woman at the well (Jn. 4:25,26) and later openly to the Sanhedrin Council that He was the expected Messiah.  

The most famous incident of Jesus accepting this title is when He blessed Peter for recognizing and admitting that it was truly so. “Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.  And Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 16:16,17)

Consider Jesus: Chosen Of God

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

IsaLuke 23:35 “And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One. [chosen of God – KJV]” 

1 Pet. 2:4“And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice [chosen of God – KJV] and precious in the sight of God”

The word “chosen” is also translated as “choice.” The “choicest” is the very best of any class or category. Jesus was chosen by God to the most exalted position than any can imagine. We He came to us as a man He was the very best man. He is the best priest, prophet, king, deliverer, mediator, many other things, and finally the best friend that has ever been.  

Christians, who have been called by God to be conformed to the image of Christ are also said to be choice, chosen or elect in this way. Christ was “the chosen,” we are “chosen” (or “elect”) of God.  Col. 3:12; 1 Pet. 2:4

Consider Jesus: Chief Corner Stone

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Matt. 21:42 “Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone; THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES’?”

We rightly consider the humility and lowliness of Jesus in His earthly life, but we must also consider the great prominence that Jesus attained. The Jews rejected the lowly Messiah, but Jesus said that they were rejecting what God had intended to make the very centerpiece of the coming order. The prophecy of Ps. 118:22 is also directly quoted in Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 2 Pet. 2:6,7 and is alluded to in Eph. 2:20. The very fact that this scripture is so repeatedly used should cause us to consider it carefully.  

Jesus was not what men were looking for, but He is what we needed. He was not recognized by men, but was honored by God. He was not esteemed by many of those around Him, but is the center all of things to those who have gathered around Him.

Consider Jesus: Carpenter, Carpenter’s Son

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Mark 6:3,4“And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? 3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon?  Are not His sisters here with us?”  And they took offense at Him.”

Matt. 13:54-56“And coming to His home town He began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they became astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom, and these miraculous powers? 55Is not this the carpenter’s son?  Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?”

The Messiah did not come in the way that the Jews expected. He did not come from a palace, or from among the priests in the Temple, or from the rabbinical schools. He came from a common family in a common trade and from a nowhere place.  

The Jews should have learned that His power was from God since there was no earthly explanation for these things. A second lesson to draw from this is the dignity of labor. It was to a tradesman that God entrusted the Savior of us all when He was a babe, and before our Lord began His public ministry He was trained and employed in the same trade as His earthly father. 

Consider Jesus: Captain Of Our Salvation

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Heb. 2:10“For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author [captain – KJV, NKJV,  pioneer – NRSV] of their salvation through sufferings.”

The word that is translated in most versions as “author” or “captain” is defined as “one that takes the lead in any thing and thus affords an example, a predecessor in a matter, pioneer.” (Thayer)  

The word “author” carries the idea of being the originator or source of a thing.  The word“captain” carries the idea of a leader or commander.  We should notice that although captain is a high office, in military usage it is a field officer, one who is out with the troops.  When we combine the ideas of both author and leader, we find the idea of “pioneer,” as the New Revised Standard translates it.  Think of Daniel Boone who blazed the trial way west by going himself through the wilderness and leaving a path for other to follow.  He both led and showed the way.  This is exactly what Christ did in respect to salvation.  He both originated and led the way.  We must give careful consideration to Him if we wish to go in that same way.

Consider Jesus: Bridegroom

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Jn. 3:28,29“You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. And so this joy of mine has been made full.”

John the Baptist, who came as the forerunner of Christ, knew his place. Some of his disciples reported to him that Jesus was making more disciples and baptizing many more people than he was – and man who was named for the teaching the he introduced. John’s disciples seem to think that their master should be afforded more honor than he was currently receiving. But John knew his place.  He was not the center of attention – Jesus was.  

John was like the best man at a wedding.  The best man has an important role to play, but soon fades to background.  John tried to get his disciples to consider the importance of Jesus.

Luke 5:33-35“And they said to Him, “The disciples of John often fast and offer prayers; the disciples of the Pharisees also do the same; but Yours eat and drink.” 34And Jesus said to them, “You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? 35But the days will come; and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.”

The leaders of the Jews did not recognize the importance of Jesus either.  They tried to force on Jesus’ disciples their ritualistic practices that were supposedly expressions of contemplation and sorrow. (These are good things to be sure, but not in the traditional, artificial ways that the Jews demanded that they be observed.) Jesus said that when the groom is with the wedding party it is not time to show sorrow, but to rejoice. The Jews did not consider the importance of Jesus being with them. 

Consider Jesus: Bread of Life (Living Bread)

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Jn. 6:32-35,47-51“Jesus therefore said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” 34They said therefore to Him, “Lord, evermore give us this bread.” 35Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst... 47  “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.51I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

Bread has been the most important food, the sustainer of physical life, for the vast majority of humanity.  Jesus offers Himself as a truer, better, more filling and fulfilling bread by giving true (spiritual) life.  Jesus is the way of life and the sustainer of it.  

We must partake of Jesus, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me…and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS” (Matt. 11:29), then we will have assurance of life.  

Let our mind dwell more on Jesus: the Guardian of our soul, the source and sustenance of our spiritual life, and the righteous branch of David sent by the Lord to us.

Consider Jesus: Branch

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Isa. 4:2“In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth will be the pride and the adornment of the survivors of Israel.”

Jer. 23:5“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “When I shall raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land.”

Jer. 33:15“In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth.”

Zech. 6:12“Then say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts,” Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the LORD.

13Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the LORD, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne.  Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.’”

A “branch” literally something that comes from the same root or trunk, and in symbolic usage it means a descendant, or intimately connected follower (like the parable of the vine, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” (Jn. 15:5))  The branches can be both good or evil.  The king of Babylon was a “rejected branch” NASB, NKJV or “abominable branch.” KJV, ASV (Isa. 14:19)

With Jesus we especially want to consider what kind of “branch” He is.  He is “righteous,” “of David,” and “of the Lord.”  Here is the very specially one that Jehovah God is going to raise up.  So we see Jesus as the one who comes from David, is without sin and comes to do the Lord’s will.  We also note the prophecy of Zechariah that says this Branch will both build the temple and reign in it.  He will be both priest and king.  Surely this unique honor belongs only to Jesus.  

Remember the “Branch Davidians” in Waco led by David Koresh?  He claimed to be the Messiah who would build the Temple.  He claimed that he would fulfill these prophecies and borrowed scriptural terms to describe himself.  We know how far short of the prophecies he fell.  

Consider Jesus: Bishop

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

1 Pet. 2:25 “For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” (Bishop – KJV, ASV, Overseer – NKJV)

Jesus is our great bishop – guardian, overseer, watchman and supervisor.  We need someone to watch out for us and watch over us.  Consider the condition that people are in before they find the One who can guide them in the right way. “And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36)  This is proof of the truth that Jeremiah spoke, “I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not in himself; Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.” (Jer. 10:23)

To meet our needs Jesus shepherds and guides us for the protection of our souls.  He makes sure our soul has all its needs taken care of and is not led astray by evil or error.  So long as we submit to His leadership we are safe and secure. 

Consider Jesus: Beloved

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Matt. 3:17“and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

Matt. 17:5“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!’”

See also Matt. 12:18; Mark 1:11; 9:7; 12:6; Luke 3:22; 20:13.  In Eph 1:6 Jesus is simply called “the Beloved.”  Beloved means “worthy of honor, esteem,” and thus very dear to us.  God loved Jesus to an infinite degree.  It is the greatest measure of God’s love that He loved us enough to sent His own Son for us.  

As we consider Jesus whom God loved, we also consider other children of God whom He loves, namely us.  “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you…” (2 Thess. 2:13)  “To all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints” (Rom. 1:7)  As Jesus was loved (and we are told that we are loved); and as He loved, we are to love each other.  There are many examples of brethren having such love for one another:  “Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant” (Col. 1:7) “Our beloved Barnabas and Paul” (Acts 15:25) “Luke, the beloved physician” (Col. 4:14).

Confidence that we are so loved should cause us to act properly, as Jesus did.  “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” (1 Cor. 10:14)  “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58)

Surely we should consider these things about Jesus.  As we do our appreciation for His work and labors for us will cause us to grow into the love that we should have for him and our brethren. 

Consider Jesus: Author And Finisher Of Our Faith

Let us continue to “consider Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1) 

Heb 12:2“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter (finisher – KJV, NKJV) of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus not only revealed the faith to us but He also both wrote it and lived it.  There are many who can deliver a message that other write.  But who can author the way for men to live?  (Ref. Jer. 10:23).  But in Jesus we have the One who could write it, reveal it, and then live the perfectly right way.  He brought the faith to life in His life.