Video 3:18December 09, 2019Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13;
The temple was never designed to bring life. It was God in the temple that brings life. But now it's Jesus, God made flesh, that will be the glory of Israel, a light to the Gentiles, the Messiah who brings life.
Jesus is still willfully heading towards Jerusalem to give his life for the life of the world and there's no one who knows better than him just how much it's all going to cost.
Jesus is continuing to press forward towards Jerusalem where he knows he will meet his fate on a cross. In our first story, an idea that still permeates minds and hearts today, rears its ugly head.
They would have to make Jesus more important in their lives than even their family and friends. Following Jesus would cost them everything because of the price he was soon to pay.