Sunday Sermon Summary – Dec 14 2025

Presuppositions of the Messiah 

Matthew 11: 2-11

During intertestamental times and during the time of Jesus the Jews had presuppositions of the Messiah.  They pictured the Messiah in various ways and were eagerly awaiting his appearance. When John the Baptist was in prison, he sent his disciples to Jesus asking him if he was the Messiah or should he wait for some other.  

1. His beginning 

They looked for Him in Herod’s palace 

The first presupposition of the messiah was his lowly birth.  Even the wisemen who were able to know the birth of the messiah by the star were looking for him in Herod’s palace.  They arrived at Jerusalem and asked, “Where is he who is born king of the Jews for we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him.”  Everyone who was eagerly looking forward to the messiah would have had the same expectation.  But Jesus came to us in lowly state.  It was required of him to leave all the glory he had in heaven and come down to earth to save us from our sins. 

2. His ministry 

They expected a political revolution 

Even his disciples expected him to bring about a political revolution and overthrow the authority of the Romans who were suppressing the Jews at that time.  Jesus did not come to make a revolt against the Romans; he came to set us free from the slavery of sin.  When Jesus was speaking about his second coming just before his ascension, his disciples asked him if it was now that he will deliver Israel.  Jesus came to bring freedom to the whole world, not just for one nation. The government is on his shoulder.  He will rule the earth with truth and grace. 

3.  His crucifixion

They thought He will be invincible

The third presupposition of the messiah is the end of his life.  The disciples truly believed that Jesus was invincible and that nobody can ever harm him. When they saw that Jesus was arrested, they fled for their lives.  When they knew that Jesus died on the cross, they went into hiding.  The disciples and many others did not expect this ending.  Even his opponents thought that they had done away with him by crucifying him on the cross.  Jesus’ resurrection made all the difference.  Jesus rose from the dead and showed himself alive to his disciples.  After his ascension the disciples knew that his kingdom has no end. Jesus promised that he will come back as King of kings and Lord of lords.   Amen