Don Stewart :: Did Jesus Know the People Would Reject Him?

When Christ came and preached the kingdom of God to the nation Israel His message was rejected. He was brought to Pilate for crucifixion by the religious leaders because they believed Him to be a blasphemer.

We have a law, and according to our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God (John 19:7).

Although some had believed in Him, the nation as a whole rejected Him.

Did He Know?

Did Christ know this would occur? Was He aware that His message would not be heeded? Is so, then was His offer of a kingdom a legitimate one?

Jesus' Suffering And Glory Were Predicted

The two comings of Christ were predicted in the Old Testament. The prophets spoke of both His suffering and His glory. At His first coming He was to suffer for the sins of the world. Jesus was well aware of what would happen to Him. He knew that His message would be rejected.

Jesus Spoke Of His Death And Resurrection

At the beginning of His public ministry Jesus spoke of both His death and resurrection.

So the Jews answered and said to him, 'What sign do you show to us, since you do these things?' 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.' . . . But he was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when he had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that he had said this to them (John 2:18-22).

From the beginning of His ministry Jesus was well aware that the people would reject Him.

He Made A Legitimate Offer Of A Kingdom

Does this make His offer of a kingdom illegitimate? No. When Jesus came the first time, He promised the people that God's kingdom would take place if they believed in Him. He knew they were going to reject Him but that did not make His offer invalid. If the people would have believed in Him, God's kingdom would have been established then and there. The offer was legitimate. But He knew they would not believe.

He Has Promised To Come Again

Though the rightful king was crucified He has promised to come again for those who believe in Him and judge those who do not.

Summary

Jesus understood that the people of His day would reject Him as their King. This does not make His offer of an immediate kingdom illegitimate. Had the people believed in Him God's kingdom would have been immediately set up. However, the people chose to reject Him and put Him to death rather than accept Him as their Messiah. Knowing this Jesus talked about His death and resurrection from the dead. He will set up His kingdom - when He comes the second time.