INSIDE THE PANDEMIC OF JESUS': THE OUTBREAK OF SINFUL BEHAVIOR CAUSED AN EPIDEMIC OF TROUBLE FOR HIM

INSIDE THE PANDEMIC OF JESUS' TROUBLES: JESUS WAS TREATED CRUELLY BY EVIL PEOPLE, HE “LITERALLY” DIED UPON THE CROSS, AND WENT TO THE GRAVE.

 “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:28-30 KJV).

“…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV). “…The ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV).

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Jesus came DOWN from heaven to do God’s will, whatever the cost.“…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV).

Jesus KNEW he would have to go INSIDE a STORM in order to become the ransom. “…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO .…” (John 6:38 NIV). “ ...TO GIVE [MY]... LIFE as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

 “...Jesus explained: "My nourishment (fulfillment) comes from doing the will of God (serving God's purpose), who sent me, and from finishing his work...” (John 4:34 NLT).

Jesus willingly “became” God’s personal servant, from his heart, INSIDE the STORM. “...Though he were a Son, ...he ...[learned]... obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). “…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT). 

INSIDE the STORM of his life, Jesus carried a heavy wooden cross across the city, sweated so heavy it was like drops of blood, had nails hammered into his hands and feet, hung upon the cross for days, and died a criminal's death.“... Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands…. they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).

He came to earth to give his life a ransom for many.“…to give His life a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).  

“… Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

Jesus choose to laid down his life for God’s purpose. “… I [laid]... down my life... No one [took]... it from me, but I [laid]... it down of my own accord (my own choice). I [was given]... authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command (authority, choice) I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

“ ...he ...[learned]... obedience by the things he suffered (inside the storm)…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). “...He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away...Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all...” (Isaiah 53:3-6 NLT).

 “…Christ…suffered for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

EVEN THOUGH he was JESUS CHRIST, God, the Holy Spirit’s son, he went INSIDE a STORM. “… [God’s] Son, ... learned ... obedience (to follow God’s instructions) by the things he suffered (inside the storm)…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

Jesus suffered inside the storm, yet he GAVE his LIFE to serve HIM anyway and DO the will of God, the Holy Spirit. “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV).  “…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV). “….the [reason the]... Son of Man came ...[was]...TO GIVE HIS LIFE as a ransom for many..." (Matthew 20:28).

Jesus went ALL “IN” to secure your SALVATION, which was the REASON God sent him to earth. “... But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him (allow him to go through the storm) and cause him grief ... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT). “…my righteous servant (Jesus) ...[made] ... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

It COST Jesus’ EVERYTHING, inside the storm, to become GOD’S SALVATION PLAN: the atoning sacrifice for mankind’s sin, or an offering for sin, or a RANSOM for many. “… the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ .. though HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT). “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT).  “...Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him...” (Hebrews 7:25 NLT). Jesus came “…to give His life a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).

God knew Jesus would go INSIDE a STORM and yet, he “…spared not his own Son [from going inside the storm], but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

Jesus SERVED GOD, the Holy Spirit, faithfully INSIDE the STORM. A Hebrew word for serve is sharath and one of its definitions mean to become a “personal servant to.” “…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV).

Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many....” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). Jesus was wholeheartedly God’s personal servant while upon earth.  

It is clear that INSIDE THE STORM Jesus humbly submitted to GOD’S PURPOSE. Jesus confidently said, “…The ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV). HOW COULD HE BE SO SURE? “…the Father... [that DWELT within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

AND “… Jesus of Nazareth ...went around ... doing good and healing all  (HOW?)...because …God [the invisible holy spirit]… was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

“…The [invisible Holy] ...Spirit  … anointed [empowered JESUS] to preach the gospel to the poor ... [empowered him] to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

“…The ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV). “...he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Jesus was God’s personal servant, no matter the cost. It was INSIDE the STORM, that Jesus became“…a ransom for many...[by humbly surrendering to God's INSTRUCTIONS and]… [by] bec[oming] obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Matthew 20:28 & Philippians 2:8 KJV). 

Jesus demonstrates how God’s people are to SERVE God INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE and continue to ENTRUST themselves to him. “…Christ …entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).  “…I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV). “…The ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV). “...he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Even INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE God’s people continue to SERVE his purpose and ENTRUST their lives to him. “…Christ …entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

One of God’s most important PURPOSES for every follower is to “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).  “…LEARN from me, for I am gentle and HUMBLE in heart…” (Matthew 11:29 KJV). Therefore, “… be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

WHAT WAS JESUS LIKE? “… Jesus of Nazareth ...went around ... doing good and healing all  (HOW?)...because …God [the invisible holy spirit]… was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

“…[JESUS WAS SENT]... to preach the gospel to the poor ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

All of God’s people, just like Jesus, are EMPOWERED, by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT to do what they are called to do. “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ  …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

They are also NEW CREATIONS. “…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “... The old life is gone...” (2 Corinthians 5:14-18 NLT). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in [new creations who are now God’s people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

When God’s people are SERVING HIS PURPOSE God HELPS them and EMPOWERS them through his indwelling Holy Spirit. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…God ...does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy [Spirit] and WITH POWER…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “… Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you…” (Acts 2:22 KJV). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, was WITNESSED, through Jesus by signs and wonders. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV).

“…the Father that dwelleth in [Jesus], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).“… [The Father] ...anointed … [Jesus] … to preach the gospel to the poor; he … sent … [him] … to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

 “…the Father that dwelleth in [Jesus], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). God does NOT change. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

In the New Testament, God’s GLORY (his presence, his goodness, and his power) was witnessed through his people over and over. “…Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and POWER (God’s GLORY or his indwelling Holy Spirit), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV).  “…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (God’s GLORY or by the indwelling Holy Spirit) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV). “…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (God’s GLORY or the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [HIS PEOPLE], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

It is “…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). . “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

God SENDS, his people,  the indwelling Holy Spirit, to empower them do the same things Jesus DID. “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…It is God who works in you to will (to want to do it) and to act (to actually do it) in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory (God’s presence, power, and goodness) for ever and ever. Amen...” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV)

Jesus suffered, INSIDE his STORM, too because he took on “the likeness of sinful flesh…,” (Romans 8:3 KJV).

Jesus DEMONSTRATES, how to continually choose to SERVE “in” and “through” the STORM. “ … In the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect (spiritually mature), he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

INSIDE the STORM Jesus was being MADE spiritually mature and it EMPOWERED him to BECOME his PURPOSE. The STORM was challenging to Jesus too, but he CHOSE to endure it anyway. “ … In the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). “… He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

Jesus personally KNOWS what it is like INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE. “ … he ...offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears ... and was heard in that he feared…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). “…take this cup from Me..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “...We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted (inside the storm) in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin...” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV).

Thus, Jesus demonstrated how to voluntarily, willfully, and lovingly choose to humbly submit to GOD INSIDE your STORMS. “…not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

The INDWELLING Holy Spirit is there to HELP YOU do the same thing too. “…It is God who WORKS IN YOU…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, …” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).