Let us now put the above rules to the test by looking at how Jewish scholars and leaders handled Jesus:
- They didn’t understand God’s unique language. They expected a physical king, such as David, rather than a spiritual king, such as Jesus.
- They didn’t look at all of the puzzle parts. They ignored the predictions describing Jesus as a “suffering servant.”
- They were lacking in the virtue of humility.
- They refused to accept the interpretation of their awaited Redeemer because they claimed to know the complete truth.
They would have recognized Jesus immediately if they had followed even one of the prior guidelines.
Now we are in the shoes of the Jews.
At the time of the First Advent, when Jesus appears amongst the Jews. We are now in the second Advent season. Is there a reason we won’t behave in the same manner they did? Should we dismiss history’s lessons? Let’s put ourselves in their shoes for a moment. Let’s take a look at an example of God’s spiritual language. That is the definition of one word: sky. Is the appearance of Jesus from the skies a literal or a spiritual prophecy? Why is knowing the answer so crucial, so important? What will happen if you assume that “sky” means “sky” in the literal sense? Assume that Christ did not appear from the heavens. If you hear someone a man looking much like yourself say, “I am your promised Redeemer!” Coming from the sky is a spiritual prophecy; coming ‘like a thief’ is a literal prophecy. Hundreds of genuine prophecies have been fulfilled by me.
Please investigate those prophecies before passing judgment on me. Don’t make the same mistakes as the Jews. ‘Test every spirit,’ you’re told. Should you dismiss me without putting me to the test?”
How would you react if you knew the word “sky” meant literal rather than spiritual? Wouldn’t you be tempted to think of the “inviter” like a robber trying to take your faith? Wouldn’t you be tempted to pass judgment on him right away, without even pausing to consider the hundreds of literal predictions he has fulfilled? Wouldn’t you consider him to be a fake prophet?
Consider the grave ramifications of your reaction. When you’re face to face with Christ, you think He’s a liar! What is the best word to describe you? Isn’t it the term “Antichrist” that comes to mind?
This is the scary result of interpreting simply one spiritual phrase literally! Are you willing to take a chance like this? Wouldn’t it be nice to know for sure what your answer is to this question: Is “sky” a literal or figurative term?
When the Jews looked at Jesus, they saw a fellow human being. Then they sentenced Him based on their literal interpretation of a spiritual prophesy from the Hebrew Scriptures. What a struggle they were up against! Between Jesus and their idea of the supreme Redeemer, they perceived a chasm the size of the universe. Instead of a mighty, glorious monarch like David, they saw a homeless, humble man. What were the ramifications of mistaking a spiritual word for a literal? Wasn’t it their rejection of their Savior? Wasn’t it the crucifixion of the One who had come to deliver them from their sorrow and separation from God? Isn’t it true that they lost their eternal life?