1:3 "regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David,"
Jesus is the long awaited promise! Jesus is God’s son AND a human descendant of David. Being God’s son gives Jesus divine credentials. Being a descendant of David gives him kingly credentials. This dual authority as Son of God and heir apparent to the throne of man sets Jesus apart as the lone choice to rule in heaven and on earth. It is not surprising that many Jews believed that the messiah would come to rule as Israel’s king, it makes sense. It also makes sense to look for the messiah to come and rescue Israel. What better way to help God’s chosen people than to send His messiah as a king and a protector of Israel?
Apparently God thought there was a better way to make right on his promise. Strangely, God fulfills his promise not by sending someone to rule (at least not yet) but by allowing someone with all Jesus’ credentials to serve and sacrifice. This was not exactly what many Jews expected. Honestly this is not what I would have expected either. At one level it does not make sense for someone with the position of Jesus (as divine Son and heir to the David’s throne) to come willing to be mocked and brutalized.
On the other hand it makes total sense for those in power on earth to be threatened by someone with the authority Jesus had. Jesus was threatening their position. He was on their turf and He had the nerve to question, challenge and even ignore their rules. If they did not do something about Jesus he was going to mess everything up. They were on the verge of losing the only things they had, the power over and attention of the people.
The real mystery is not that Jesus was willing to be hated or that the powerful desired to take him out. The amazing mystery is that this was all part of God’s plan! On this side of God’s good news it is easy to understand what God had in mind and even why it was necessary for it to happen the way it did (more on that another time for sure). The credentials of Jesus are not wasted in the least; it is his credentials that set Him apart as the perfect sacrifice to save not only the Jews but all mankind. It is also his credentials that allow us to use the time we have in the present share God’s good news with earnest as we eagerly watch and wait for Him to one day rule both heaven and earth.
Tye Parks 