The Bible goes to great lengths picturing Israel under the rule of its kings. 1 & 2 Samuel, Kings and Chronicles detail the victories and ultimate failures of each monarch. Most of the kings were so wicked that it’s difficult to see any good in their reign. 

To think that Israel began with only God as it’s King, and because they desired to be like other nations, they rebelled against the Lord’s Kingship and adopted earthly sin-filled kings. Each king led the people from bad to worse with short periods of revival toward God few and far between. 

After reading these accounts I found myself wondering, “God why did you do it this way? After all, You were King! Why allow mortal man to take over the rule of your people?” 

It wasn’t until I heard one of my favorite teachers speak on the matter that I understood. It’s so simple that often times Bible students miss the main reason why the Bible goes to such lengths to tell us the accounts of the kings. It’s easy to get lost in the details of these remarkable stories. 

After reading through 1 & 2 Samuel, Kings and Chronicles one should walk away with one main point in view; NO EARTHLY KING WILL DO. That’s it. It’s that simple. The reign of the kings of Israel was a litmus test. Its result; REJECTED! Proof that sinful man cannot be the Messiah. 

Hebrews 2:17 says,  Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 

As we studied yesterday, we see Jesus in His humanity being tested through suffering just like us. This was His litmus test. Its result; ACCEPTED! Proof that the God-Man Jesus Christ is the Messiah. 

He is not ashamed to call us brothers! What a great salvation! We are loved and accepted in a family made perfect by our Victorious Older Brother, namely Jesus. What a great salvation! 

HOMEWORK: 

Read John 13:12-20 and answer the following questions: 

How did Jesus identify himself to the disciples? 

How did Jesus’ act of washing the disciple’s feet reflect his mercy and faithfulness toward them? 

Would Jesus do, and does Jesus do the same for you?