Jesus: His Pre-Existence

Did Jesus exist before His earthly birth?  The Bible affirms YES!

Let us begin by examining John 1:15, which reads, “John bore witness of him and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.”  John 1:15 ASV reads, “This was he of whom I said, He that cometh after me is become before me for he was before me.”  I quote from brother Roy Lanier, Sr., “There are two Greek words in this statement which are translated by our one word before.  When John said he ‘has come before me,’ He used emprosthen, which gives the sense of priority of rank or position or dignity… and when he said, ‘for he was before me,’ he used the protos a word meaning ‘in order of time.’  So although, Jesus was born after John, He existed before John was born”  (The Timeless Trinity, p. 158).  W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words agrees saying, “‘Protos’ signifies first, or at the first… in order of time,’ ” while saying, “‘emprosthen’ is used of place or position only.”  McCord’s translated it this way, “The one who comes after me is my superior, for he existed before me.”  Estes’ Better Version renders it, “He who comes after me, ranks before me for he was before me.”  The RSV* reads, “He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.”   The NASB reads, “He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.”  So the Logos predates John.

But not only so, He also predates Abraham.  In John 8:58 Jesus said, “Verily, verily I say unto you, before Abraham was (born – ASV) I am.”  The word before is the word which has reference to time.  More significant here though are the tenses.  Listen to the words of brother Guy N. Woods, “The verbs here are quite significant.  That with reference to Abraham signifies to begin, to come to be; that of Christ to be evermore existing.  There was a point in history when Abraham came into existence; before this, he was not; but of Christ it is affirmed that he always existed.  The tense is timeless present and conveys the same notion as… (Exodus 3:14).”  (A Commentary on John, p. 181).  Robert Taylor Jr., “The Lord did not say, ‘I was before Abraham.’ He employed language that only deity can use accurately – I AM” (Studies in the Gospel of John, p. 130-131).  Lenski wrote, “As the aorist sets the point of beginning for existence of Abraham, so the present tense ‘I AM’ predicates absolute existence for the person of Jesus with no point of beginning at all” (The Interpretation of St. John, p. 670).

The Biblical evidence is abundant and clear.  Jesus’ birth wasn’t His beginning (except in the sense of His earthly existence).  He existed in glory before the world was even made (John 17:5).  He took part in the creationary week (John 1:1-3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2).  John 3:13, “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man which is in heaven.”  His home before coming to earth was heaven.  His going forth hs been from “everlasting” (eternity – NASB) Micah 5:2.

*While this is not an endorsement of the RSV, I do believe that this particular scripture in the RSV was done correctly.

“God Gave Them Up…”

These words, or words very near this, are found three times in Romans chapter one: (1) v. 24, “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves.” (2) v. 26, “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions.  For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.” (3) v. 28, ”And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.”  The question is:  what is the meaning?

I recall hearing someone once say that this meant that God gave up the Gentile people and chose the Jews.  This, however, cannot be the meaning of these words, for, God is likewise said at times to have given up the Jews (Psalm 81:11-12; Acts 7:40-42a).  So what do these words mean?  R.L. Whiteside explained: “When people are determined to reject God for their own way, God allows them unhindered to follow their chosen course so that they may the sooner see the degradation that comes to those who follow their own wisdom” (Robert L. Whiteside, A New Commentary on Paul’s Letter to the Saints at Rome, p. 34).  B.J. Clark has commented, “If man persists in living to fulfill his carnal desire, God will not prevent him from doing such, nor will He prevent him from reaping the consequences or his transgressions” (Annual Denton Lectures Studies in Romans, page 57).

The point is man can be his own worst enemy.  Much of the misery we experience, we bring upon ourselves.  “The way of transgressors is hard” (Proverbs 13:15).  Keeping God’s instructions will keep up from much unnecessary trouble and sorrow.

Seven Sayings From The Cross: Trust/Commitment

The last words which we have recorded of Jesus speaking from the cross are, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46).  Then, we’re told, “having said thus, he gave up the ghost” (Luke 23:46).

I find it significant that his dying words were addressed to the Father.  Jesus is recorded as speaking seven times from the cross (Luke 23:34; Luke 23:43; John 19:26-27; Matt. 27:46; John 19:28; John 19:30; Luke 23:46).  Three of these times are words which are addressed to the Father (Luke 23:34; Matt. 27:46; Luke 23:46).  Jesus was a man of prayer.  He prayed publicly (Mark 6:38-44 cf. John 6:11; Mark 8:5-9 cf. Matt. 15:35-38; Mark 14:22-23 cf. Luke 22:19-20).  He prayed privately (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12; John 6:15 cf. Mark 6:46; Luke 9:28; Mark 14:32).

Question: How often do you commune with God in prayer?

Furthermore, I find it significant that Jesus quoted scripture.  Twice from the cross, he quoted scripture (Matt. 27:46 cf. Psalm 22:1; Luke 23:46 cf. Psalm 31:5).  Jesus was a man of the book.  Jesus said things like “have ye not read?” (Matt. 12:3 12:5; 19:4; 21:16; 21:42; 22:31; 24:15)… “it is written” (Matt. 4:4; 4:7; 4:10; 11:10; 21:13; 26:24; 26:31)…  “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” (Matt. 22:29).   He taught “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God”(Matt. 4:4). 

Question: Is God’s word flowing from your lips?

 Jesus clearly trusted in God, “into thy hands I commend my spirit.” The word “commend” means “to place with someone, entrust, commit” (W.E. Vine) … commit to one’s charge… to commend one to another for protection, safety, etc.” (J.H. Thayer).  The NASB, NKJV, and ESV all read “commit.”  Jesus’ words are much like those of Paul: “I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Tim. 1:12).

Question: How is your faith?

One last point: Jesus knew where to leave things.  The Jewish leaders had behaved wickedly.  Pilate had behaved cowardly.  An injustice had been done.  He was suffering.  He was dying.  The mob was cruel.  Yet, he did not lower himself to the level of others.  He did not curse at them, or spit at them.  He committed himself to God.  Peter wrote, “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile (deceit NASB, NKJV, ESV) found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again (in return ESV); when he suffered he threatened not: but committed (kept entrusting NASB; continued entrusting ESV) himself to him that judgeth righteously (justly ESV)” (1 Peter 2:21-23).  He is our example in how to deal with injustice.

Question: When injustice is done to you do you commit yourself to the righteous judge knowing that justice will be done? 

 

Seven Sayings From The Cross: Purpose

Multitudes journey through this thing we call life void of any clear goal, sense of mission, or idea of purpose.  Life is just life.  There is nothing in particular that they wish to accomplish.  They are just here, aimlessly drifting through life.

Others possess an understanding of purpose, and a sense of mission.  They have a goal(s) they wish to accomplish in this life. However, a large number in this group fail to achieve their goal(s).  Some are hindered by procrastination.  Others are hindered by velleity, on the most basic level they desire to accomplish the goal(s), but they lack the discipline and energy to make it happen.  Some are easily distracted with the “cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection” (Luke 8:14).

Jesus was unlike the two groups we’ve just mentioned.  (1) He understood His mission.  Even from youth, he said, “I must be about My Father’s business” (Luke 2:49).  He later said things like “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34)… “the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works… I do” (John 5:36)… “the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10)… “What shall I say” Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour” (John 12:27).  (2) He not only understood his mission, he had the dedication, determination and discipline, focus and fortitude to finish it… Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30).  A casual reading might prompt one to conclude that Jesus meant, “I am finished.”  However, this is not what Jesus is saying.  The wording connects nicely with other similar words of Jesus found in the book of John.  Early in his ministry he said, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34) and “the works which the Father hath given me to finish the same works… I do” (John 5:36).  Nearing his death, he prayed, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4).  Then, on the cross he said “It is finished” (John 19:30).  It was for this cause he had come (John 12:27).  If we take these words together, it becomes evident that “It is finished” refers to his work.

The apostle Paul also fulfilled his role on earth.  Approaching death he said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7), and he urged Timothy “fulfill thy ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).

Are we fulfilling our roles?  Do we have the dedication, determination, and discipline, focus and fortitude to finish what we should?

Our mission is to live a life which glorifies God (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31; Philippians 1:20).  Our lives are to be dedicated unto him as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2).  We are to love him with all of our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31).  We are to fear him and keep his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13 cf. John 14:15).  These are things we should understand and accomplish upon this earth.

We  should so live that when we come to the end of life we can say, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4).

Seven Sayings From The Cross: Humanity

“I thirst” (John 19:28).  “My tongue cleaveth to my jaws” (Psalm 22:15).  Thirst was something which went with death by crucifixion.  “The suffering of death by crucifixion was intense, especially in hot climates.  Severe local inflammation, coupled with an insignificant bleeding of jagged wounds produced traumatic fever, which was aggravated by the exposure to the heat of the sun, the strained position of the body and insufferable thirst (emphasis mine).  The wounds swelled about the rough nails and the torn and lacerated tendons and nerves caused excruciating agony.  The arteries of the head and stomach were surcharged with blood and a terrific throbbing headache ensued… Tetanus not rarely supervened and the rigors of the attending convulsions would tear at the wounds and add to the burden of pain…” (I.S.B.E., Vol. 2, p. 761).

Jesus was human.  Lee Strobel quotes Craig Everns as saying, “How human was Jesus?  For a lot… The human side of Jesus is superficial.  It is almost as though a lot of Christians think of Jesus as God wearing a mask.  He’s sort of faking it, pretending to perspire, his stomach only appear to gurgle… he’s not really hungry.  In fact, he doesn’t really need to eat” (The Case for the Real Jesus, p. 61).  Jesus wasn’t faking it.  He was fully human.  He grew tired and weary (John 4:6).  He needed sleep (Mark 4:38).  He experienced hunger (Matt. 4:2) and thirst (John 4:6-7; 19:2).  He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).  Yes, he was God in the flesh; But, let us not forget that he was in the flesh.  He willfully experienced all limitations of being made like us (Romans 8:3; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:17).  He “emptied” himself (Philippians 2:7 NASB).  He gave not up his deity; But he gave up the independent exercise of super-human and/or supernatural divine abilities.  While on earth his knowledge was limited (Mark 13:32).  The power behind his inspired speech and miraculous workings was not that he was God in the flesh.  The source was the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18-19; Matthew 12:26-28; Acts 10:38), the same source of the inspiration and power that was upon the apostles.  It was not until after the Holy Spirit came upon him that Jesus is said to know what was within man (John 2:25 cf. 1:47-48), and to begin to work miracles (John 2:11).

Jesus on the cross thirsted.  He was first offered wine mingled with myrrh, but upon tasting it he refused to drink (Mark 15:23; Matthew 27:34).  Myrrh was bitter. It is called “gall” in Matthew.  The mixture was a pain medication commonly offered to those being crucified.  Jesus was suffering for humanity.  This pain he refused to numb.  He later was offered a sponge of vinegar, of this he drank (Matthew 27:48; Mark 15:36; John 19:28-30).  There was no indication of this being mixed with any narcotic. 

Jesus went through this for us!  He was fully human.  We should remember this when we feel like giving up: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider him that endures such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:2-4). 

 

 

 

 

Seven Sayings From The Cross: Aloneness

The chronology:  (1) Jesus was with Pilate the sixth hour Roman time, or 6 AM (Jn. 19:14).  Note: John used Roman time see John 20:19.  (2) Jesus was crucified the third hour of the day Jewish time, or 9 AM (Mk. 15:25).  (3) The sky was darkened from the sixth hour until the ninth hour, or 12 PM ‘til 3 PM (Mk. 15:33).  This darkness is acknowledged by first century historians such as Thallus and Phlegon (Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands A Verdict, vol. 1, p 84).  Thallus explained it away as an eclipse of the sun.  Phlegon however pointed out that it occurred during the full moon.  He’s correct.  A new month started with a new moon.  Passover occurred on the fourteenth day of the month (Lev. 23:5).  This would be the period of the full moon, making a solar eclipse by the moon impossible.  (4) He then died.

It was during, this period of darkness that he cried with a loud voice, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34).

What do these words mean?  One thing I know is that it does not mean that Jesus thought the cross meant failure.  He clearly knew that the cross was in God’s plan (Mt. 16:21; 20:17-19; 26:26-28).  He endured what he did “for the joy that was set before him” (Heb .12:2).

1.  The common explanation is that God distanced Himself.  He is of purer eyes then to behold evil (Habakkuk 1:13).  Sin separates man from God (Isa. 59:1-2).  At this moment Jesus was bearing the sum total of the sins of humanity. 

Some have taken the position that Jesus literally became guilty of all the sins of the world based on the wording of 2 Corinthians 5:21. However, The word “sin” in 2 Corinthians 5:21 is actually a figure of speech (metonymy) the cause (sin) is being put for the effect (sin offering) [see Ex. 29:14 (the word ‘offering’ is not in the original, see ASV); Hos. 4:8 (‘sin’ here being used for sin offering); also Heb. 9:28]. Jesus was a lamb without spot or blemish (1 Pet. 1:18).  He is our great High Priest “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners” (Heb. 7:25-26).  He did not become literally guilty of sin.  He no more became guilty of sin than did the scapegoat of old (Lev. 16:15 –ff; 16:20 – ff).

2.  Another view is that Jesus is asking for relief (Ps. 22:1-2).  However, none was to be found.  Thus taking the Psalm as a whole we have Jesus saying, “I know this will work out in the end; But God can’t I have just a bit of relief?”  This I believe to be the correct position.

3.  Yet, another view is that this is Jesus speaking from the viewpoint of people.  Jesus, before the eyes of men, looked forsaken (Ps. 22:7-8).  However, such was not the case (Ps. 22:23 –ff).  This view takes Psalm 22:1 as sarcasm.  William Cline wrote, “instead of Jesus complaining of being left alone, he was in fact declaring his total trust in God, and his confidence that his heavenly father would never forsake him” (4^th Annual Shenandoah Lectures, p. 484).

Some think that Jesus was making another effort to reach some of these people.  The Bible wasn’t divided into chapters at this time.  One way of referencing a Psalm was by quoting the first words of a Psalm.  Thus, it is thought that by Jesus using these words “My God, My God…..” he would be bringing their minds to consider the out-come of the Psalm, that he was not forsaken in the bigger picture (Ps. 22:24).

If this is what Jesus was attempting it didn’t work on some.  Perhaps, his speech was unclear at this point.  They said, “This man calleth for Elias (Elijah)” (Mt. 27:47, 49).  [Elijah you’ll recall was to appear before the Messiah (Mal. 4:5).  The ref. is to John (Mt. 11:13-14), who came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Lk. 1:17, cf 2 Kings 2:15).  Moreover, Elijah himself did appear (Mt. 17:1-4)].

Conclusion

Whether one takes the position that Jesus was in some way forsaken by God (views 1 and 2) or that Jesus was just forsaken from the view-point of the people (view 3), one thing is clear.  Jesus endured much from the cross.  “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrow, and acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3; cf Ps. 22:6).

 

Seven Sayings From The Cross: Family

Willard Cox has written, “since death by crucifixion was slow, the dying men had plenty of time to talk.  The language of these men was often ugly with bitter cursing, false cries of innocence and pleas for help.  While Jesus was on the cross He spoke seven times, but his words were different.  He spoke words of forgiveness, salvation, benevolence, atonement, humanity, completion and fellowship” (Seven Sayings of the Suffering Savior, intro).  Jesus spoke seven times from the cross and one of these had to do with his mother. 

“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘woman, behold your son!’  Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his home.” (Jn. 19:26-27 ESV).

The words to Mary, “Behold, your son,” I think refers to John.  Paraphrase – “Mary, look at John. He will be your son.”

The words “Behold, your mother,” are addressed to John.  Paraphrase – ” John, I want you to treat Mary as if she is your mother.”

Get this! Jesus is dying, but he is thinking of his mother.  He is in pain, but is thinking of her well-being. It is thought that Mary’s husband (Joseph) is already dead.  Her sons (James, Joses, Simon, and Judas) and her daughters (Mt. 13:55-56; Mk. 6:3) may have been unable to adequately care for her; or, it may be that they were rejected as care givers due to their present unbelief (Jn. 7:5).  Whatever the case, Jesus entrusted the care of his mother to John.  John was a nephew to Mary (Mt 27:55-56; Mk. 15:40; cf. Jn. 19:25).  John was evidently the closest disciple to Jesus.  Tradition says that John took care of Mary until her death twelve years later.

We too need to love our mothers.  We should honor them in tongue (Prov. 31:28).  We should honor them in deed (I Tim. 5:8, 16).

Your mother nursed you, changed your diapers, perhaps taught you morals from the Bible, helped you with your school work, prepared food for you, shopped for your clothing and so many other things.  HONOR HER THIS AND EVERY DAY!