From the Cradle to the Cross: From the Grave to the Sky

By Lennox Anthony Blaides

From the Cradle to the Cross From the Grave to the Sky is a book about the life and Times of the Lord Jesus Christ as he walked the earth more than two thousand years ago. There are four specific areas in this study that make up the foundation for this book.

Phase One deals with prophecies concerning the birth and reign of Jesus and the circumstances that surround his life as a child. The bible does not elaborate on the first twelve years of his life so there is reason to believe that his life was that of a normal child.

What is important to note is that Matthew gave a genealogy of Jesus; not only to show his lineage to David, but more importantly to demonstrate that he was not begotten by anyone but the Holy Ghost.

Matthew chapter 1 verses 1-17 speaks of the lineage of Jesus but verses 18-23 speaks of his conception by the Holy Ghost. This is extremely important for him to be called the Son of God. Since Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost and he is called the Son of God, it is reasonable to say that the Holy Ghost is God.

Phase Two goes a little deeper as we follow his footsteps from the river Jordan where he was baptized by John the Baptist; to a place called Calvary where he would be crucified. Jesus himself prophesied of his own death. Matthew 20 verses 18-19 Jesus said, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death.

Phase Three will take us into the grave where the tell-tale signs of his return would be discovered. There would also be witnesses in the grave who testified about his resurrection. We will discuss the significance of the empty tomb and what it means to the believer. There is more on the resurrection and the disappearance of Jesus for eight days.

Phase Four captures the disciples looking up into the sky because the Saviour of the world, the King of glory was on his way to heaven. There are several incidents that took place from the time he was placed in the grave to the moment he was taken up into the sky; all of which are instrumental to the faith of the believer.

In this phase, Jesus speaks of the love that we ought to have for the brethren. In the gospel of John, he gave us a new commandment that we should love one another as he loved us. (John 13 verse 34) This was before his death, but after his death, he brought the subject back to the surface and spoke of the two aspects of Love; namely, agapao and phileo.

There is a reason behind all that is written in this book. The Apostle John wrote, All these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 13, 2009
• ISBN: 9781462836109

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Copyright © 2009 by Lennox Anthony Blaides.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

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Contents

Introduction

Chapter One

FROM THE CRADLE

Chapter Two

TO THE CROSS

Chapter Three

FROM THE GRAVE

Chapter Four

TO THE SKY

Conclusion

Information

About the Author

Dedication

This book is dedicated to everyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour; and to all those who would come to believe on him through their word.

I pray even as Jesus prayed in John 17 verse 20 when he said, Neither pray I for these alone (meaning the disciples) but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.

It is God’s desire that all be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth;

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

(1 Timothy 2 verses 4-6)

I pray that this book would help you to understand more about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and to know that he truly loves you and desires a relationship with you.

For this reason he became the sacrificial lamb for the sin of the world.

Praise the Lord.

Introduction

‘From the Cradle to the Cross’ ‘From the Grave to the Sky’ is a book about the life and Times of the Lord Jesus Christ as he walked the earth more than two thousand years ago. There are four specific areas in this study that make up the foundation for this book.

Phase One deals with prophecies concerning the birth and reign of Jesus and the circumstances that surround his life as a child. The bible does not elaborate on the first twelve years of his life so there is reason to believe that his life was that of a normal child. What is important to note is that Matthew gave a genealogy of Jesus; not only to show his lineage to David, but more importantly to demonstrate that he was not begotten by anyone but the Holy Ghost. Matthew chapter 1 verses 1-17 speaks of the lineage of Jesus but verses 18-23 speaks of his conception by the Holy Ghost. This is extremely important for him to be called ‘the Son of God.’ Since Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost and he is called the Son of God, it is reasonable to say that the Holy Ghost is God.

Phase Two goes a little deeper as we follow his footsteps from the river Jordan where he was baptized by John the Baptist; to a place called Calvary where he would be crucified. It was at Calvary that many prophecies were fulfilled, including his death. Jesus himself prophesied of his own death. Matthew 20 verses 18-19 Jesus said, "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

This however was not the end of Jesus’ ministry on earth because he would send another Comforter to be with the believers until he returns. John 14 verse 16, Jesus said, And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever. John 16 verse 7 says, Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Phase Three will take us into the grave where the ‘tell-tale’ signs of his return would be discovered. There would also be witnesses in the grave who testified about his resurrection. We will discuss the significance of the empty tomb and what it means to the believer. There is more on the resurrection and the disappearance of Jesus for eight days. Did he go to the Father and then returned to his disciples to deliver the great commission? All this and more is found in phase three.

Phase Four captures the disciples looking up into the sky because the Saviour of the world, the King of glory was on his way to heaven. There are several incidents that took place from the time he was placed in the grave to the moment he was taken up into the sky; all of which are instrumental to the faith of the believer.

In this phase, Jesus speaks of the love that we ought to have for the brethren. In the gospel of John, he gave us a new commandment that we should love one another as he loved us. (John 13 verse 34) This was before his death, but after his death, he brought the subject back to the surface and spoke of the two aspects of Love; namely, ‘agapao and phileo.’ This is a very exciting phase; the excitement of which is not possible without phases one, two and three. There is a reason behind all that is written in this book.

The Apostle John wrote, All these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Chapter One

FROM THE CRADLE

Prophecies concerning Jesus

This is the year 2009 A.D. when this book was written; approximately two thousand and nine years since the death of the man called Jesus of Nazareth who is referred to as the Son of God. His birth was a mystery and his death opened the door to a new era in the human race. If you read this book at anytime in the future, you can rest assured that the child Jesus who grew up and fulfilled his God ordained mission is alive and well, with all power in heaven and on earth; for he is God incarnate. This was no ordinary child and there was much talk about his coming into the world. The Prophets spoke about him and some of the things that were prophesied, such as the suffering and pain, even death on a cross for the sin of the world would have surely discouraged any woman from bearing such a child.

The mother whose name was Mary was also an extra-ordinary woman, a virgin chosen by God to bear the child Jesus. She humbly accepted the invitation to become the mother of the child Jesus. Her acceptance demonstrated submission and obedience to the word of God, and because of her relationship to the child Jesus some denominations have considered her to be a very important figure in the intercession of the saints. As Christians, we need to put our differences aside and focus on the things that are important to the Lord; things such as the love for each other; helping those in need; giving a cup of water to the thirsty; a meal to the hungry and the like.

As for Mary, she was highly favoured by God and should be recognized for that reason. Jesus wants us to recognize people for their deeds that give honour and glory to the Lord. For instance, he spoke of Mary Magdalene in the gospel of Mark, chapter 14, verse 9 saying, Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. How much more should Mary, the mother of Jesus be spoken of when we preach the gospel?

We have seen how important it is to be obedient to God’s word; and there are no exceptions. Even Mary, the mother of Jesus was obedient to the Word of God. The bible says that obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). Consider how Eve disobeyed God and was banished from the Garden of Eden; while Mary obeyed God and became the mother of Jesus, our Saviour and Lord. The bible says in Romans 5:12, ‘Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:’ Romans 6:23 says, ‘For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ There is something very remarkable between the offence of one man and the obedience and righteousness of another man. Romans 5:17-19 says, ‘For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.’

Through one man’s (woman’s) disobedience, death came upon the entire world and the subsequent need for a sacrifice for sin. On the other hand, through Mary’s obedience, the Saviour of the world was manifested in the flesh (John 1:14). In Matthew 1:21, the angel said, "And she (Mary) shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."

So we ought to speak highly of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene who anointed the body of Jesus (Mark 14:3-8), along with all the Apostles and saints when we come together to preach the gospel. There is absolutely no reason why they should not be given the credit and praise they deserve for the part they played in the presentation of the Saviour of the world Jesus Christ our Lord. If the bible says in Proverbs 31:31 that ‘Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised;’ then all these people who devoted their lives with Godly fear and obedience to the Lord should also be praised.

The child Jesus, like the rest of us, was born to die, but his death would have a tremendous impact upon the outcome of the human race. Another aspect of his birth is that he would die only to be born again; thus becoming the first born from the dead. Colossians 1 verses 18-22 says;

18 ‘And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:’

Jesus himself said that you must be born again (John 3 verse 3). Before we look at the events that took place at the time of Jesus’ birth, let us examine the prophecies concerning his birth. Several Prophets spoke of his coming and we’ll look at what they had to say.

First on the list is the Prophet Isaiah who had many titles for the child Jesus; and even though the name Jesus was not mentioned, the names that were given still represented wisdom, majesty and power, the deity and peace for evermore. Isaiah 9 verses 6-7 says; ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.’

What does all of this mean? Well, it means Good News, and that’s what the word ‘gospel’ means. It’s the good news of the coming of the Messiah, the Saviour of the world. His birth would be for a set time and a set place in history; the historicity of which would have long, lasting effects on humanity. As for his birth, it would be unique and more than marvelous, even mysterious. The closest replica to the virgin’s birth of a child would be artificial insemination because no sexual intercourse would be attributed to it. The child Jesus was born of God and that’s why he was and is called the Son of God. Luke 1 verse 35 says, ‘And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.’

God is his father and not Joseph who was Mary’s husband. It should also be noted that his brothers were step-brothers because they were born of Joseph and not of God. Let us look further into the prophecies by the Prophet Isaiah. In chapter 7 verse 14 it says, ‘Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.’

Did this happen? In the gospel of Matthew chapter 1 verses 18-23, this is what it says, ‘Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.’

The birth of Jesus was not by guess; it was planned from the foundation of the world. He was appointed to be the sacrifice for the sin of the world. John 3 verse 16-17 says, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Begotten Son (Jesus Christ) that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’

The book of Revelation chapter 13 verse 8 described him as ‘The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.’

When the Prophet Isaiah said that a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and his name shall be called Immanuel, it reminds us of what Peter said when Jesus asked the question, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ Peter replied, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. That reply did not come from Peter but was a revelation from God the Father; even Jesus acknowledged that it was from God the Father. Likewise the revelation or prophecy of Isaiah concerning the birth of Jesus was not of his own initiative but of God. It was a revelation from God concerning the child Jesus. 2 Peter 1:20-21 says, ‘Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.’ Mary was a virgin and she remained a virgin till after the birth of Jesus. It was only after the birth of Jesus that she had sexual relations with her husband. It was important that this child be born not of the flesh but of God; in order to be the perfect sacrifice for the sin of the world. He had to be ‘the lamb without spot or blemish.’ John the Baptist addressed him as ‘the Lamb of God.’ John 1 verse 29 says, The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. What a glorious moment that must have been; to see the Son of God coming to fulfill God’s promise to humanity. The Saviour of the world had finally come to bring hope for the human race.

But that was not the only prophecy concerning Jesus. In the book of Malachi, we hear more concerning the Messiah. Malachi 3 verse 1 says, ‘Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts’

Have you looked closely at this prophecy? Let us examine it and see who the players are. "I (Jesus) will send my messenger (John the Baptist) and he (John the Baptist) shall prepare the way before me (Jesus): and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even (Jesus) the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come," saith the LORD of hosts. Did Jesus bring a new covenant? Let me say that there are seven specific places in the bible where the new covenant is mentioned and they all point to Jesus.

We have a new covenant through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The child Jesus was born of God through the power of the Holy Spirit; grew up in favor with God and man and was eventually stretched out on a cross; fastened to it with nails and left to die the most horrific, humiliating death of all times. Later on in this book we will describe the death of Jesus as vivid as possible so you could have a good idea what Jesus went through to save your soul and mine from eternal damnation. We thank God for this new covenant, and to verify that it is true, we have located the scriptures for your convenience.

Jeremiah 31 verse 31 which says, Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Luke 22 verse 20 which says, Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

1 Corinthians 11 verse 25 which says, After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

2 Corinthians 3 verse 6 says, Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Hebrews 8 verse 8 says, For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

Hebrews 9 verse 15 says, And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 12 verse 24 says, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

The Prophet Isaiah did not only prophesy the birth of the Messiah, the