Blessed is He who Comes in the Name of the Lord

Pontius Pilate executed Galileans and mixed their blood into sacrifices. Jesus had done much of His ministry in Galilee. The people of Jerusalem told Him about it. Jesus responded, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” [1]

Sin is sin. The Bible says, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” Moses was diligent to do as the Lord commanded him but failed at one point. He struck a rock in anger from which water sprang forth and instead of speaking to it as the Lord told him to do. The Lord cited this infraction as the reason for not allowing him to take the Israelites into the Promised Land. This event illustrates the point “that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” [2] Even Moses needed God’s grace.

As to the Galileans whose blood Pilate desecrated, every sinner could rightfully experience a cruel form of execution, but God graciously sees to it that many die in peace. However, no matter what form of death we experience, Jesus Christ gives eternal life to every sinner who believe in Him.

When Jesus spoke of repentance, He spoke of a turn from sin to Him. He, not we, is the Savior. Jesus said, “Unless you believe I am He [the Messiah], you will die in your sins.” [3]

On the Sabbath day healed a woman who had been crippled for 18 years. The ruler of synagogue angrily complained that Jesus should not have done this “work” on the Sabbath Day. Jesus knew the man’s hypocrisy. He knew that the man had loosed his ox and donkey from their stalls on the Sabbath to let them drink. He told him, “So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for 18 years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” “When He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.” [4]

Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and to leaven. Mustard seeds and yeast particles are small, but they produce abundant results. Jesus comes to us in a humble form, but He created all things, and by Him all things consist. He produces abundant results in us embrace Him. [5]

Then, a man asked Jesus, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” [6]

Jesus is the gate to the sheepfold of God. He is the Good Shepherd. We must believe in Him to be saved.

Jesus spoke of people who are shut out from the kingdom. They plead with Him to open to the door to them, saying, “We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.” But He replies, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.” They had the Lord among them, but the Lord did not have them. Their works were evidence that they did not believe in Him or love Him. [7]

Jesus lamented for them, saying, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!’” [8]

This is a good word for us today. Do not follow Jerusalem’s negative example of silencing Jesus. Hear Him! Follow Him! Be glad when Jesus speaks to you whether it is via a preacher, a radio station, the internet, printed material, the Bible or through someone He has placed in your life.

“Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!”

[1] Luke 13:1-3
[2] James 2:10; Numbers 20:6-13; Galatians 2:16
[3] John 8:24
[4] Luke 13:10-17
[5] Luke 13:18-21; Colossians 1:16-19
[6] Luke 13:23-24
[7] Luke 13:25-27; James 2:16
[8] Luke 13:34-35