Why did Jesus begin His Ministry at the age of 30?

About Jesus, All Questions

Why did Jesus begin His Ministry at the age of 30?

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Jesus,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 10, 2025

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Luke 3:23 (NKJV)

Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,

Imagine the Savior of the world working in a small-town carpenter’s shop until He was 30 years old. It seems incredible that Jesus would have been content to remain in Nazareth all that time, but He patiently trusted His Father’s timing for His life and ministry.

Theologians provide several insights into why Jesus began His ministry at this age:

Thirty was the prescribed age for priests to begin their ministry (Numbers 4:3). Joseph was 30 years old when he began serving the king of Egypt (Genesis 41:46), and David was 30 years old when he began to reign over Judah (2 Samuel 5:3). Age 30, then, was a significant age to begin an important task in Jewish culture. symbolizing maturity and readiness for great responsibility (2 Samuel 5:4; Genesis 41:46).

Cultural and Legal Expectations:

In Jewish culture, age 30 was seen as the age of full maturity, making Jesus’ ministry credible and acceptable to His contemporaries. Jewish priests began their service at 30, and rabbis were considered mature enough to teach at this age. Jesus’ adherence to this cultural expectation ensured His acceptance as a legitimate teacher and rabbi (Numbers 4:3, 23).

God’s Sovereign timing:

Jesus’ life and ministry were perfectly aligned with God’s sovereign plan. He waited until the age of 30 to fulfill His role as the Messiah, demonstrating His obedience to the Father’s will. Every aspect of Jesus’ ministry, including its timing, was orchestrated to maximize the impact and fulfillment of prophecy (John 4:34; Hebrews 10:9).

The Anointing and Empowerment by the Holy Spirit:

Jesus’ baptism at age 30 marked the beginning of His public ministry and His anointing by the Holy Spirit. This event, witnessed by a dramatic display of the Trinity, signified His commissioning and empowerment for the ministry ahead. The Holy Spirit’s descent as a dove and the Father’s voice from heaven affirmed Jesus’ divine mission and authority (Mark 1:9-13; Luke 3:21-22).

Preparation Through Suffering and Temptation:

Immediately after His baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. This period of testing prepared Him for His public ministry and demonstrated His obedience and commitment to God’s will. It set the stage for His entire ministry, characterized by spiritual warfare and ultimate victory through suffering and the cross (Mark 1:12-13; Matthew 4:1-11).

Application for Believers

Like Jesus, we need to resist the temptation to jump ahead before receiving the Spirit’s direction. Are you waiting and wondering what your next step should be? Don’t jump ahead; trust God’s timing. Jesus’ example teaches us the importance of patience, preparation, and obedience to God’s will.

Jesus patiently trusted His Father's timing for His life and ministry.

What was Jesus referring to when He prayed, “take this cup away” in the garden of Gethsemane?

About Jesus, All Questions

What was Jesus referring to when He prayed, “take this cup away” in the garden of Gethsemane?

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Jesus,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 10, 2025

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Luke 22:42 (NKJV)

saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”

The ‘cup’ Jesus refers to is a powerful biblical metaphor, often symbolizing divine wrath and judgment. In the Old Testament, this imagery frequently represented the suffering and punishment due to sin.

Jesus’ reference to the ‘cup’ signified His impending experience of God’s wrath as He took on the sins of  humanity.

However, when Jesus prayed this prayer, there was more to the meaning of the ‘cup’ than just death. It wasn’t simply the physical pain of the cross or the scourging and humiliation either. It was not the dreadful thirst, the torture of having nails driven through His body, or even the humiliation of being spat upon or beaten.

All of those things combined were not the reason He prayed. As a matter of fact, all the things mentioned above were exactly what Christ Himself had said not to fear.

Luke 12:4 (NKJV)

“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

What Christ dreaded the most about the cross was the divine outpouring of wrath and judgement that He would have to endure from the Holy Father.

There was not a moment when Christ trembled in fear for the earthly pain of the cross or for the pain men could inflict on Him.

Nevertheless, He was consumed with the knowledge that the fullness of divine wrath would fall upon Him as He bore the sins of many.

Hebrews 9:28 (NKJV)

so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

The alien experience.

God’s eternal Son, Jesus, the second member of the Holy Trinity, holy, righteous, living eternally in perfect loving union with the Father and the Spirit, had never known sin.

And here He was, standing on the brink of bearing the Father’s fury for the sins of all people who would ever believe throughout human history.

It was an experience alien to the eternal nature of God. In fact, we should be shocked if He didn’t say “take this cup away from Me” this because how could a holy, perfect, and righteous Son  blindly walk into becoming a sin-bearer without some level of protest?

There are many scholars who have not been able to grasp the mysterious way in which God, the Father, turned His back on His Son and unleashed the full force of divine fury against sin on Him.

However, this leads us to another question.

If Jesus fully knew that there was no way that the cup would pass from Him, why did He even pray in the first place?

Yes, the plan of salvation was determined by God long before the world was even created. And in keeping with that eternal plan, God the Son agreed to become a man and die to pay the penalty for sin.

So definitely, Jesus knew that the cup of death and separation from the Father would not pass from Him. But His prayer was an honest expression of His human emotions. Therefore, Christ’s motivation for His prayer is not from a sinful weakness but normal human infirmity (similar to other incidents recorded of His hunger, thirst, or fatigue).

Interestingly, Jesus prayed the same prayer a second time in verse 42.

Matthew 26:42 (NKJV)

Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”

Here we see that as the intensity of the agony increases, so does Jesus’ determination to do the will of His Father.

Christ was not hoping that He would be able to escape the cross, but rather He affirmed His determination to do the will of the Father.

This is a good application and an example for us to increase in our intensity to approach God when our agony increases.

Christ was not hoping that He would be able to escape the cross, but rather He affirmed His determination to do the will of the Father.

Where did Jesus go between His death and resurrection?

About Jesus, All Questions

Where did Jesus go between His death and resurrection?

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Jesus,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 8, 2025

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We know that Jesus died on a Friday and resurrected on a Sunday, but what happened on Saturday? What occurred between His death and resurrection?

One of the prominent historical writings from the fourth century is the Apostles’ Creed, which is a summary of the early Church’s beliefs. It states:

“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.”

The creed mentions that Jesus ‘descended to hell.’ The scriptural reference for this is taken from the book of Ephesians:

Ephesians 4:8-10 (KJV): “8 Wherefore He saith, when he ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)”

Since we have established the background from where this question arises, we will look at a set of common arguments made by scholars regarding this.

Argument #1 – Translation and Meaning of “Descended”

Some scholars suggest that the early writers of the Apostles’ Creed might have misunderstood the phrase “he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?” The original intention of the verse might have meant that Jesus came down to earth to demonstrate His love for us.

Some interpret “the lower parts of the earth” as a reference to the grave rather than Hell itself. They argue that even a woman’s womb is described as “lowest parts of the earth” (Psalm 139:15).

Therefore, the phrase could simply mean caves, graves, or enclosures on the earth, as opposed to higher parts, like mountains. Additionally, hell is more accurately described as “under the earth” (Philippians 2:10).

Argument #2 – Historical and Creedal Context

Some scholars argue that the phrase “the lower parts of the earth” was not part of the earliest versions of the Apostles’ Creed and was added in the 4th century. Unlike the Bible, the creed is not divinely inspired but a human declaration of faith. Historically, the clause about the descent was intended to convey that Jesus truly experienced death as all humans do. While His body remained in the grave, His soul went to the realm of the dead, referred to as Sheol or Hades

Argument #3 – Jesus Went to Heaven

Some scholars claim that Jesus went directly to heaven to be with the Father. This is supported by Jesus’ statement to the criminal on the cross: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). A few verses later, Jesus adds, “Father, into Your Hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46), affirming His spirit was in heaven.

Argument #4 – Proclamation to the Spirits

Some scholars suggest that Jesus went to preach to the souls imprisoned in hell.

1 Peter 3:18-20 states: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.”

There are two interpretations of this passage. Some argue that Jesus gave an opportunity for those in hell to hear the gospel and be saved. Others argue that Jesus did not go to offer salvation but to proclaim His victory over death and declare His triumph as the Messiah.

In conclusion, regardless of which of the four arguments you may side with we should not deviate from the fact that the work of Christ was finished on the cross. Jesus endured the full wrath of God on the cross, finishing His atoning work there (John 19:30).

Even if we look at the Reformed perspective they generally hold that Jesus’ descent refers to His experiencing the fullness of death, including separation from the Father, which He expressed on the cross (Matthew 27:46).  His work of redemption was completed on the cross, and His proclamation to the spirits was a declaration of victory, not a continuation of suffering or a second opportunity for salvation.

regardless of which of the four arguments you may side with we should not deviate from the fact that the work of Christ was finished on the cross.

What is the symbolism of the curtain being torn when Jesus was crucified?

About Jesus, All Questions

Where did Jesus go between His death and resurrection?

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Jesus,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 9, 2025

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Matthew 27:50-51 (NKJV)

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice  and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.

Mathew vividly describes a momentous event at Jesus’ crucifixion which holds a profound symbolism.  The curtain in the Jewish temple symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. Behind this curtain was the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelled and could only be accessed by the High Priest once a year under strict ritualistic conditions.

The tearing of this curtain at the moment of Jesus’ death signifies the removal of this separation, offering direct access to God through Christ.

This event marks a pivotal shift from the Old Covenant, characterized by sacrifices and rituals for atonement, to the New Covenant of grace.

In this new era, the sacrificial system is fulfilled through Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, once and for all, rendering the temple rituals obsolete. Believers today are sanctified before God and found spotless and blameless before Him.

The tearing of the curtain not only symbolized access to God for the Jews but also extended this privilege to all humanity. It represents the universal invitation to approach God’s throne of grace boldly, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.

The tearing of the temple curtain at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ symbolizes a new era of direct access to God, breaking down the barriers erected by our sin.

Hebrews 4:16 (NJKV)

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

WE ARE NOW ALL INVITED INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD BY BELIEVING IN HIS SON JESUS.

Why did Jesus command not to tell others of the miracles He performed?

About Jesus, All Questions

Why did Jesus command not to tell others of the miracles He performed?

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Jesus,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 9, 2025

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In the Gospels, we often encounter moments where Jesus performs a miracle and then instructs those he healed to keep it a secret. A prime example is seen in Mark 1:43-44, where, after healing a man with leprosy, Jesus sternly warns him not to tell anyone.

This raises a pertinent question: Why would Jesus, whose miracles were signs of His divine authority, instruct secrecy? Also wouldn’t Jesus have gained more followers if He capitalized on the results of the miracles?

Here are a few reasons why Jesus commanded not to tell others of the miracles he performed.

The Jewish people held specific expectations of the Messiah, often anticipating a political liberator. Jesus’ ministry, however, was not about overthrowing political powers but about establishing a spiritual kingdom.

Also, Jesus knew that the miracles would have had distracted the public from His true message and hindered His mission. Jesus did not want people to follow Him only for physical healing, but for who He was.

Moreover, Jesus wanted people to focus on the gospel message, not the miracles He performed. Today, the same is true. Rather than focusing on physical or financial blessings, God would prefer that we focus on the miracle of salvation. We should approach Jesus with an empty heart that is open to receiving Him rather than approaching Him with empty hands seeking to fill them with worldly pleasures.

Additionally, Jesus may have also wanted to avoid premature attention from the religious leaders which could have hindered His ministry’s progression.

Today, the principle behind Jesus’ command for secrecy holds a vital lesson. It urges believers to seek a deeper, more personal relationship with Him, beyond the allure of physical or financial blessings.

The emphasis lies on the spiritual transformation Jesus offers through the miracle of salvation – a gift that, unlike the miracles of Jesus’ time, is meant to be shared openly with the world.

Rather than focusing on physical or financial blessings, God would prefer that we focus on the miracle of salvation.

Could Jesus have sinned?

Could Jesus have sinned?

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Could Jesus have sinned?

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Jesus,   All Questions

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Jan 9, 2025

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Christians believe Jesus had the attributes of both Man and God during His time on earth. He was 100% God and 100% man, or truly God and truly man. By being God, who is holy and divine, He could have no sin in Him. However, some have speculated that Jesus could have had an inclination towards sin when He took on the form of a mortal man (who is born with original sin).

How do we reconcile this?

In order to describe Jesus’ ability to sin or not, theologians use two terms: ‘peccability’ and ‘impeccability.’ Those who consider Christ to be peccable argue that He could have sinned but choose not to. In contrast, proponents of Christ’s impeccability assert that He was not only sinless but also incapable of sinning.

Belief in Christ’s impeccability (His utter holiness and separation from sin) is biblically supported by the following verses:

      • 2 Corinthians 5:21 says that He “knew no sin”;
      • Hebrews 4:15 states that He “has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin”;
      • Hebrews 7:26 describes Him as “holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners”; and
      • 1 Peter 2:22 affirms that He “committed no sin.”

Jesus’ sinlessness is central to the Christian faith, particularly in His role as the sacrificial Lamb becoming the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains, He was made to “be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him,” highlighting His role in atoning for human sin.

How, then, could Jesus be tempted if He could not sin?

To understand Jesus’ experience of temptation alongside His divine nature, consider the analogy of a well-armored knight. In His human nature, Jesus was like a knight exposed to the battleground of temptation. However, His divine nature acted as impenetrable armor, shielding Him from the possibility of succumbing to these temptations. Just as a well-armored knight can engage in battle yet remain unharmed due to the protection of the armor, Jesus faced real temptations in His human experience, but His divine nature provided absolute protection against sin.

Because of Christ’s divine nature, He could not have sinned. He is omniscient (all-knowing), so He would have known all the consequences of sin, and He is omnipotent (all-powerful), so He can resist sin.

It should also be noted that when Hebrews 4:15 says Christ was tempted in “all points”, it does not necessarily mean “every” kind of temptation. The reference to “all points” is best explained chronologically. He was tempted in the way a child, an adolescent, and a young man would have been tempted.

Some people have also questioned the authenticity of the ‘test’ (as stated in Hebrews 4:15) since Jesus could not have sinned. However, we must understand that Christ is entirely different from us because we experience the process of temptation when we are tempted. But the Bible is silent on Jesus experiencing the process of temptation (in that there was some internal battle going on with Him on any level). The temptation would have come, but it never had a foothold, the door was barred and shut.

Ask yourself this, can you take an elementary test and pass it? Of course, you can, but does that make the test illegitimate? No, it does not. Similarly, Jesus could have been given a test by satan and passed it because He is God.

Furthermore, we should avoid comparing the temptation of Christ to us because He was most likely tempted to the extent that we aren’t. In that, the longer we resist temptation, the harder it is for satan to work, but Christ, who never gave in, was tempted and tested to the fullest extent possible, and He passed every test.

As God, Jesus is not able to fall into sin, but could still be attacked and hurt enough to empathize with us as we go through trials and tribulations. He would have been tempted, but sin would have never gained a foothold in Him because he was clinging to holiness, virtue, and righteousness.

The fact that Jesus was tempted was not meant to demonstrate that He was sinful but to prove that He was sinless.

GOD MADE HIM WHO HAD NO SIN TO BE SIN FOR US, SO THAT IN HIM WE MIGHT BECOME THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD

2 Corinthians 5:21

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