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People Who Should Have Welcomed Him
21
Expecting a False Messiah
The Jews had no true concept of the Messiah’s mission. They
did not seek redemption from sin, but deliverance from the Romans.
They looked for the Messiah to exalt Israel to universal dominion.
Thus the way was prepared to reject the Saviour.
At the birth of Christ the nation was chafing under the rule of
foreign masters and was racked with internal strife. The Romans
appointed and removed the high priest, and the office was often
secured by bribery and even murder. Thus the priesthood became
more and more corrupt. The people were subjected to merciless
demands, and were also heavily taxed by the Romans. Widespread
discontent, greed, violence, distrust, and spiritual apathy were eating
out the heart of the nation. In their darkness and oppression, the
people longed for One who would restore the kingdom to Israel.
They had studied the prophecies, but without spiritual insight. Thus
they interpreted prophecy in accordance with their selfish desires.
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