Who Is This Man?: Whom Do Men Say That I the Son of Man Am?

WHO

IS THIS MAN?

Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

BISHOP RUPERT LOTHIAN

Copyright © 2016 Bishop Rupert Lothian.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-5074-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-5075-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-5073-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016911757

WestBow Press rev. date: 07/18/2016

CONTENTS

About The Author

Dedication

Preface

Chapter 1    The genealogy and the Birth of Jesus Christ

Chapter 2    The Wise Men and the Flight into Egypt

Chapter 3    John the Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus Christ

Chapter 4    Christ’s Ministry in Galilee

Chapter 5    The Sermon on the Mount

Chapter 6    The Sermon on the Mount: Part 2

Chapter 7    The Ministry at Capernaum

Chapter 8    The Call and Charge to the Apostles

Chapter 9    The Message from John the Baptist

Chapter 10    Christ Reproves the Pharisees

Chapter 11    Seven Parables of the Kingdom

Chapter 12    The Miracles Beyond and Upon the Sea of Galilee

Chapter 13    Christ and the Pharisees

Chapter 14    The Foundation of the Church

Chapter 15    The Transfiguration

Chapter 16    The Greatest in the Kingdom

Chapter 17    Marriage and Divorce

Chapter 18    The Laborers in the Vineyard

Chapter 19    Christ Rides in Triumph into Jerusalem

Chapter 20    The Marriage of the King’s Son

Chapter 21    The Preparation for the Lord’s Death

Chapter 22    Jesus Crucified

Chapter 23    The Resurrection

Chapter 24    The Last Appeal to Israel

Chapter 25    The Judgments on the Jewish Nation

Chapter 26    The End of the World

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bishop Rupert George Lothian was born in1953 in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. He was called by God through the inspiration of his Father, Pastor, and had his second birth (according to Acts 2:38) in August 1962. At the tender age of 9, he preached his first message in a place called Spicy Hill, in the parish of Trelawney. After migrating to Canada, he met his wife, and got married on November 29, 1975. He lived there for 35 years with his wife, Hyacinth, and four children: Novelette, Amanda, Elysia, and O’Conner. Elder Lothian served as Superintendent of the Sunday School Ministry at Bethel Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada for over 25 years. This is Bishop Lothian’s first book. While he does not consider himself to be an author, he is not a novice to the Word, having preached the gospel of Jesus Christ for over forty five years now. During these years of service to the Lord, he has witnessed aspects of the ministry that weigh heavily on his heart and mind. He struggles with what he calls Ministerial Misfits – men and women who are trying to be pastors, but were never called to be such in the ministry. Therefore, they are living out of the will of God in a leadership role. As a Christian worker under the steady leadership of a pastor, these men and women serving as second in command, would make a tremendous impact. They could live fruitful lives helping other as mates, but not in a leadership position. However, as captains of the ship, or pastors, they sometimes create havoc in the ministry.

PLEASE READ WITH AN OPEN MIND

SERVING GOD IS A BLESSING … NOT A CURSE

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated’ to my loving wife, Hyacinth, who has stood by me in the good and bad times; even when I fail, she has never stopped praying for me and being supportive of the ministry God gave me. Secondly, to my old friend and Father, O’Conner Edgerton Lothian, and his wife, my dear Mother, Mable Lothian, whom I left in Jamaica, when I migrated to Canada in 1974. Last but by no means least, I also dedicate this book to my dear friend and Pastor, Bishop R. P. Wilson, who also teaches on the subject Who is this Man?using the subtitle – whom do men say that I the son of man am? (Matthew 16:13. KJV)

PREFACE

This book is exploratory in nature and not final; it is just the beginning. Others may continue where I have paused in the journey. I have been thinking about doing this for a long time now, but sometimes you just have to wait for the moving of the Lord. The question posed here is who is this man? People always have an opinion of others, and this was no different in Christ’s day. Jesus knew that there were various speculations about who he was, so he asked his disciples, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?(Matthew 16:13-17 King James Version) On hearing the various views, he asked the disciples But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Today we stand on the Identity of Jesus Christ; God in the flesh manifested (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, 1Timothy 3:16, Colossians 2:9 KJV). We cannot just take the word of Trinitarians about the identity of Jesus Christ. Revelation is the key to knowing who Jesus is; without which there is no understanding of God, as God cannot be known except through a revelation (Matthew 11:27 KJV). Paul declared in 1Timothy 3:16 (KJV) And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. The name Jesus has been revealed so it is no more a mystery; he is not just Jesus in the flesh, but God with us (Matthew 1:21 KJV)). Luke in his writing declared what his name is in (chapter 2:21)

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb (Luke 2:21 KJV). That which was prophesied by Isaiah is now revealed in Luke: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord (Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:11). There were others besides the disciplines that believed Jesus to be more than just a man. A leper believed that Jesus had the power to make him clean again.And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them ((Matthew 8:2-4 KJV). In these verses we have an account of Christ’s cleansing of a leper, who came and worshipped him as one clothed with Divine power. This story of cleansing directs us not only to apply to Christ for healing, because he has power over bodily diseases, but it also teaches us in what manner to apply to him. When we cannot be sure of God’s will, we may be sure of his wisdom and mercy. No guilt is so great, that Christ’s blood cannot atone for it; no corruption so strong, that his grace cannot subdue it. To be made clean we must commend ourselves to his pity; we cannot demand it as a debt, but we must humbly request it as a favor. Those who by faith, applying to Christ for mercy and grace, can be sure that he will freely give them what they seek.

The afflictions that bring us to know Christ, and cause us to seek help and salvation from him are blessed. Let those who are cleansed from their spiritual leprosy go to Christ’s ministers and open their case; they will advise, comfort, and pray for them.

They believed Jesus to be more than a man.

(Matt 16:20) Then charge he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. To himself and his brethren, Peter said that they were assured that the Lord is the promised Messiah, the Son of the living God. Peter did not hesitate with a response when Jesus asked the disciples: But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16: 15-16 KJV). Peter answered for himself and his brethren with confidence. Our Lord declared Peter to be blessed because his teachings and doctrines made him different from his unbelieving countrymen. Christ added that he named him Peter, in allusion to his stability or firmness in professing the truth. The word translated rock, is not the same word as Peter, but is of a similar meaning. Nothing can be more wrong than to suppose that Christ meant that Peter was the rock. Without doubt Christ himself is the Rock, the tried foundation of the church; and woe to him that attempts to lay any other than Peter’s confession of this rock as the true doctrine. If Jesus be not the Christ, those that disown him are not of the church, but deceivers who themselves were deceived.

The Lord declared the authority with which Peter would be invested. Because Peter spoke on behalf of his brethren, Jesus’ response related to them as well. The disciples had no specific knowledge of the characteristic of men, and were liable to mistakes and sin in their own conduct. They were kept from error by stating the way of salvation, the rule of obedience, the believer’s character and experience, and the final doom of unbelievers and hypocrites. In such matters their decision was right, and it was confirmed in heaven. But all pretensions of any man, either to absolve or retain men’s sins, are blasphemous and absurd. None can forgive sins but God. This binding and loosing in the common language of the Jews signified to forbid and to allow, or to teach what is lawful or unlawful. The discipline witnessed many things that would lead them to believe that Jesus was indeed the son of God. Peter, James and John in particular, were present at the transfiguration of the Christ. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead (Matthew 17:9 KJV). Now the disciples beheld some of Christ’s glory, as the only begotten of the Father. It was intended to support their faith, when they would have to witness his crucifixion; and would give them an idea of the glory prepared for them, when changed by his power and made like him. The apostles were overcome by this glorious sight of the transfiguration. Peter thought that it was most desirable to continue there on the mountain, and to go no more down to meet the sufferings of which he was so unwilling to hear. In this he knew not what he said.

We are wrong if we look for a heaven here upon earth. Whatever tabernacles we propose to make for ourselves in this world, we must always remember to ask Christ’s leave. That sacrifice was not yet offered, without which the souls of sinful men could not have been saved; and important services still had to be done by Peter and his brethren. While Peter spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, an emblem of the Divine presence and glory. Ever since man sinned, and heard God’s voice in the garden, unusual appearances of God have been terrible to man. The three disciples fell prostrate to the earth, until Jesus encouraged them. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid (Matthew 17:7 KJV). The disciples looked up and saw Jesus as they commonly saw him. We must pass through varied experiences on our way to glory; and when we return to the world after an ordinance, we must take Christ with us, and then it will be our comfort that he is with us. And he charged them that they should tell no man of him (Mark 8:30 KJV). To whom was he referring to when he told them this? Who did Jesus not want them to reveal to man? It was the Jesus or the Christ Jesus, they didn’t know, because he was not yet revealed. These things are written, that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. The miracles performed by our Lord assure us that he was not conquered, but a Conqueror. Now that the disciples were convinced that Jesus was the Christ, they could not bear to hear of his sufferings. Nevertheless, Christ begins to give them notice of all that he would suffer.

Jesus sees what is amiss in what we say and do, and knows what manner of spirit we are of, even when we ourselves are not aware. The wisdom of man is folly, when it pretends to limit the Divine council. Peter did not rightly understand the nature of Christ’s kingdom. Jesus’ charge to the three disciples as they came down from the mountain was a prediction of the near approach of his kingdom. A glimpse of that kingdom was given in the transfiguration of Christ. It is good to be away from the world, and alone with Christ. How good to be with Christ glorified in heaven with all the saints! But when it is well with us, we are apt not to care for others; and in the fullness of our enjoyment, we forget the many needs of our brethren. God owns Jesus, and accepts him as his beloved Son, and is ready to accept us as well. Therefore, we must own and accept him as our beloved Savior, and must give up ourselves to be ruled by him. Christ does not leave the soul, when joys and comforts leave it. Jesus explained to the disciples the prophecy about Elias. This was very suitable to the ill usage of John the Baptist. (Luke 9:21) And he strictly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing. (John 1:41). When we encounter Jesus, he brings about such a change that we cannot help but tell others. When Andrew first heard about Jesus, he immediately told his brother. "He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, we have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ (John1:41 KJV). The strongest and most prevailing argument within an awakened soul to follow Christ, is that it is he only who takes away sin.

Whatever communion there is between our souls and Christ, it is he who begins the discourse. Jesus asked: What seek ye? (John 1:38 KJV) The question Jesus asked the people is the same that we should ask ourselves when we begin to follow him. What is our design and desire? In following Christ, do we seek the favor of God and eternal life? Jesus invited the people to come without delay. Now is the accepted time (1 Corinthians 6:2 KJV). It is good for us to be where Christ is, no matter what we are faced with. We ought to labor for the spiritual welfare of those related to us, and seek to bring them to Him. Those who come to Christ must come with a fixed resolution to be firm and constant to him, like a stone, solid and steadfast; and it is by his grace that they are able to do so. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shall see greater things than these (John 1: 49-50). In Acts 2:36, Peter declared: Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ (KJV). This was the first time Peter said what He was told not to say, because Jesus had already died. We now know Him after the Spirit as the Christ. Before He died, He used His given name Jesus, and after He was raised again from the dead, He was known by his lawful name, Jesus Christ. This name is above every name, and it is through it that everyone can experience the nature of true Christianity.

By following Jesus, devoting ourselves to him, and walking in his steps, we become Christians. Observe the objection Nathanael made. All who desire to profit by the word of God must beware of prejudices against places, or denominations of men. They should examine for themselves, and they will sometimes find good where they looked for none. Many people are kept from the ways of religion by the unreasonable prejudices they conceive. The best way to remove false notions of religion is to make trial of it. In Nathanael there was no guile found. His profession was not hypocritical. He was not a dissembler, nor dishonest in his description of Christ; he was of a sound character, a really upright, godly man. Christ knows what men are indeed, and because of this knowledge, let us desire to know him. Let us seek and pray to be Israelites indeed, in whom there is no guile, true Christians approved of Christ himself. In all of us there are things that are weak, imperfect, and sinful; however, hypocrisy does not belong to a believer’s character. Jesus witnessed what occurred when Nathanael was under the fig-tree. He was probably in fervent prayer, seeking direction as to the Hope and Consolation of Israel, where no human eye observed him. This showed him that our Lord knew the secrets of all hearts. Through Christ, we commune with, and benefit by the holy angels; and things in heaven and things on earth are reconciled and united together. The Bible warns of those who would deny that Jesus is the Christ. Every man is an antichrist, who denies the Person, or any of the offices of Christ; and in denying the Son, he denies the Father also,

And has no part in his favor while he rejects this great salvation. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denied the Father and the Son (1 John 2:22 KJV). Let this prophecy, that seducers would rise in the Christian world, keep us from being seduced. The church does not know well who are its true members, but true Christians will prove to be more watchful and humble. True Christians are anointed ones; their name expresses this. They are anointed with grace, gifts, and spiritual privileges by the Holy Spirit of grace. The great and most hurtful lies that the father of lies spreads in the world, usually are falsehoods and errors relating to the person of Christ. The unction from the Holy One alone can keep us from delusions. While we judge favorably all who trust in Christ as the Divine Savior, who obey his word, and seek to live in union with them. Let us pity and pray for those who deny the Godhead of Christ, or his atonement, and the new-creating work of the Holy Ghost.

WHO IS THIS MAN?

BOOK 1

The People’s opinion of Christ

Jesus in the now, that is after the flesh.

Christ in the future, which is after the spirit.

Jesus in the now, after the flesh.

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in Heaven. (Matthew 16:13-17 KJV) Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ (Matthew 16:20 KJV).

Christ in the future, which is after the Spirit.

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation(2 Corinthians.5:16-19).

Jesus has a way of telling both His disciples and those whom he, healed that they should tell no man. Let’s look at one of these examples: And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, "See thou tell no man; but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and