"I have not come to bring peace but a sword," and furthermore, "I only do and say what I see my father doing." By making bold declarations like these, Jesus not only made himself a rebel to fallen mankind, but also made his father one. He also claimed he was sent with a mandate from his father, Jehovah; and that mandate was to bring freedom and restoration to the Kingdom of God.The arrogance of this man named Jesus was hard for many of his fellow countrymen to swallow. The nerve of him, telling people they needed to change their ways or suffer the consequences. Furthermore, by declaring God as his father, and by declaring he was the truth, the life and the way, he became the religious leaders' number one target. Jesus was a rebel on a mission; his mission was to destroy the works of the enemy, Satan, and to establish the Kingdom of God. He pursued his mission with a boldness and a tenacity never seen or heard before. At first many people thought he was just a young arrogant fool—a trouble maker. But later on some saw him as a serious threat, and even called him a demon. Others wondered and questioned whether he might be the answer to their prayers—a prophet, the promised one, or "The Messiah."
This rebel from Nazareth demonstrated passion and zeal regarding his Father's House by overturning the tables of men's minds and ways. Jesus was not your common foe, and his tactics were quite unique. He often taught the people or told them stories about the Kingdom of God and what it was like. However there were certain requirements that were necessary if they ever hoped to enter—requirements that some felt were too harsh. This rebel had not come to deliver them from the tyranny of the Roman Empire, as many had hoped, but to bring freedom by breaking chains of sin (something definitely more important to God). This would be a challenge indeed, for most of these people had been obsessed with idolatry or were suppressed by the religious leaders who spent their lives making up new laws, traditions and building mindsets regarding the God they thought they knew.
But this bold rebel, Jesus, also had a soft spot in his heart for the poor and needy, the widows, and the orphans. He also had little interest in money or the things of the world, and he often criticized those who did. He offered mercy, when others wanted to see judgment. This man was not your typical rebel; he even loved children and spent most of his time talking with and helping others. His fight was not so much against men as it was for the truth, justice and the Kingdom of Heaven (the ways of God). He also encouraged others to follow him; and some did. In fact he chose twelve low-lifes who were expected to learn from him, and then do everything they were shown and told. Jesus was very patient with them and others, for he knew their strengths and their weaknesses.
Jesus the rebel was a expert with the sword—his words could cut through all the bull coming from his opposers, religious men with "holier than thou" attitudes. There was no fear in his eyes but only kindness. Even his anger was tempered with grace. He used the simple things in life to confound men's wisdom and knowledge, so that it was impossible for anyone to defend himself. His sword cut to the quick of people's hearts, exposing the roots of their carnal and selfish thinking. His opponents tried to stay out of arm's reach, after suffering numerous blows to their egos. But, there was always some new hot-shot who thought he could trap him, only to leave confused and disarmed. But, they all agreed on one thing: Jesus spelled trouble for them. And some were determined to get rid of this rebel—one way or another.
His teachings were considered foolish by many—he exalted humility, giving and sacrifice. And the idea of loving and praying for your enemy was something they would never have considered. But wherever Jesus went he told the people how much God loved and cared for them. And he also encouraged them to pray, forgive one another, and surrender to the will of God; something Jesus always did himself.
Jesus also demonstrated an incredible power and authority that caused some people to fear and tremble. Others wondered and questioned where he got his power and authority. Just by a simple touch of his hand or by a few words he could heal the sick, cast out demons, or raise the dead. It was even reported that he caused a storm at sea to cease. There were other reports of miracles that were hard for many people to believe. This rebel seemed to have a secret weapon that enabled him to penetrate people's thoughts in a way no other person could. He would say things that kept the listener in suspense (or sometimes confused them). How can a person fight against a man who knows you better than you know yourself? He knew every move a person would make. Sometimes when he looked at someone, he or she would either want to surrender or run away and hide.
And Jesus was not your handsome rebel. However his mannerisms and words were quite captivating—but sometimes offensive. Still many people followed him just to see what he would do next, or if he would perform other miracles. It wasn't surprising to see many of the women falling for this young rebel with his message of LOVE, something most men don't think much about, except maybe the twelve men who were willing to leave everything and follow him. But Jesus' agape love was a different kind of love than what the people had known or heard of before.
For over three years this rebel and his little band of renegades traveled the countryside going to villages and cities in search of "lost sheep," hoping to free others who were bound by demons, sicknesses and diseases. He often encountered large crowds along the way, but he seemed to prefer the smaller groups or home settings. He liked talking to individuals on a personal level; more like heart-to-heart. He loved to tell them about his Father. He also told them about the peace and joy and rewards available for those who would place their trust in him. But, this rebel (with a heart of gold) would one day pay the ultimate sacrifice for the cause he was sent to the earth to fight. To the horror of many and to the joy of others he was nailed to a cross, then died and was buried. (Even from the cross there were no words of anger or bitterness, only kindness and forgiveness.)
His enemies thought they had won, but this rebel wasn't through fighting. To their shock, and to the surprise of his mourning followers, he appeared again—ALIVE! He demonstrated complete power over Satan, then shared some final words of hope and encouragement to his followers, before he made his incredible departure through the clouds. The mission he had begun was now entrusted to his disciples and followers to continue—the fight for their brothers, sisters and the restoration of all things. They to had now become rebels. He also asked them to wait for reinforcement of power that would come soon; and they did. They would be his witnesses also, and the truth of his words would set others free. The most important thing that Jesus would leave them was his message about the power of LOVE, and the emphasis on knowing the Father—the greatest Rebel of all.
Note—there are still followers and rebels with the heart of Jesus; they too have been sent by The Father. (The same problems and the same enemy Jesus faced then are still around today. However people are more obsessed with idolatry and suppressed by religion than ever before.) The newer rebels will clarify the message of Jesus that has been distorted over the centuries by religion. You will see true love and awesome power demonstrated by them as never before. The truth of the matter is: God's sons only appear to be rebels because the rest of the world is out of order. If you wish to know more about this Rebel, check out Cloak of Zeal blog site.
