JERUSALEM: ORIGIN OF GOSPEL PREACHING
Jerusalem, the God-chosen epicenter of the Jewish faith, has long held profound spiritual and historical significance. Situated in the land of Canaan, which God assigned to Abraham and his descendants (Gen 13:12), Jerusalem’s sacred status is deeply rooted in its ancient origins and divine selection.
Early Biblical Significance
Melchizedek and Abraham: One of the earliest mentions of Jerusalem (then Salem) is found in Genesis 14:18-20, where Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses Abraham. This encounter sets the stage for Jerusalem’s enduring role as a place of blessing and priesthood.
The Promised Land: Jerusalem lies within the Promised Land to which God brought the Israelites from Egypt. It is here that they established their identity as God’s chosen people.
David and Solomon: Jerusalem’s significance grew when King David captured the city from the Jebusites (2 Sam 5:6-9). David made Jerusalem the political and spiritual capital of Israel. His son, Solomon, built the first Temple there, dedicating it as a dwelling place for God (1 Kgs 6). This Temple became the focal point of Jewish worship and a symbol of God’s presence among His people.
God’s Holy Mountain: God Himself declared Jerusalem as His holy mountain, saying, “I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain” (Ps 2:6). This proclamation reinforced Jerusalem’s central role in God’s plan.
Prophetic Vision: The prophet Isaiah foresaw a time when Jerusalem would be a beacon for all nations. He prophesied, “All nations shall stream towards it. Many peoples shall come and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the LORD’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.’ For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isa 2:2-3). This vision highlighted Jerusalem as a source of divine instruction and guidance for all humanity.
Jerusalem in the New Testament
Jesus’ Ministry: Jerusalem’s significance continued into the New Testament. Jesus’ ministry was deeply connected to the city. He taught, performed miracles, and ultimately was crucified and resurrected there. Jerusalem was the site of key events that fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
The Great Commission: After His resurrection, Jesus instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. He promised them, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This command established Jerusalem as the starting point for the spread of the gospel.
Pentecost: The fulfillment of Jesus’ promise occurred on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 2). This event marked the birth of the Christian Church and the beginning of the apostles’ mission to spread the gospel.
Paul and Barnabas’ Mission: The apostle Paul, along with Barnabas, began their missionary work by preaching to Jews in synagogues. When they faced rejection, they turned to the Gentiles. As recorded in Acts 13:46, Paul and Barnabas declared, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.” This pivotal moment marked the expansion of the gospel to all nations, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that the word of the Lord would go forth from Jerusalem.
The Spread of the Gospel
Jerusalem’s role as the birthplace of the Church underscores its continued spiritual significance. The city witnessed the fulfillment of God’s promises and the launching of the Great Commission. From Jerusalem, the apostles and early Christians carried the gospel message to the ends of the earth.
REFLECTION
As Christians, we are reminded of the profound legacy of Jerusalem in our faith. It is a symbol of God’s enduring promises, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the birthplace of the gospel. The history of Jerusalem encourages us to reflect on the foundations of our faith and the importance of spreading the gospel message.
Just as the early disciples received the Holy Spirit and were empowered to witness, we too are called to be witnesses of Christ in our own lives. Jerusalem teaches us about obedience, faithfulness, and the importance of sharing God’s word with others.
Let us remember the words of Jesus: “But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). May we be inspired to continue this mission, spreading the love and truth of Christ to all nations.