The Return To Jerusalem

Spring, c. 33 AD

The Return To Jerusalem

The time in Galilee has concluded. Following the Master's instructions, the apostles have made the journey back south to the environs of Jerusalem. They are gathering near the Mount of Olives, the very place where Jesus sweat drops of blood and was arrested just weeks prior. The contrast between that night of terror and their current state of bold anticipation is stark.

They are no longer a scattered, fearful flock; they are a unified body, prepared for the departure of their Shepherd. They understand now that His departure is not an end, but the necessary prerequisite for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They stand on the Mount of Olives, waiting for the final words of the King.

"Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away."
— Acts 1:12

Timeline Box: The return to the Mount of Olives set the stage for the Ascension at the end of the forty days.

Divided Kingdom Era, c. 841 BC

Jehu Anointed King Over Israel

The prophet Elisha has sent one of the sons of the prophets with a flask of oil to Ramoth-gilead. Taking the military commander Jehu into an inner room, he poured the oil on his head and anointed him King over Israel with a violent mandate: he is to completely strike down the wicked house of Ahab and avenge the blood of God's servants.

"Then he poured the oil on his head and said to him, 'Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, "I have anointed you king over the people of Yahweh, even over Israel."'"
— 2 Kings 9:6

Timeline Box: Jehu's anointing unleashed a bloody purge of Baal worship and the dynasty of Omri.

Mosaic Era, 1405 BC

The Cities Of Refuge Are Appointed

As Joshua divides the Promised Land among the tribes, a critical judicial system is being established. Six cities—three beyond the Jordan and three in Canaan—are being designated as Cities of Refuge. Anyone who unintentionally kills another person may flee to these cities to escape the avenger of blood, providing a legal sanctuary of mercy.

"So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee... and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah."
— Joshua 20:7

Timeline Box: The designation of these cities ensured that justice was tempered with mercy in the new land.

Editorial: The Ultimate Refuge

God has always provided a place of refuge for the guilty. In the days of Joshua, it was a designated city where a manslayer could find safety. Today, the disciples are gathering near Jerusalem, preparing to preach a message that offers the ultimate refuge for sinners: the cross of Jesus Christ.

While men like Jehu were anointed to execute swift and violent justice against the wicked, Jesus was anointed to absorb that justice on our behalf. As we reflect on the Gospel, we must remember that we are all guilty, pursued by the "avenger of blood" (the Law). Our only hope is to flee into the sanctuary of Christ's grace.

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