Journeys to Jericho

Jericho

Journeys to Jericho

Examples from the Old Testament

Avoiding the Corruption of Sin

• Confirming His covenant with Abraham, God promised to judge the inhabitants of Canaan when their iniquity was full (Gen. 15:12-21).

• Later, Israel was warned against defiling themselves with the abominations of a sinful society (Lev. 18:24-30).

Avoiding the Corruption of Sin

• God judges corrupt cultures (Prov. 14:34; Psa. 107:33-34).

• God’s people must not become joint participants in sinful behavior (2 Cor. 6:14-18), but rather oppose such (2 Cor. 10:3-6).

• Let us shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Phil. 2:14-18).

Achieving the Promises of God

• After Joshua led Israel across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Jericho was the first Canaanite city to fall.

• Obedience and joint participation were essential to Israel’s success (Josh. 6).

Achieving the Promises of God

• After Joshua led Israel across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Jericho was the first Canaanite city to fall. Obedience and joint participation were essential to Israel’s success (Josh. 6).

• God gives the victory (Josh. 24:11-12; Psa. 44:1-3). Yet, He always requires His people to trust His word and obey His will (Heb. 5:8-10; 11:6; 11:30-31).

Journeys to Jericho

Events in the New Testament

Submitting to Baptism

• Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River; in all likelihood, this occurred in the general vicinity of Jericho (Matt. 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-13; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:28-34).

• While Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, penitent believers are baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:37-41; 22:16).

Resisting the Tempter

• Afterwards, Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matt. 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13).

• Tradition says this occurred in the vicinity of Jericho. In like manner, we must resist the evil one (James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9).

Healing the Blind

• On a latter occasion, as Jesus was leaving Jericho, He healed the blind (Matt. 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43).

• In like manner, we must turn to Christ for restoration of our spiritual vision (Eph. 1:18-19; Rev. 3:18-19).

Practicing Brotherly Love

• In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus taught what it means to love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:25-37).

• We must practice brotherly love (John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:10-13).

Preaching the Gospel

• Near the end of his ministry, Jesus entered Jericho and encountered Zaccheus, a chief tax collector (Luke 19:1-10).

• We should also look for opportunities of sharing the gospel, with even the most unlikely of prospects (Matt. 13:1-9; Acts 16:25-34).

Conclusion

• Learning the lesson from Old Testament Jericho, let us avoid the defilement of sin, and the resulting judgment that must inevitably follow.

• May we also achieve the promises of God through obedience to the Father’s will.

Conclusion

• Considering the example of Jesus, which occurred in or around New Testament Jericho, let us – submit to the Lord’s will regarding baptism, – resist the tempter, – enjoy the restoration of spiritual sight that Christ

provides, – practice brotherly love, and – faithfully proclaim the good news of salvation.