Jesus in the Old Testament is a series of posts that will offer my readers a chance to consider pictures or shadows of Jesus in the Old Testament. As mentioned in the introduction to this series, some may be obvious, some may be not so obvious, and some may simply be a facet of the Lord those reading may not have considered previously.
I hope as we venture through this series, we will see the Lord in many wonderful pictures throughout the Old Testament.
| SEEING JESUS IN |
| AHASUERUS |
| REBELLIOUS WIFE |
| Esther 1:12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command delivered by the eunuchs. At this the king became enraged, and his anger burned within him. Esther 1:15 “According to the law, what is to be done to Queen Vashti, because she has not performed the command of King Ahasuerus delivered by the eunuchs?” Esther 1:19 If it please the king, let a royal order go out … that Vashti is never again to come before King Ahasuerus. And let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. |
| Matthew 21:43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. |
Ahasuerus, as king of Persia, demanded a wife that would respect him, honor him and obey him. A powerful king with a disrespectful wife was only going to damage the kingdom, and not lift up the name of Ahasuerus.
Though it appears this act of rebellion on the part of Vashti may have been the first rejection of the king’s authority, it was to be dealt with swiftly and without mercy. Ahasuerus was going to deal with her properly and quickly.
God also had a wife that disobeyed, and that was eventually put away after many warnings. Jeremiah 3:8 and Hosea 2:4-5 depicts the divorce of the nation of Israel from Jehovah God. Though restored after the captivity, Jesus warned the nation of the loss of the kingdom in our passage in Matthew.
Both Ahasuerus and God dealt with a rebellious wife, one instantly, and One with great patience and mercy.
Though both God and Ahasuerus were married to rebellious wives, and both put their rebellious wives away, the character of God shines so brighter than this mere Persian King. According to Ahasuerus, Vashti would never see the King again! (See Esther 1:19) No forgiveness, nor any hope of restoration would be offered to Vashti.
In our passage in Matthew, Jesus speaks of the loss of the kingdom. But notice that this loss of kingdom was not a done deal for those who sought out the true King. Even in this tense moment of truth being delivered to the Jewish leadership, Jesus made it clear that there is a solution.
Matthew 21:44 And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”
Per Jesus, as He addressed those who would eventually hang Him from a cross, He spoke of restoration, for a rebellious wife can be restored through humility and brokenness.
Consider the goodness of God in His patience, His mercy and His longing for His people, that after centuries of disobedience, He provided a Savior, a Stone to fall before, to be brought back to the Father.
He is such a different King! So good to know our King!
May the name of Jesus be lifted up today in our lives, by listening humbly and doing as we are led!
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.
Your message has been sent
Come join us at Considering the Bible
Considering the Bible 