THREE MEN, THREE TREES, THREE DESTINIES

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

2 SAMUEL 3

 

Absalom, Zaccheus & Jesus.  A prince, a publican and a Prophet-Priest-King. A prince who ended up being a prisoner, a publican who became a philanthropist and the Prophet-Priest-King who became our propitiation.

 

I. THE REASON (why might we climb a tree? Fun, fruit, protection, etc.)

 

1. “Accidently” as a result of Sin [2 Sam. 3:3, 13:1, 18:5-9]

 

2. “Secretly” as a result of Curiosity [Lk. 19:1-4]

 

3. “Willingly” as a result of Love [Jn. 10:15-17, 12:27, 15:13]

 

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

 

II. THE RESULT

 

1. Death [2 Sam. 18:10-15]

2. Life [Lk. 19:5-6]

3. Redemption [Gal. 3:13]

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

 

III. THE REACTION

 

1. Delight & Despair [2 Sam. 18:16-33]

 

2. Murmuring & Merriment [Lk. 19:7-10]

 

3. Salvation or Condemnation [Jn. 3:14-21, Rm. 10:9-14]

 

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.