Daniel 4-6; John 18
To show that He rules over all the earth, God declares His decision to Nebuchadnezzar through Daniel. The king will be deprived of his sanity and reduced to the level of animals: “The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone He wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people” (Dan. 4:17).
Remarkably, despite the warnings, Nebuchadnezzar continued to think highly of himself until God deprived him of his sanity.
A similar event occurs with Belshazzar but with a more tragic outcome. This son of Nebuchadnezzar failed to learn from his father’s life. He exalted himself, desecrating the vessels from the Jerusalem temple: “But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this” (Dan. 5:22).
Daniel’s faithfulness was not only in the public sphere; he was also faithful to God in his personal relationship, refusing to stop praying as he always had. Daniel’s faithfulness became a significant testimony to the pagans around him, as seen in King Darius’s response: “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For He is the living God and endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end” (Dan. 6:26).
John 18
Jesus had every opportunity to disarm the soldiers who came to arrest Him. They expected this, so they fell to the ground when He said, “I am He.”
Peter’s denial is recorded in all four Gospels, highlighting the significance of what was happening with the disciples. The arrest of their Teacher became a severe crisis for them, a crisis that could only be overcome by Christ’s glorious resurrection.
Jesus was betrayed and sentenced to death as the King of the Jews. In His response to Pilate’s questions, Jesus explains that He is speaking of a completely different kingdom: “My kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36), but Pilate does not understand what He means.
Remarkably, despite the warnings, Nebuchadnezzar continued to think highly of himself until God deprived him of his sanity.
A similar event occurs with Belshazzar but with a more tragic outcome. This son of Nebuchadnezzar failed to learn from his father’s life. He exalted himself, desecrating the vessels from the Jerusalem temple: “But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this” (Dan. 5:22).
Daniel’s faithfulness was not only in the public sphere; he was also faithful to God in his personal relationship, refusing to stop praying as he always had. Daniel’s faithfulness became a significant testimony to the pagans around him, as seen in King Darius’s response: “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For He is the living God and endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end” (Dan. 6:26).
John 18
Jesus had every opportunity to disarm the soldiers who came to arrest Him. They expected this, so they fell to the ground when He said, “I am He.”
Peter’s denial is recorded in all four Gospels, highlighting the significance of what was happening with the disciples. The arrest of their Teacher became a severe crisis for them, a crisis that could only be overcome by Christ’s glorious resurrection.
Jesus was betrayed and sentenced to death as the King of the Jews. In His response to Pilate’s questions, Jesus explains that He is speaking of a completely different kingdom: “My kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36), but Pilate does not understand what He means.
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