Christ rejects the Offer of Political Leader.

Just before the feast of Passover Jesus went to His friend`s place in Bethany. It was the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Jesus had previously resurrected Lazarus and His fame had gone out into the land.

`Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him……

Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; but they came not for Jesus` sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead…..

(John 12: 1 & 2,  9)

Thus, there was developing a great expectation of Jesus coming to the feast. He was the one who had overcome death. And death was man`s great fear. So, with great excitement the people gave Jesus a grand entrance into Jerusalem declaring Him to be their King. Who could go against Him who had the power over death, they would have thought.

`The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:

 “Hosanna! `Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!` The King of Israel.”

(John 12: 12 & 13)

But Jesus did not receive that offer of kingship by the populous, for Jesus knew that only by His sacrifice on the cross would death be finally overcome.

The Anti-Christ receives the Offer of Political Leader.

In the tribulation there will be a man however, who by deceit, tricks the world into thinking he can overcome death. He is made the Political Leader of the World System. The world worships him and Satan, saying, `Who can make war with him?`

`I saw one of his heads (leaders) as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marvelled and followed the beast. So, they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Rev.13:3 & 4)