The Unexpected Messiah

Jesus is revealed as the Savior of Mankind in his sufferings and self-sacrificial death for others, including his enemies.

The inability of men to recognize Jesus as the Son of God until after his crucifixion is a central theme of the Gospel of Mark. Ironically, the first man to do so is the Roman centurion on duty at his execution. Christ’s self-identification as the suffering “Son of Man” made him unrecognizable to unregenerate men. He was the kind of savior and redeemer no one expected.

Victory and Reign

Jesus triumphed over his enemies through his Death and Resurrection, therefore, he now reigns from the Messianic Throne.

Jesus of Nazareth conquered Satan, Sin, and Death on the Cross of Calvary, and he began his reign as the Messianic King following his Death and Resurrection. He is not waiting for some future event before he receives his sovereignty over the Earth, he reigns already!

Carrying His Cross

Retaliation and violence are never appropriate reactions to persecution by the disciples of Jesus. Rather than respond in kind, they must meet threats and assaults with humility, mercy, and forgiveness. Doing so is what it means to “deny yourself,” “take up his cross,” and follow him. We fulfill the “Law and Prophets” and become “perfect as our Heavenly Father” by doing good to our “enemies.”

His Way

Jesus proclaimed a new political reality, the Kingdom of God, one that bears little resemblance to the political regimes of this world.

Jesus arrived in Galilee proclaiming the “Kingdom of God” – “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand.” In his ministry, the reign of God was invading the Earth. However, the nature of his realm was radically different than the governments and political ideologies of the existing world order, and more than once, Jesus refused political power, especially when offered by Satan.

Who is this Man?

In Mark’s Gospel, no one recognizes who Jesus is except demons. Only in his death on a Roman cross was his identity understood by men.

In Galilee, the disciples witnessed Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons, forgive sins, and even calm violent storms, supernatural acts performed with great authority. However, his words and deeds produced confusion over his identity, and therefore, the question was asked by many, “Who is this man?” Only at his execution did a human being finally recognize who he was.

Servant of Yahweh

Paul summoned believers to adopt the same mind that Jesus had when he poured out his life “unto death” for others – Philippians 2:5-11.

Jesus fulfilled the role of the ‘Suffering Servant’ described in the Book of Isaiah. Unlike Adam, he did not attempt to grasp the “likeness of God,” but he humbled himself and submitted to a shameful death on the Roman cross. Therefore, God exalted him and made him “Lord” over all things. His exaltation did not precede his death; his enthronement followed it, and he died utterly alone.