Having established his qualifications, Jesus is now presented as the high priest who intercedes for his people. He participated fully in the nature and sufferings common to all men; therefore, his priestly ministry for his “brethren” is marked by faithfulness and compassion.
The Son experienced the death common to all men. In doing so, he qualified for the priesthood. What set his nature apart from the rest of men was his sinlessness.
Continue readingThe priesthood of Jesus is a key subject of Hebrews. He became the “merciful and faithful high priest” who now intercedes for “his brethren.” This is anticipated in the opening paragraph, including the uniqueness of his priesthood, by declaring that he “achieved the purification of sins,” and afterward, he “sat down” in God’s presence.
Continue readingIn Mark, only at his death did the Roman centurion who was present at his execution recognize who Jesus was.
In Mark, all men prove incapable of recognizing who Jesus is, even his disciples. The only exceptions are John the Baptist and the Roman centurion at Golgotha, the very man in charge of his execution. Mark has threaded this theme throughout his gospel to make the point – The Messiah cannot be understood apart from his death on Calvary.
Continue readingThe enthronement of Jesus is based on his past death and resurrection, the immovable foundation of his present reign in Revelation.
The sacrifice and exaltation of Jesus are prominent in the book of Revelation. God’s plan to redeem humanity through him is unveiled in its visions, and his death, resurrection, and enthronement are put into action. His sovereignty over the Cosmos is the result of his faithful obedience and sacrificial death.
Continue readingNo one recognized who Jesus was except the demons exorcised by him, that is, until the moment of his death on a Roman cross.
In the gospel of Mark, despite his miraculous deeds and authoritative teaching, until his death on Calvary, no human being recognized who Jesus was though demons certainly did. And most striking of all was the identity of the one man who did acknowledge him as the “son of God,” namely, the Roman centurion present at his execution.
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