Golgotha or Rome

Jesus refused the political power of Rome when Satan offered it. So, why do we insist on seeking the very thing our Master rejected?

The teachings of Jesus and his Apostles in multiple ways summon Christians not to be “unequally yoked together” with this world and its values. What humanity needs is the Good News of the Kingdom of God and the salvation provided by Jesus Christ. Since the “forms” of this present age are in the process of “passing away,” the Church should not waste its efforts on “working for the meat that perishes”?

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Jerusalem and the Cross

Jesus explained that he was going to Jerusalem where the Son of Man would be arrested, tried, and executed – Mark 10:32-34.

Jesus is “on the way” to Jerusalem and the Cross in the Gospel of Mark. This theme occurs several times, beginning with John the Baptist who was sent to “prepare the way before the Lord.” The Nazarene would complete his messianic mission as the ‘Suffering Servant’ portrayed in the Book of Isaiah when he was tried by the priestly leaders of the Temple and executed outside the walls of the City of David at the hands of Rome, the World Empire.

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Jérusalem et la Croix

Jésus a expliqué qu’il se rendait à Jérusalem où le Fils de l’Homme serait arrêté, jugé et execute – Marc 10: 32-34.

Jésus est “en route” vers Jérusalem et la Croix dans l’Évangile de Marc. Ce thème revient plusieurs fois, à commencer par Jean-Baptiste qui a été envoyé pour “préparer le chemin devant le Seigneur.” Le Nazaréen achèverait sa mission messianique en tant que “Serviteur Souffrant” décrit dans le Livre d’Ésaïe lorsqu’il fut jugé par les dirigeants sacerdotaux du Temple et exécuté à l’extérieur des murs de la Cité de David aux mains de Rome, l’Empire mondial.

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The Anointed One

The Spirit of God and the voice from heaven confirmed who Jesus was – Son, Messiah, and Servant of the LORD.

Jesus first appears in the Gospel of Mark when John baptizes him in the River Jordan. The opening verses identify him with his hometown of Nazareth, a village of no consequence. He was the “Servant of the LORD” anointed by the Spirit who did not conform to popular messianic expectations.

John was baptizing suppliants in the Jordan River. Rather than recount the details of Christ’s baptism, the story in Mark stresses the audible and visual phenomena that accompanied it: The “rending” of the heavens, the voice from Heaven, and the descent of the Spirit “like a dove”:

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His Righteous Kingdom

Jesus proclaimed a unique political reality, the Kingdom of God. It differs radically from the governments and ideologies of this age.

Jesus appeared in Galilee proclaiming the “Kingdom of God” – “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand.” The promised Kingdom had arrived in his life and ministry. He is the Messiah and King of Israel, and all men are summoned to turn from their wicked ways and submit to his lordship while the door remains open.

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