Messiah

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?

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SYNOPSIS – After Jesus healed a blind man, for a fleeting moment the eyes of Peter were opened to “see” just who he was – Mark 8:27-38. 

The next event on the “way to Jerusalem” occurred in Caesarea Philippi, a Hellenistic city built by Herod Philip in honor of Augustus Caesar. Its population was predominately Gentile. In earlier times, it had been called Paneas in honor of the god, Pan. Paradoxically, Jesus was identified as the “Messiah” in a city that was dedicated to false gods and the veneration of the very emperor who claimed to be “Lord” of the world.

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TRIUMPHAL ARRIVAL

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At the end of his journey, quite naturally, the destination of Jesus was the Temple in Jerusalem – Mark 11:1-11.

The next several stories prepare the reader for his final days, the so-called ‘Passion Week.’ A full third of the Gospel of Mark concerns the events of that week and culminate in his death and resurrection. All that has preceded his arrival in the city has been moving inexorably forward to his arrest, trial, and execution in Jerusalem.

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TRANSFIGURATION

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The Transfiguration was the confirmation of his status as the Messiah, and of the necessity for Jesus to suffer before receiving glory – Mark 9:2-13.

In Mark, the event known as the “Transfiguration” begins with the clause, “after six days.” This is not just a temporal reference, but also a link to the preceding story in which Peter acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah. In response, he explained the true meaning of discipleship. To follow him, a man must “deny himself and take up his cross” just as the “Son of Man” did.

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SON OF GOD IN MARK

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SYNOPSIS – According to the gospel of Mark, the Son of Man is revealed only in his sufferings and death on a Roman Cross – Mark 15:34-39. 

A theme threaded through the gospel of Mark is the inability of men to recognize who Jesus is – The Son of God – until after his crucifixion, and then paradoxically, he is declared to be the “Son of God” by the unlikeliest person – The Roman centurion in charge of his execution. What makes this Messiah unrecognizable is his self-identification with the suffering “Son of Man” – (Mark 15:37-39).

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Jesus Reigns on the Throne of David

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SYNOPSIS:  Jesus received all authority to reign over the Cosmos after his death and resurrection. He has reigned on God’s Throne ever since – Psalm 2:6-9.

Jesus Reigns

Some interpretations of Bible prophecy claim that Jesus will not ascend to the throne of David until his return in glory when he inaugurates his kingdom and sets up his government in the city of Jerusalem. Only then will he commence his rule over the nations of the earth. Whatever authority he has now while in “heaven,” his full messianic reign will not begin until after his return in power (compare – Revelation 20:1-10). Continue reading →