How does Mark 15:26 fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah? The Scene Mark Records “And the charge written against Him was: THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (Mark 15:26) Why This Inscription Matters - It was Rome’s official statement of Jesus’ “crime.” - Pilate meant it as mockery; God used it as public confirmation of Jesus’ true identity. - By placing “King” over the crucified Messiah, the sign linked the cross to centuries-old royal promises. Promises of a Royal Messiah in the Old Testament - 2 Samuel 7:12-13 — “ …I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” - Psalm 2:6 — “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” - Isaiah 9:6-7 — “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end… He will reign on the throne of David.” - Jeremiah 23:5 — “I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely.” - Zechariah 9:9 — “See, your King is coming to you… humble and riding on a donkey.” Every passage announces a descendant of David who will rule eternally. The placard over Jesus’ head unmistakably echoes these promises: He is that King. Prophecies Foretelling the King’s Rejection - Isaiah 53:3 — “He was despised and rejected by men.” - Psalm 22:7-8 — “All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: ‘He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD deliver him.’ ” - Psalm 118:22 — “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Mark 15:26 shows both truths at once: the Messiah is crowned King, yet rejected and executed by His own people and the Gentile rulers. An Unexpected Coronation - The cross became Jesus’ throne; the mocking title became heavenly truth. - Colossians 2:15 hints at this paradox: “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” - What looked like defeat fulfilled God’s plan to seat the promised King on the everlasting throne (Psalm 110:1). Takeaways for Us - God’s Word proves trustworthy: centuries-old prophecies converge in a single Roman inscription. - The Messiah’s kingship cannot be separated from His suffering; both were foretold, both accomplished. - Mark 15:26 invites faith—seeing in the crucified Jesus the long-promised King who now reigns forever. |
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