What does "let the Christ, the King of Israel" reveal about Jesus' identity? Setting the Scene at the Cross “ ‘Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe.’ ” (Mark 15:32) • These words are hurled at Jesus by onlookers who are mocking Him during His crucifixion. • Their taunt unintentionally declares two of the most significant titles Scripture ascribes to Jesus: “the Christ” and “the King of Israel.” Unpacking “the Christ” • “Christ” (Greek Christos) translates the Hebrew Mashiach—“Anointed One.” • In the Old Testament, anointing set apart prophets, priests, and kings. Jesus perfectly fulfills all three roles (Deuteronomy 18:15; Psalm 110:4; 2 Samuel 7:12-13). • Peter earlier confessed, “You are the Christ” (Mark 8:29), a truth now repeated—even if mockingly—by His enemies. • The title underscores His divine appointment and the promised deliverance He brings (Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:18-21). Understanding “the King of Israel” • “King of Israel” identifies Jesus as the rightful heir to David’s throne (Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6). • The angel had announced, “The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32-33). • Though Israel’s leadership rejects Him, God’s Word affirms His eternal kingship: “Your throne, O God, endures forever” (Psalm 45:6). • Even Gentiles perceive this authority—Pilate’s inscription read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19). Prophetic Echoes and Fulfillments • Psalm 22:7-8 foretold mockers shaking their heads, “He trusts in the Lord—let Him deliver Him.” Mark 15:32 shows the prophecy unfolding verbatim. • Isaiah 53 describes the Suffering Servant who would be “pierced for our transgressions.” Remaining on the cross, not coming down, validates Jesus as that Servant-King. • Daniel 7:13-14 envisions the Son of Man receiving an everlasting kingdom. Jesus, while apparently powerless, is securing that kingdom through His atoning death. Irony at Calvary: Proof Through Staying, Not Descending • The crowd demands a miracle of deliverance to believe, yet the greater miracle is His obedient endurance (Philippians 2:8-11). • By refusing to save Himself, He qualifies to save sinners (Hebrews 9:12). • The cross, meant to shame, becomes His coronation—the place where “King of Israel” wins the victory promised since Genesis 3:15. Practical Takeaways • Jesus is unmistakably the promised Messiah, divinely anointed to redeem. • He is the legitimate, everlasting King in David’s line, ruling first from a cross and ultimately from a throne (Revelation 19:16). • The mockers’ taunt unwittingly preaches the gospel: the Christ-King secures salvation not by avoiding suffering but by embracing it on our behalf. |
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