We’re to a place in our study of the Gospel of Mark where everything is dark and gloomy. Accusations, injustices, beatings, and blood abound. It’s the final hours of Christ’s incarnate life as He drinks the cup of His Father’s wrath.
“We esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” Isaiah 53:4b
For many looking on it must have felt so disappointing. After all, Jesus was increasingly seen as the conquering hero who would run the Romans out of Israel. Just days before they were shouting, “Hosanna in the highest!” as He rode into Jerusalem.
But it was not to be. He was betrayed by a friend, arrested and charged with blasphemy by the religious authorities, and crucified on a cursed, Roman cross. He was no hero. Or, was He?
Jesus’ misunderstood life and maltreatment in the end illustrate a truth for us all. The kingdom which dawned when Jesus arrived in the manger was a hidden kingdom, seen and entered only by those with eyes of faith.
The man on the cross was the King not a blasphemer! He never intended to run Romans out of Israel and become a national hero. He came to die for all who believe in His name, to atone for their sin, to deliver them from God’s wrath, and raise them from the dead. He is our hero.
“He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities.” Isaiah 53:5a
Blood-bought Christians are members of Christ’s hidden kingdom. The world will trip over our earthliness and mock the claims of the Bible. People just won’t understand unless, through the preaching of the gospel, God opens their eyes to the glory of the King.
That mission of the hidden kingdom, our mission, is to make Jesus known. Hidden doesn’t give us permission to hide, but like Jesus, to openly proclaim what we know to be true; what we’ve seen.
This holiday season, make Jesus known. Don’t hide the news. Explain who He is and what He has done for sinners like us. Take up your cross and follow Jesus in proclaiming the kingdom of God.
