What Kind of Messiah?

The Lenten reading for today in Reliving the Passion (by Walter Wangerin Jr.) was very thought provoking. I’m still processing some of it in my mind and spirit so perhaps I shouldn't be writing about it just yet. But – I’d like to share some of the author’s thoughts with you and a few observations of my own. And then, I’d really like to hear some of your thoughts. Don’t be afraid to leave a comment. We don’t have to agree for it to bless us to hear what other believers think. Sometimes a different view or belief is the very thing God uses to "spur us on."

First, let’s set the scene: Jesus has been arrested in dark of night in the garden called Gethsemane. Betrayed by an intimate friend. The starless night has begun to grow cold. He is led by tired torch bearing guards across the deep valley and back into the winding streets of Jerusalem. He walks silently with them, not responding to their disdain, mocking or questions.


The city has not yet fully awakened. Jesus is led through the courtyard of the high priest’s house and silently ascends the steps to an upper room. He continues in silence; making no verbal response to the orders of the guards. The room is lit by oil-light and yellow flame. All around the four walls men stand and stare. The room is crowded. Jesus is led to the center of the room to a table where the shrewd High Priest Caiaphas sits clothed in his rich red robe. Jesus is roped and silent.


The trial begins. Caiaphas and the council seek testimony against Jesus. They are frustrated as witnesses fail to agree. Caiaphas hisses to Jesus, "Have you nothing to say in your own defense?" But Jesus only gazes at Caiaphas steadfastly still and silent.

MARK 14:61-62
He was silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him,

"Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"
And Jesus said, "I am . . ."

Now – think about this – Jesus came into a world that was expectantly watching for Messiah to come.


From the beginning of his ministry, when he performed wonders and miracles, did he proclaim himself to be the awaited Messiah? NO. Instead, he charged those who experienced his power to say nothing about it. Why? The miracles and wonders may have been signs pointing to Messiah; but they were not the central purpose of his coming.


When he was at the height of his ministry (as the world assesses greatness) with great crowds of people following him, did he reveal himself as Messiah? NO. When he was dazzling the crowds, confuting enemies, causing shepherds and lepers and kings to ask "Who IS this man?" did he answer their question and disclose that he was the Messiah? NO. When the masses were "astonished beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done all things well, the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak!" did he divulge that he was Messiah? NO. Why? Apparently, none of these things were the definition of messianic office. This was not the primary purpose of his coming.


Even when Simon Peter explicitly confessed, "You are the Christ;" Jesus commanded him "to tell no one about him." And, even when Peter, James and John saw his divine glory in the transfiguration he charged them to tell no one what they’d seen.


The world would have misunderstood the glory. Certainly, even his three closest companions grappled to understand it. The world of Jesus’ day was desperate for Messiah to come. But what were their expectations Messiah would be? What were their hopes Messiah would do? Did they expect a warrior-king who would be triumphant in his own terms? Did they hope for a hero? To quote Wangerin: "A number-one, against-all-odds, pride-inspiring, tear-in-my-eye, flat-out, all-round, good-guy winner! A hero."

In the scene before us today, Jesus stands arrested and bound. To characterize him as a warrior-king would be absurd. To characterize him as a hero would be impossible. He stands humiliated, seemingly weak, bound, despised, alone and defeated. And, yet it’s in this setting that he finally says to the world, "I am …" Yes. I am the Messiah you’re longing for. Yes. I am the Messiah you are desperate for. I am the Christ. The anointed-one. The long promised one.


It is in this setting, when he would seem most powerless that he finally links himself with power and says, "And you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of power." It is in this setting that he finally professes his messiahship. For it is this setting – not the setting of signs and wonders, not the setting of ministry, not the setting of teaching disciples – but the scene before us that displays the reason for his coming.

This, then, is the Christ – the Messiah – Jesus would have us know.

• 
  One who came to die.
• 
  One who, in the eyes of this world failed – an embarrassment, a stumbling block. An offense!
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  One crucified.
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  One who rose again.

This is the Christ – the Messiah – Jesus would have us know. This is the Christ Jesus would have us accept. This is the Christ Jesus would have us reflect.

Not one who is surrounded with signs and wonders. Not one who awes others with inspiring ministry. But, one who is willing to die. And then walk in resurrection life. I couldn’t help but think of Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Wangerin writes:
"If ever we persuade the world (or ourselves) that we have a hero in our Christ, then we have lied. Or else we are deceived, having accepted the standards of this world.

He came to die beneath the world’s iniquity. The world, therefore, can only look down on him who it defeated – down in hatred until it repents; but then it is the world no more.

Likewise, the world will look down on us – down in contempt until it elevates the Christ it sees in us; but then it won’t be our enemy any more, will it?"