“Jesus, the Suffering Messiah!” Mark 3:7-19

From the moment Jesus came to this earth as a baby, He became a controversial Person. Remember, the angels proclaimed the birth of the Messiah to lowly shepherds who were minding their flocks. Then, the kings from the east recognized the star of the Messiah that appeared. They made a long and dangerous journey to worship the King of glory.

Herod heard rumors of a King who was born and ultimately ordered that all male children up to two years old be killed. Herod viewed Jesus as a threat to his power, authority, and kingship.

A few weeks ago, Mark reminded us about Jesus starting His earthly ministry by being baptized by John the Baptist and then being tempted by Satan for 40 days. Jesus withstood the temptations of Satan and did not sin.

Jesus came to be the salvation for sinful humanity. This would be accomplished on the cross and validated by His resurrection three days later. But, during Jesus’ three-and-a-half-year earthly ministry, many people misunderstood Him and His message. He became viewed as a threat by the Pharisees and the established religious system to the point where they wanted Jesus dead.

In today’s text from Mark 3:1-19, we learn a little about what it means to genuinely commit to following Christ as a disciple. Jesus was also careful to teach people what the Scriptures had already prophesied: that Jesus came to be the suffering Messiah.

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