Recognizing Jesus

Only at his death did the Roman centurion present at his execution recognize who Jesus was, the Son of God – Mark 10:45.

All men in Mark’s Gospel prove incapable of recognizing who Jesus of Nazareth was, except for John the Baptist, Peter (momentarily), and the Roman centurion at his execution. Peter’s moment of brilliance was fleeting. Even the Baptist began to question the identity of the Nazarene when Herod Antipas imprisoned him.

The Gospel of Mark includes this theme to make a point: The Messiah sent by God could not be understood apart from his sacrificial death. Scripture is quoted demonstrating that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah of Israel, an identification confirmed by John the Baptist and the “voice from heaven” at his baptism in the Jordan.

[Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash]

Nevertheless, despite his many miracles, men and women remained confused about his identity. Even his family and closest associates failed to acknowledge that he was the Son of God. He was not the kind of Messiah anyone expected or wanted.

After the Heavens were “rent asunder” following his baptism, the voice from heaven declared him to be the “Son of God.” The Greek verb translated as “rent asunder” is schizō, which means to “rend asunder, cleave, split open.” It occurs only at his baptism and when the veil of the Temple was “rent” at his death in Mark.

Jesus cast out an “unclean spirit” in Capernaum. Unlike the villagers, the demon knew Jesus as the “Holy One of God.” The men present in the synagogue were astounded and asked, “Who is this?” Despite his impressive deed, he remained unrecognized.

Though demonic spirits recognized the “Son of God,” human beings consistently failed to do so, including members of his own family and inner circle. Proximity to Jesus did not guarantee recognition of who he was - (Mark 3:11-12, Mark 5:1-7).

By his word, Jesus calmed a storm on the Sea of Galilee. In fear, his disciples asked one another, “Who is this, that even wind and the sea obey him?” Even this display of power was insufficient to convince them that he was the Son of God - (Mark 4:36-41).

When he returned to his hometown, his former neighbors began questioning who he was - “Whence has this man these things…Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” Rather than rejoice that the “Son of God” was in their village, they were “offended by him” – (Mark 6:1-6).

After Jesus miraculously fed five thousand people, he went alone to pray on a mountain. The disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee by boat, struggling against a contrary wind. He appeared suddenly, walking on the water. They cried out in fear until he identified himself and caused the wind to cease. Previously, they had seen him calm a great storm, yet this miracle failed to convince them of who he was, because “their hearts were hardened” - (Mark 6:45-52).

On the way to Jerusalem, momentarily, Peter appeared to grasp his identity.  When Jesus asked, “Who do men say that I am,” he answered, “You are the Christ!” He then admonished the disciples to tell no one, explaining that “the Son of man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”

Peter objected to this. His sudden revelation departed from him. The very idea that the Messiah of Israel would be subjected to suffering and death was beyond the pale. Whatever insight Peter may have gained was lost when confronted with the reality of the Suffering Messiah - (Mark 8:27-38).

IN JERUSALEM

When he was on trial, the High Priest demanded, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” He responded, “I am he. And you will see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven.” Before the priestly leaders of Israel, he identified himself as the Messiah. There could be no doubt, yet rather than recognizing him, the High Priest charged him with blasphemy, and the “chief priests and the whole council” condemned him to death - (Mark 14:60-64).

Ironically, the Roman governor confirmed his Messianic status when he had “King of the Jews” inscribed on a board that was nailed to his cross. Yet, as he was hanging on the cross, Jewish spectators mocked him - (Mark 15:26).

Likewise, the Chief Priests and Scribes ridiculed him as he was dying despite the testimony of God, Scripture, his miraculous deeds, and his own sworn testimony before them. It was clear to anyone with “eyes to see” that he was the Messiah and Son of God.

Demon spirits recognized him, yet the Temple authorities refused to do so despite the overwhelming evidence of their eyes and ears. Instead, they mockingly challenged him - “Let him come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe” - (Mark 15:26-32).

Only at Calvary did a human voice declare that Jesus was the “Son of God.” As death overwhelmed him, he uttered a loud cry and died. At that precise moment, “the veil of the temple was RENT IN TWO from the top to the bottom,” and the Roman officer declared, “Truly, this man was the Son of God” - (Mark 15:37-39).

Just as the “rending of the heavens” at his baptism produced a declaration regarding his Messianic status, so the “rending” of the Temple veil produced the same confession, only now on the lips of the Gentile centurion. Only as Jesus was crucified did a human being begin to understand who he was, and paradoxically, by the Roman officer in charge of his execution.

Only in his suffering and death could men grasp who Jesus is. Therefore, only in his Death and Resurrection do we understand what it means to be his disciple, take up his cross, and “follow him wherever he goes.” As wonderful as miracles, signs, and wonders are, the true understanding of his identity, nature, and mission can only be realized through the Cross of Calvary.

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RELATED POSTS:

• The Unwelcome Savior - (Unrecognized as the Savior of the World and the Messiah of Israel, Jesus was rejected by all but the unlikeliest of men)

• The Folly of the Cross - (God’s Power and Wisdom are found in the proclamation of Christ Crucified, not in displays of power or political might)

• God is Speaking - (God is speaking His definitive word in His Son. All previous words spoken in the prophets were preparatory, promissory, and partial)