The Crucified Messiah

The submission of Jesus to an unjust death is the pattern of the love and service to others that his disciples are called to imitate . The obedience of Jesus to his Father becomes the model for how we emulate him. His willing submission to death on the Roman Cross is the pattern for the conduct and attitude of his disciples. His elevation to the Messianic Throne resulted from his submission to “ death upon a cross .” Conforming our lives to this example is how we learn to “ follow him wherever he goes .”

The fullness, grace, and truth of God are found in the Word made Flesh, Jesus of Nazareth, who alone has seen the unseen God – John 1:14-18. The Prologue to the Gospel of John introduces key themes of the Book, including Life , Light , Witness , Truth , Glory , and Grace .  Jesus of Nazareth is the Light of the world, the source of Grace and Truth, the True Tabernacle in whom God dwells, the only born Son of God, and the only one who has seen the Father . The Prologue concludes by declaring that the Son is the only one qualified to interpret God since he alone has seen the Unseen God .

La misión de la Iglesia es proclamar las Buenas Nuevas del Reino de Dios a todas las Naciones hasta que Jesús regrese – Mateo 24:14. Jesús encargó a sus seguidores que anunciaran su mensaje a todas las naciones. Él lo resumió como las “ Buenas Nuevas del Reino de Dios .” A través de él y de su Asamblea, se establecerá el gobierno de Dios, pero de maneras inesperadas y paradójicas. Él establecerá su soberanía sobre la Tierra y someterá al “ Último Enemigo, la Muerte ”, en el momento de su aparición. ¡Sus discípulos deben proclamar su Evangelio hasta los “ confines de la Tierra ” hasta el último momento.

Jesús es la única Luz verdadera del Mundo, brillando más intensamente en la oscuridad; esta Luz significa Vida para el Mundo . La “ Vida ” se encuentra en la “ Palabra ” o ‘ Logos ’, y esta vida es la “ Luz de los hombres .” Está “ brillando en la oscuridad ”, y la oscuridad “ no puede apoderarse ” o suprimirla. Esta misma “ Palabra ” se ha convertido en la Palabra Viva del Padre en Jesús de Nazaret. En él, la gloria y la vida de Dios se manifiestan plenamente- (Juan 1:1).

To be the Messiah of Israel meant suffering and death for others, and Jesus summoned his disciples to follow that same path – Mark 8:31. Jesus explained what it meant to be Israel’s Messiah and the Son of God as his entourage approached Jerusalem, suffering and death . This was contrary to popular expectations, including those of his closest disciples. He also summoned anyone who wished to follow him to take up his cross and emulate his example. Failure to do so would result in shame before the Lord of Glory.