At the Cross, Jesus is mockingly called the “Messiah” and the “King of Israel,” challenging His divine role and power. Those present demand a miraculous escape as proof of His favour. This highlights the essence of faith – whether it’s rooted in blessings, signs, or an unwavering trust in Christ, even in the face of suffering on the Cross. It prompts us to reflect on the true basis of our faith beyond mere circumstantial evidence.
Those at the Cross threw Jesus’ claims back in his face as he died in agony! How painful that must have been for Jesus!
Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” – Mark 15:32
Here, those at the Cross, mockingly call Jesus both the “Messiah” and the “King of Israel.” The Messiah was the one whom God had anointed – the chosen one. The King of Israel was the one whom God had chosen to be his anointed and powerful ruler.
Those at the Cross are throwing both these titles into the face of the Saviour in his darkest hour, telling him that he is neither chosen or favoured by God, nor does he have any power whatsoever.
They taunt him with the apparently logical conclusion that if he were favoured by God, and if he had any power, he would come down from the Cross. If Christ were to do that, they say, then they would believe.
This was simply the culmination of the Jews’ unbelief. As Jesus had said to them in John 4:48, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”
The Cross crystallises the true basis of faith. Why do you believe? Is it because of the blessings that you have apparently received? Is it because of the evident favour of God upon you? Or because of signs and miracles?
Or do you believe despite the current circumstances, simply because you trust? Do you hold firm to Jesus, even when his power in your life isn’t manifested in apparent glory, but in the suffering of the Cross?
