2024/03/25

136. The Way for the Kings

The Synoptic Gospels do not record the scene where Jesus takes up his cross. On the other hand, the Gospel of John states, "So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Gol'gotha" (John 19:17). 

'Cross' is a word not found in Old Testament prophecy. Hence, when we consider that the testimony of the cross of Jesus is about the new covenant, we can see a particular meaning in his words that he told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). 

The "his cross" borne by one who has denied himself does not belong to him. It alludes to the 'name of Christ', which Jesus had strictly warned his disciples not to tell anyone (cf. Matthew 16:20). The above words, placed interspersed with the foretelling of his Passion (cf. Matthew 16:21-23), imply that Jesus asked his disciples to take up that name as 'their cross'. 

The steps towards Gol'gotha of Jesus, who himself carried the cross, overlap with his public life heading towards the Last Supper. Jesus' body on the cross and the bread that Jesus said, "Take, eat; this is my body" (Matthew 26:26), are both the body of Christ. So, this bread will also die, just as Jesus' body underwent death. 

The path of following Jesus, bearing 'the name of Christ', always leads to the Mass liturgy. That path leading to life through truth is not a smooth one. Even if we are blessed with the times, we will encounter situations where we are stuck in front of various obstacles and barriers. As Peter said, "[Y]et if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but under that name let him glorify God" (1 Peter 4:16), and with the same thought in mind, we intently go out searching for the way to the Mass liturgy, overcoming and sometimes dealing with these obstacles. 

Then, the path taken by Christians who receive the blessing of the dispensation and enter the daily routine towards the next Mass liturgy becomes "the way for the kings from the east" (Revelation 16:12). The "east" refers to the place of the Mass liturgy is celebrated, where "the Lord God will be their light" (Revelation 22:5), and the "kings" signify the Christians who follow "Jesus Christ, … the ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5).

Jesus himself carried the cross and went out to the place "which is called in Hebrew Gol'gotha". His disciples themselves carry 'the name of Christ' and go out to the place "which is called in Hebrew Armaged'don" (Revelation 16:16). The place is where, in Revelation, three foul spirits have assembled the kings. There awaits "a great white throne and him who sat upon it" (Revelation 20:11). The saving work of the evil spirits, which Jesus entrusted to the future Church, will take place here.

Maria K. M.

Prophetic Composition of the Book of Revelation
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