Why the Messiah Had to Suffer Before He Reigns

Why the Messiah Had to Suffer Before He Reigns

Many expected the Messiah to come as a conquering king, overthrowing enemies and establishing God's Kingdom. But the New Testament reveals that Jesus the Messiah came first to suffer and die — not to defeat Rome, but to defeat sin.

The Real Problem Was Sin, Not Politics

In the first century, many Jews expected a political Messiah who would:

• Deliver them from Roman rule
• Restore the throne of David
• Bring peace and justice to Israel

But Jesus revealed that humanity's deeper bondage was spiritual:

• “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34)
• “The Son of Man came to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

=== Sin had to be defeated before a righteous Kingdom could be established.

God’s Justice Demands Atonement

God is holy and just. Before He can reign among His people, the problem of sin must be addressed.

Jesus fulfills:

• The Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53: “He was pierced for our transgressions...”
• The Passover Lamb (Exodus 12)
• The sin offering of Leviticus 16 (Yom Kippur)

The First Coming: Redemption

Jesus' first coming focused on:

• Teaching truth
• Revealing the Father
• Dying for sin
• Rising in victory

> “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

His mission was to create **a redeemed people**, not just an earthly kingdom.

The Second Coming: Restoration

When Jesus returns:

• He will reign as King (Revelation 19:16)
• He will judge the nations (Matthew 25:31–46)
• He will restore all things (Acts 3:21)

Comparison Table: First and Second Coming of the Messiah

First Coming	Second Coming
As a servant (Isaiah 53)	As a king (Zechariah 14)
Deals with sin	Deals with Satan and rebellion
Brings salvation	Brings judgment
Offers peace	Enforces peace
Rejected by many	Recognized by all (Philippians 2:10–11)

Summary

The Messiah had to suffer first because sin was the core problem. He came to:

• Bear sin
• Break the power of death
• Purchase a redeemed people

Only once sin is dealt with can He return as King to rule a holy people in a holy Kingdom.

See Also

• Sin: Humanity’s Problem
• The Kingdom of God
• Law and Human Nature
• Jesus as King and Judge
• End of the Age: Biblical Prophecies