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= 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 ==

{| class="wikitable"
! 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]]