Dying for His Friends vs. Dying for His Enemies
It is easy to assume that the mission of Jesus Christ was a singular, uniform message delivered to all people simultaneously. However, a deeper examination of the Bible—specifically comparing the four Gospels with the Pauline Epistles—reveals a profound dispensational distinction. This post explores the "manifold wisdom of God" in how Christ identified with Israel as their Friend, while simultaneously paving a "hidden" way to reconcile the Gentiles, who were His Enemies.
The Ministry to the Circumcision: Dying for His "Friends"
During His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ was "a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God" (Romans 15:8). He came to His own nation, Israel, and His language toward them was that of a devoted companion. In the Upper Room, Jesus defined the nature of His impending sacrifice through the lens of friendship.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." — John 15:13-14 (KJB)
This was not a generic statement to all of humanity; it was a specific identification with the "house of Judah." Even in prophecy, this relationship is maintained. When Christ returns to the Mount of Olives, as alluded to in Zechariah 13:6 (often associated with the context of Ezekiel's imagery of the Lord's return), He is asked about the scars in His hands.
