[close] Israel expected the Messiah to be a conquering hero who would liberate the Jews from their Roman servitude. But instead, Christ came as a suffering servant to liberate all mankind from slavery to sin. The Gospel of Mark records Christ's public ministry as a journey to the Cross, yet - paradoxically again - as a time of vigorous action when His miracles astounded the multitudes, and His boldness infuriated His foes. [close]