Inauguration of Jesus

I came across this several months ago while reading "Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw.  Since then I've read more about the idea from Ray VanderLaan (www.followtherabbi.com) and another blog (www.fishingtheabyss.com).  The Gospel of Mark is aimed at a primarily Roman audience.  The book moves along quickly but explains Jewish customs so that a Roman audience could understand.  One of beautiful parts of Mark's Gospel is his comparing the coronation of Caesar to the crucifixion of Jesus.  This happens in 9 different points:

1. The Praetorian Guard would surround Caesar in preparation for his coronation.  Mark points out that it is the Praetorian guards in Jerusalem that Jesus is handed over to.
2. A golden olive-wreath, purple robe and scepter were given to Caesar to show his authority.  The soldiers create their own crown for Jesus, place a purple robe and him, give him a scepter.
3. The Praetorian guard chanted "Hail Caesar!  Triumphe!  Show us you are god!"  and publicly proclaimed Caesar as lord.  The guards around Jesus pay "homage" to Jesus and mock him as Lord.
4. The procession would begin.  Caesar lead a sacrificial bull which would give him entrance into the pantheon of gods.  A servant would carry the axe, the instrument of sacrifice.  Simon the Cyrene is pulled from the crowd and made to carry Jesus' cross.
5. In Rome, the procession would culminate at the Capitoleum, otherwise known as "Head Hill".  Jesus is taken to Golgotha or "the Place of the Skull".
6. At the Capitoleum, Caesar was offered wine mixed with myrrh.  He would refuse and poor the bull onto the bull to symbolize his connection with the bull.  Immediately after the bull was executed.  Jesus is offered wine mixed with myrrh.  Immediately after refusing, Jesus is crucified.
7. Caesar would take his first and second-in-command on his right and left and ascend to the throne of the capitoleum.  Jesus has two insurrectionists nailed on his right and left.
8. The crowd would acclaim "Hail Caesar!  Show us you are god!"  The crowd mocks Jesus, "Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe."
9. Everyone would wait for a symbol from the gods to show their approval of Caesar.  At least once there was an eclipse on the same day.  Jesus dies, the curtain in the temple is torn, darkness covers the earth, earthquakes open the tombs of holy people who begin walking around.  And a Roman soldier declares, "Surely, this man was the Son of God."

Even in what seems to be the darkest hour Jesus is declaring his power over Caesar.  His inauguration is the beginning of a new Kingdom.  It is something radically different than Rome; something radically different than any earthly kingdom.  Later the first Christians would make a bold statement that clashed with Rome.  Instead of declaring "Caesar is lord" they proclaim "Jesus as Lord."

Perhaps its a slightly different look at Good Friday.  A day of celebrating a new kingdom and a new citizenship.