Have you ever had someone question your rightful authority? Have you ever given a truthful answer only to be called a liar, ridiculed, lectured, and mocked? Have you ever experienced ill consequences as a result of someone else’s false decision of who you are, your intentions, or your actions? If you have, you know how terrible you may feel as a result.
And yet, this is exactly what Jesus faced! It’s hard to fathom! Yet, even as Jesus faced a trial and the questions of Pilate, and even as the crowds rallied against him; He still responded with love and grace. It serves as a reminder that the world is broken. Kings and kingdoms often plot against God’s purposes.
But what did Jesus say? “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36) He knew that He would be put to death; yet out of love, he chose to face the Cross for us.
It’s a beautiful picture of willing self-sacrifice and unfathomable love. But it is also a picture of the clash between two kingdoms. While the earthly kingdom shows itself to be in utter mutiny, Christ’s kingdom shows itself to be loving and giving and serving. It is God’s gracious and grand plan for our salvation.
We live in a world of unrighteousness and evil, yet we follow the One who is perfect in righteousness. How, then, should Christians live? As we will see together this week, the New Testament reminds us that we should live as though Jesus is King, and be his kingdom ambassadors. I look forward to seeing you either in person or online (even though I can’t really see you online, can I?)
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
And yet, this is exactly what Jesus faced! It’s hard to fathom! Yet, even as Jesus faced a trial and the questions of Pilate, and even as the crowds rallied against him; He still responded with love and grace. It serves as a reminder that the world is broken. Kings and kingdoms often plot against God’s purposes.
But what did Jesus say? “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36) He knew that He would be put to death; yet out of love, he chose to face the Cross for us.
It’s a beautiful picture of willing self-sacrifice and unfathomable love. But it is also a picture of the clash between two kingdoms. While the earthly kingdom shows itself to be in utter mutiny, Christ’s kingdom shows itself to be loving and giving and serving. It is God’s gracious and grand plan for our salvation.
We live in a world of unrighteousness and evil, yet we follow the One who is perfect in righteousness. How, then, should Christians live? As we will see together this week, the New Testament reminds us that we should live as though Jesus is King, and be his kingdom ambassadors. I look forward to seeing you either in person or online (even though I can’t really see you online, can I?)
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
No Comments