Teaching is my passion and teaching believers the Word of God is my calling. That's why I write a weekly newsletter from the Word of God. Knowledge builds faith and faith builds understanding. Drop your email below to receive helpful lessons about God's Word.
Who are God's Chosen People and the Royal Priesthood?
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Ask God: Jesus did many things differently. From His upside-down world to His radical love. The Kingdom of Heaven was a new concept to His disciples which His disciples grappled with. Good Evening Reader, Jesus explains who would be the greatest in the kingdom of God? His answer shocked his followers. It will shock some believers It is our privilege to study God's Word and learn about His kingdom. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us, teach us, and to strengthened us. May We Give God the glory. Elvin God's Upside-Down Kingdom The teachings of Jesus were spread over a little over three years. He packed a lot of information into those years. The events and teachings recorded in Matthew 18 occur after Jesus' transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13) and before His final journey to Jerusalem, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. This places Matthew 18 toward the latter part of Jesus' Galilean ministry, likely within the final six months before His crucifixion. Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom? Although Jesus told his disciples on several occasions that He would suffer, die, and be resurrected, His disciples could not comprehend the message of the cross. They assumed His kingdom would be earthly after He rose up and defeated the Roman government. The disciples came to Jesus to ask Him who would be the greatest in His kingdom. They were seeking prominent positions to rule with Jesus. But Jesus had an answer they did not expect, and they were shocked by His words. Let's look at verses 1 through 4 of the eighteenth chapter of Matthew. "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1-4). Imagine the shock on the faces of the disciples. What do you mean, Jesus: "Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus' answer surprised the disciples, as it often surprises many believers today. What is the Kingdom of Heaven? Sometimes, specific passages in the Word of God may seem unusual or counterintuitive. One such example is the concept of the kingdom of heaven. Unlike earthly kingdoms, God's kingdom operates on principles radically different from what we are accustomed to. This concept can be even more challenging for Americans because we live in a democratic system where the people have a say in government decisions. Citizens vote for their leaders and can elect new representatives after a set term. Leadership is temporary and subject to the will of the people. A kingdom, however, functions quite differently. In a true monarchy, the head of state is a king, not an elected official. A king rules not for a fixed term, but for life. Upon his passing, the throne is inherited by his successor—usually a member of his family. In a kingdom, the king holds absolute authority. His word is law, and he expects complete loyalty from his subjects. The kingdom of heaven follows this structure, yet it operates on divine principles that often challenge worldly expectations, flipping conventional ideas of power, leadership, and greatness upside down. "Kingdom of heaven" and "kingdom of God" are used interchangeably. Matthew used the term "kingdom of heaven" because his audience was predominantly Jewish, who were opposed to using the word "God" in their conversations and writings. Two Kingdoms: One Spiritual and One Physical Jesus often spoke of two kingdoms: a spiritual kingdom and a physical kingdom. They are in total harmony with each other. Spiritual Kingdom The spiritual kingdom is a kingdom of heaven believers enter by accepting Christ as Lord and Savior. It exists in the hearts of believers committed to making Jesus the king of their lives. Luke 17:21 says, "For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." This spiritual kingdom is not a political system or a physical kingdom. Still, it is established within the believer when God rules in the heart of a believer. "See ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). Putting God first in our lives makes Him king. Matthew 4:17 says, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus' arrival inaugurated the kingdom spiritually. The spiritual kingdom grows like a mustard seed, enabling believers to advance spiritually in God's kingdom. God sent a Helper, the Holy Spirit, to help believers to grow spiritually. Physical Kingdom Jesus will set up His physical kingdom when He returns and begins His reign during the millennium, and believers will reign with Him. During the 1,000 years, Jesus will reign over all nations. Matthew 25:31 says, "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne." When Jesus returns to the earth with great power, He will take his place on the throne as King and Judge. This event describes the second coming of Jesus. Zechariah says, "And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day, there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped." Jesus will rule the whole earth. Understanding How God's Kingdom Affects You It is necessary to understand God's Word to remove the confusion that may exist in the minds of believers. All of Jesus' teachings fall into place when we understand the upside-down kingdom. Just as Jesus' disciples did not fully understand Jesus' teaching, we must read and study God's Word to grasp the complete picture Jesus taught. Summary The Kingdom of Heaven is already here spiritually because Jesus reigns in the hearts of believers. However, it is not yet fully established because Jesus has not returned to rule physically. Today, we live in the spiritual phase, spreading the Gospel and living under Jesus' authority. One day, He will return and establish His Kingdom on earth, fulfilling all the promises about His reign. So, the Kingdom is both present and future!" Make Jesus king of your life by making Him first in all you do. May all glory go to God. Elvin What is Wrong With This Picture?
Reader, Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose. Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family. Grow in the knowledge of God. Elvin Send your comments to elvin.aycock@AskGodForHelp.net and let me know what you think of the lessons. Go to: www.AskGodForHelp.net To See More Living Life Lessons |
Grow in the Knowledge of God's Word
Teaching is my passion and teaching believers the Word of God is my calling. That's why I write a weekly newsletter from the Word of God. Knowledge builds faith and faith builds understanding. Drop your email below to receive helpful lessons about God's Word.