 The Paradox of Jesus' Kingdom: Humility, Suffering, and Inclusion
Life has a way of throwing paradoxes our way—those moments where everything you thought you knew is flipped upside down. I remember a Super Bowl moment in 2014 when the Broncos, led by the legendary Peyton Manning, were expected to triumph. But the game started with an embarrassing mistake, setting the tone for a crushing loss. We’ve all experienced that, right? When we set expectations, only to see things unfold in a completely different way. What if I told you that the Kingdom of God operates in the same unexpected manner? A kingdom where humility trumps power, suffering leads to victory, and inclusion opens the doors to everyone—even the most unexpected people. This is the paradox of Jesus’ Kingdom. A Kingdom Built on Humility, Not Power In Matthew 21:1-5, we see Jesus entering Jerusalem—not on a powerful warhorse, but on a humble donkey. This wasn’t a random choice; it was a deliberate statement about the nature of His Kingdom. Jesus’ entrance fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, signifying a King who brings peace, not conquest. This act shows us that true greatness in God's Kingdom isn’t about wielding power or control, but serving others with humility. Think about it: In a world obsessed with status, power, and control, Jesus calls us to a completely different way of living. Imagine the leader of a country stepping out of a grand motorcade and instead walking among the people, listening to the outcasts, and humbly serving others. That’s the leadership Jesus modeled. As we reflect on this, ask yourself: How can you lead with humility in your own life? In your family, workplace, and community—how can you serve those around you rather than assert control? A Kingdom Founded on Suffering, Not Glory The crowds in Jerusalem expected a political hero who would overthrow the Romans, but Jesus had something entirely different in mind. In Matthew 21:6-9, the people welcomed Him with shouts of “Hosanna!” (meaning "Save us!"), yet they didn’t fully grasp that His path was one of suffering, not glory. Jesus didn’t come to bring political liberation; He came to offer spiritual salvation through His suffering and death. This is a powerful reminder for us today. When we face hardship and suffering, we are invited to follow Jesus’ example. Instead of avoiding pain, we’re called to embrace it with the confidence that God is working in ways we may not immediately understand. True greatness, according to Jesus, isn’t found in what we gain, but in what we give away. When we suffer, we become more like Him. In our moments of struggle, we can trust that Jesus is with us, showing us the way through the cross. A Kingdom Open to All, Not Just the Elite Finally, in Matthew 21:10-11, we see a city stirred with excitement and curiosity as Jesus enters. But as the crowd asks, “Who is this?” they’re still confused about His identity. While they recognized Him as the Messiah, they thought He came to free them from Roman oppression. What they didn’t realize is that Jesus came for everyone—no matter their status, background, or past. His Kingdom isn’t for the elite, but for the broken, humble, and weary. This is the heart of Jesus’ message: the Kingdom of God is open to all who would come. No one is excluded based on race, class, or background. If you’ve ever felt unworthy or like you don’t measure up, take heart—Jesus has already prepared a place for you. All are invited to come, not because they deserve it, but because of His grace. Embracing the Paradox Jesus’ Kingdom is filled with paradoxes. It’s not about power, but humility. It’s not about glory, but suffering. And it’s not about exclusion, but inclusion. If we’re truly going to live as part of this Kingdom, we must embrace these paradoxes in our daily lives. Are you willing to follow the King who entered humbly on a donkey, who suffered for your sins, and who welcomes all who believe? The Kingdom of God is not just a concept to understand—it’s a way of life to live. So, let’s choose the paradox of Jesus’ Kingdom today. Let’s live out the humility, the sacrifice, and the inclusion He demonstrated. The Kingdom is here, and it’s open to you now. Will you take your place at His table? The Invitation If you’ve never truly understood the message of Jesus, or if you’ve been living in a way that prioritizes worldly success over His Kingdom values, I invite you to take a moment and reflect. The Kingdom of God is open to all, and it’s never too late to choose the way of Jesus. Will you follow Him today? If you want to learn more about what it means to follow Jesus, reach out. I'd love to pray with you and walk this journey together. Jesus’ Kingdom is a paradox—a Kingdom where humility leads to power, suffering brings glory, and all are invited to come and be part of something far greater than we could ever imagine. Let's live into this Kingdom today!  The New Wine: A Sign of Jesus’ Provision
Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of my favorite passages in Scripture, John 2:1-11, where Jesus performs his first miracle at a wedding in Cana. It’s a story of unexpected provision, grace, and a glimpse of the kingdom of God. A Wedding Without Wine In Jesus’ time, weddings weren’t just a one-day event—they lasted up to two weeks! Wine was an essential part of these celebrations, symbolizing joy and abundance. To run out of wine at a wedding was a major embarrassment. The groom was responsible for ensuring there was enough for everyone, and when the wine ran out, it could have meant public shame. Mary, Jesus’ mother, notices the shortage and asks Jesus to help. Despite initially saying that His time had not yet come, Jesus steps in and performs a miracle that shows us much more than just solving a logistical problem. He transforms ordinary water into high-quality wine, more than enough to meet the needs of the celebration. Jesus not only saves the day but reveals something deeper about Himself and His mission. From Ordinary to Extraordinary Jesus instructs the servants to fill six stone jars, which were used for purification rituals, with water. These jars were massive—about the size of two large bathtubs! Jesus then turns the water into wine, a symbol of His ability to provide abundantly and to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. In Jewish culture, wine was more than a drink; it was a symbol of joy and blessing. The wine Jesus provides at this wedding is not just any wine—it’s the best wine, saved for last, far better than anyone could have imagined. This moment points to the future kingdom of God, where there will be no lack, and every need will be abundantly met. A Sign of Jesus' Kingdom This miracle is a sign of what’s to come. In the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah spoke of a time when God would restore His people and bring joy, symbolized by an abundance of wine. Jesus, through this act, begins to fulfill that prophecy, showing that the kingdom of God has arrived in Him. He doesn’t just provide for the immediate need of the wedding guests; He offers a preview of the fullness and joy that His kingdom will bring. The transformation of water into wine is a glimpse of the transformation He wants to bring to our lives—turning the ordinary, the broken, and the sinful into something new and abundant. What Does This Mean for Us? For us today, this story is a reminder that Jesus provides exactly what we need, and often in ways we don't expect. Whether it's joy in a season of sorrow, peace in the midst of chaos, or provision when we feel like we're running on empty, Jesus is always ready to step in. Jesus offers us a new identity and a new life—just like He turned water into wine, He offers to turn our lives from ordinary to extraordinary. If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus, I encourage you to do so today. He is the one who can redeem, transform, and give us everything we need, just as He did at the wedding in Cana. Conclusion: As we reflect on this beautiful story, let's remember that Jesus is always ready to meet us in our need. He is the bridegroom who provides what we lack, and through His miraculous provision, we get a taste of the joy and peace that await us in His kingdom. Take a moment to meditate on this truth: Jesus has come to provide for us in abundance. He has given His life for ours and invites us to celebrate the new life He offers. Let this be a reminder that, in Christ, we lack nothing. His love and grace are more than enough.  Unity in Christ: Embracing Humility for the Greater Good
Unity is often a difficult goal to achieve, especially in a world filled with division and conflict. Even within the church, where the message of love and reconciliation should reign supreme, we often find ourselves grappling with differences that can create tension. Yet, as we reflect on Philippians 2:1-11, Paul offers a profound reminder that unity in Christ isn't just a possibility—it’s a requirement, one that calls us to humble self-sacrifice, modeled after the life of Jesus Christ. The Call to Unity Unity among believers isn’t about superficial agreement or avoiding difficult conversations—it’s about a deep, relational connection rooted in the love of Christ. In Philippians 2:1-2, Paul urges us to “be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” This unity, as Paul outlines, is not grounded in our individual preferences, but in the encouragement and comfort we receive from Christ’s love. When we are united in Christ, we are united in purpose, and that purpose is to glorify God and advance His kingdom together. The Role of Humility However, unity cannot thrive without humility. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul states, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Pride, whether in leadership or personal relationships, is a major stumbling block to unity. Humility, on the other hand, creates space for grace to flow, for hearts to connect, and for conflict to be resolved. Unity thrives when we embrace humility—not only thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less, as C.S. Lewis once put it. When we do this, we open the door for God's grace to work powerfully within our church, enabling us to live in harmony and fulfill the mission He has given us. Christ as the Ultimate Example The ultimate model of humility is Jesus Christ Himself. As Paul writes in Philippians 2:5-8, Jesus, “though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” Jesus demonstrated the greatest act of humility by becoming a servant, even to the point of death on a cross. His humility wasn’t a weakness—it was a display of strength and love. Through His self-sacrifice, He provided the perfect example for us to follow. Christ’s example challenges us to lay aside our egos and adopt the same attitude of humility, serving one another selflessly. The Reward of Humility: Exaltation by God What’s incredible is that Jesus’ humility was not the end of His story. Philippians 2:9-11 reveals that God, in response to Jesus’ obedience, “highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name.” Jesus’ humble sacrifice led to His ultimate exaltation. This teaches us that true honor and glory come not from self-promotion, but from humility and obedience. As we humble ourselves in service to others, God promises to lift us up in His perfect timing. Living Out Humility and Unity Today As we reflect on these truths, the call to humility and unity is clear. The church must be a place where pride is surrendered, and grace flows abundantly. Let us examine our hearts and relationships—are we seeking unity in Christ, or are we allowing selfishness and pride to divide us? In our homes, workplaces, and communities, we are called to mirror Christ’s humility and live in unity with others. It may require sacrifice, but it’s through this humility that we will experience the unity that Christ desires for His body. As we move forward together, let's commit to embracing the mind of Christ, choosing humility, and striving for unity in all our relationships. When we do this, we not only reflect Christ’s love but also strengthen the witness of the church to the world around us. Practical Steps for Unity:
Let’s live out these truths with a heart transformed by the humility of Christ, for it is through Him that true unity is possible.  God Advances the Gospel in Adversity
Adversity is something we all face, but have you ever stopped to consider that God might be using it for a greater purpose? Times of hardship can often leave us feeling helpless, yet when we look back, we often see how God uses our struggles to further His kingdom. This is the theme we’ll explore today from Philippians 1:12-18, where the Apostle Paul shows us how adversity can be a tool for advancing the gospel. Historical Example: The Moravian Church Let me start by taking you back to the early 18th century when the Moravian Church, led by Count Nikolaus Zinzendorf, fled religious persecution in Europe. In 1727, they found refuge in Herrnhut, Germany, but their resources were scarce. Amidst their struggles, God provided for their needs in miraculous ways, including an unexpected delivery of food when their supplies had run out. The Moravians’ faith in God’s provision not only helped them survive, but it fueled their global missionary efforts, inspiring the spread of the gospel far and wide. Much of the global church’s missionary strategies today still draw from the Moravians' model of outreach and faith. God Uses Adversity for Gospel Advancement This historical story is a beautiful illustration of how God can turn adversity into an opportunity for the gospel. In Philippians 1:12-18, Paul is in prison, and rather than viewing his imprisonment as a setback, he sees it as an opportunity for the gospel to spread. Paul writes in verse 12, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” From a human perspective, being in prison would seem to hinder progress, but Paul’s imprisonment actually opened doors for the gospel to reach the imperial guard and beyond. His hardship became a platform for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Boldness in Witness Is Contagious Paul’s unwavering faith in prison didn’t just impact him; it emboldened other believers to speak the word of God more boldly (v. 14). His courage in the face of suffering inspired others to boldly proclaim Christ, regardless of their own fears. We see similar examples in history. During the Boxer Rebellion in China, many missionaries, including John and Betty Stam, faced violent persecution. Despite the danger, their steadfast faith inspired countless others to continue spreading the gospel in China. Paul’s story and the Stams’ bravery demonstrate how boldness in our witness is contagious—when we live courageously for Christ, others will be encouraged to do the same. The Gospel Proclaimed Is the Greater Good Paul also addresses a concern that some were preaching the gospel out of selfish ambition, yet he rejoices because the gospel was being proclaimed. In verses 15-17, he says, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” Paul’s perspective challenges us to focus on the greater good: the gospel. While human motives may be flawed, the message of salvation remains powerful. Like William Carey, who faced opposition from a fellow missionary with selfish motives, we can trust that God’s purposes will prevail. Even when others’ motivations aren’t pure, the gospel is still being shared, and that’s what ultimately matters. Rejoice in the Gospel, Regardless of Circumstances Finally, Paul encourages us to rejoice in the gospel, no matter what our circumstances may be (v. 18). His joy was not based on his imprisonment but on the advancement of the gospel. In our own lives, we may face illness, financial struggles, or loss, but like Paul, we can find joy in the gospel, which is unshakable and eternal. When we focus on Jesus and the hope we have in Him, we can rejoice regardless of what’s happening around us. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Conclusion In conclusion, adversity is not an obstacle to the gospel; it is often the very means by which God advances it. Just as a seed grows in the darkness of the soil, our hardships can become fertile ground for the gospel to take root and spread. Boldness in witness is contagious, and when the gospel is proclaimed, we can rejoice, regardless of our circumstances. Let us trust that God can and does use adversity for His greater purposes. Even in the hardest moments, we can be confident that God is at work, turning our struggles into opportunities to further His kingdom. Let us live boldly, prioritize the gospel, and find our joy in Christ, knowing that the gospel is unstoppable. Action Steps:
If you haven’t placed your faith in Jesus yet, today is the day. Let your joy and confidence be rooted in the One who is perfectly faithful, and who will never fail you. |
