Simply Jesus

1. Jesus redefined God's kingdom as present and future

"The time is fulfilled!" he said. "God's kingdom is arriving! Turn back, and believe the good news!"

Kingdom inaugurated. Jesus proclaimed that God's reign was breaking into the present, while also pointing to a future fulfillment. He demonstrated this through healings, exorcisms, and teachings that showed God's power at work. Jesus reframed traditional expectations of a political messiah, instead embodying God's rule through acts of love, forgiveness, and restoration.

Present and future. Jesus taught his followers to pray "Your kingdom come," indicating an ongoing process. He spoke of the kingdom as a present reality ("The kingdom of God is among you") and as something still to come in fullness. This tension between "already" and "not yet" aspects of God's reign became a key feature of early Christian understanding.

• Present signs: Healings, forgiveness, inclusion of outcasts
• Future hope: Final judgment, resurrection, new creation

2. Jesus embodied God's presence and rule on earth

Jesus was behaving as if he were the Temple in person.

Living Temple. Jesus claimed to be the place where heaven and earth intersect, fulfilling and surpassing the role of the Jerusalem Temple. His actions and teachings suggested that God's presence was now uniquely available through him, rather than being confined to a physical building.

Divine authority. Jesus acted with an authority that shocked and challenged religious leaders. He forgave sins, reinterpreted Scripture, and claimed a unique relationship with God as Father. The transfiguration episode dramatically portrayed Jesus as the embodiment of God's glory and the fulfillment of Israel's hopes.

• Temple actions: Cleansing, predicting destruction, "rebuilding in three days"
• Divine prerogatives: Forgiving sins, Lord of Sabbath, "I am" statements

3. Jesus's death and resurrection were central to his mission

Jesus really does seem to have believed not only that this was indeed the way to fight the battle, but that this was also the way to rebuild, to reconstitute, the Temple.

Redefining victory. Jesus saw his impending death not as a failure, but as the means by which God's kingdom would be established. He interpreted his mission through the lens of Isaiah's Suffering Servant, believing that through his sacrificial death he would defeat evil and bring about true liberation.

New creation. The resurrection of Jesus was understood as the inauguration of God's new creation, the firstfruits of the promised resurrection and renewal of all things. It vindicated Jesus's claims and mission, demonstrating God's victory over the powers of sin and death.

• Passion predictions: Jesus repeatedly foretold his death and resurrection
• Resurrection appearances: Emphasized bodily nature, continuity and transformation

4. The early church continued Jesus's kingdom work

This is how Jesus puts his kingdom achievement into operation: through the humans he has rescued.

Spirit-empowered witness. The book of Acts portrays the early church as continuing Jesus's mission through the power of the Holy Spirit. The apostles' preaching, healings, and community life were seen as signs that God's kingdom was advancing.

Kingdom expansion. The church's growth from Jerusalem to "the ends of the earth" fulfilled Jesus's commission and demonstrated the universal scope of God's reign. The inclusion of Gentiles showed that the kingdom transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries.

• Pentecost: Empowerment for witness
• Church life: Sharing possessions, caring for the needy, miraculous signs
• Missionary journeys: Spread of the gospel throughout the Roman Empire

5. Jesus's lordship challenges worldly power structures

Jesus is radically upstaging Caesar.

Subversive claim. Proclaiming "Jesus is Lord" in the Roman world was a direct challenge to Caesar's authority. Early Christians faced persecution for their refusal to participate in emperor worship and their allegiance to a different king.

Alternative kingdom. Jesus's teachings and the early church's practices presented an alternative vision of power and community. This "upside-down kingdom" valued service, humility, and love of enemies over domination and violence.

• Sermon on the Mount: Redefining blessing, ethics, and true righteousness
• Church as contrast society: Equality, care for marginalized, non-violence

6. Jesus delegates his authority to his followers

God works through Jesus; Jesus works through his followers.

Shared mission. Jesus intentionally involved his disciples in his ministry, sending them out to preach, heal, and cast out demons. After his resurrection, he commissioned them to continue his work of proclaiming and embodying God's kingdom.

Empowered community. The church is described as the "body of Christ," carrying on Jesus's presence and mission in the world. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to manifest God's reign in diverse ways.

• Discipleship: Training the Twelve, sending out the seventy
• Spiritual gifts: Diverse manifestations of the Spirit for the common good
• Priesthood of all believers: All Christians called to represent God to the world

7. The kingdom of God transforms individuals and society

The kingdom is coming "on earth as in heaven."

Personal transformation. Entering God's kingdom involves repentance and faith, leading to a new identity and way of life. Jesus's teachings emphasize the inner transformation of heart and mind that characterizes kingdom citizens.

Social impact. The kingdom of God has implications for all areas of life – economics, politics, relationships, and culture. While not identical with any human political program, it calls for concrete actions to align society with God's will.

• Fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, etc. as signs of kingdom life
• Justice and mercy: Care for the poor, oppressed, and marginalized
• Creation care: Stewardship of the earth as part of God's kingdom purposes

Last updated: September 12, 2024