BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 1 - LukeSampl

After reading Jesus’ manifesto of his upside-down Kingdom, we might begin to question how powerful a “turn-the-other-cheek king” could be. But Jesus’ grace is not weakness. As we continue to read, we see that King Jesus has the power even to raise the dead.

Many of the people who see and hear Jesus doing all these amazing miracles know that he acts by the power of God. But John the Baptist can’t see and hear all that’s going on while he’s in prison. He starts to wonder if Jesus is really who John thought he was. Jesus sends word back to John by quoting the prophet Isaiah again: “the poor have the good news.” John knows that this word refers to the coming Messiah. But he also knows that the next verses on Isaiah’s scroll predict that the Messiah would proclaim “freedom to prisoners,” so why is John still captive? Did Jesus forget him? Jesus sees John’s predicament and adds a promise, “blessed is he who does not take offense at me.”

But many refuse this blessing and take offense at Jesus, especially the religious leaders. They don’t understand Jesus’ generosity towards outsiders who have made a mess of their lives. But Jesus knows what to do with messes when they are brought to him. For example, Luke records that when the woman at the party humbles herself to wash Jesus’ feet with her thankful tears, Jesus washes her whole life with his forgiveness. And he’s ready to do the same for us when we come to him.

This is the upside-down Kingdom––the great reversal. We might expect our mistakes to make the king inaccessible, but Jesus is not like other kings. He is gracious and approachable––not even death or prison walls can separate his people from his love.

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• Take time to imagine being at the scene when Jesus brought the little girl and the young boy back to life. How would you feel? What would you do?
  
• Do you feel forgotten or left out of one of God’s benefits? Jesus assures the crowds that he is at work and gives a blessing to those who resist being offended when they can’t see his benefits. How does that assurance sit with you?
  
• The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet was not afraid to show her love for him. Do you know anyone like that? How do they show their love for Jesus?
  
• Our love for Jesus is in direct proportion to our understanding of how much he’s forgiven us. Have you asked Jesus to forgive you for all your sins? If so, reflect on how much Jesus has forgiven you––really think about it. What is one way you can show Jesus your love today?
  
• Let your reading and reflection prompt an honest prayer from your heart.