CICQ8

What would it look like to see blueprints of the Kingdom? At this point in his ministry, Jesus reveals key attitudes that his disciples are to embody, for they themselves, are the kingdom that he is building! As Christians, we are to be a transformed people that look like our King. Imagine kingdom communities across the world embodying the character of Jesus. This is Jesus' plan and he will build his church.

Proverbs says it is a man's glory to overlook an offense. But what are we to do when an offense cannot be overlooked? Sin in the church is serious and Jesus teaches that the goal in difficult and necessary confrontations is that your brother or sister might hear. Discipline is one aspect of discipleship. Humble, clarifying confrontations can lead to the restoration of God's people within kingdom communities.

What is the heart of God towards his people? Jesus reveals that it is the heart of a shepherd. God treasures each sheep in the flock of his heavenly kingdom. The King came to rescue the lost and seek after those who go astray. Does our heart reflect the heart of God towards other Christians? Let us not despise God's people, but rather join Christ in searching for them when they go astray.

Sin is real. Jesus takes sin seriously and knows exactly what sin is, where it comes from, and how it affects us. Jesus paid sin's penalty for his people on the cross and by the power of the Spirit, he helps remove and eliminate the power of sin from our lives. One day, Christians will be eternally removed from the presence of sin. Until that day, we are commanded to overcome sin by the wisdom of the King.

In his fourth discourse, Jesus further clarifies the nature of his kingdom. He teaches his people to be childlike (not childish) and further, to receive children in the faith is to receive the King himself! Jesus cares strongly about how we treat his people—especially the weak, young, and the most vulnerable in the faith. Christians are instructed and warned about discipling the next generation.

Jesus knows our questions. Jesus knows our hearts. Though not obligated to do so, Jesus was willing to give up his rights as the King of the kingdom for the sake of others. The Son of God gives true freedom, provides for our needs, and teaches us what it means to be truly great. We must continually relinquish our independence and humbly depend on God in Christ as children of the kingdom.

What does it look like to follow Jesus as the Christ or Anointed King? It means embracing Christ crucified—dead and buried—prior to the crown. This is a difficult and surprising reality for the disciples. Jesus has a cross to bear and so do we. Discipleship is a journey of growing in grace and understanding. We must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus. This is the pattern of the King and his Kingdom.

"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" There were many ideas of who Jesus truly was floating around in the first century. There are many ideas about who he is floating around today! Sadly, many are not even considering this weighty question that has eternal implications for us all. Jesus directs his words to the heart. "But who do you say that I am?" This is the centerpiece question of Matthew's gospel and our very lives.

In our passage today, many gather around tables. Encounters with Jesus lead to the truth about the human heart. Jesus takes his disciples beyond man-made traditions and peels back layers of prejudice. God's kingdom addresses the heart. The Father's kingdom is for all—Jew and Gentile—who come to Christ by faith. Every other plant will be rooted up.

Christ is risen from the dead! This paradigm shifting hope gripped the hearts of Jesus' first disciples and continues to grip the hearts of his followers today. Yet, notice how deeply personal this hope is for the women at the tomb that first resurrection morning. Every believer throughout history will one day experience the personal touch of Christ when he wipes every tear from their eyes. Such hope stirs our hearts to worship Christ the Lord.