King of Kings

Summary

This powerful video script explores the concept of Jesus as the ultimate King, drawing parallels between Him and King David, and highlighting Jesus' warrior-like nature. It delves into the dynamics of scapegoating in human society, using Renee Girard’s theory to explain the destructive cycles of blame and accusation. Through the story of Jesus’ interactions with the adulterous woman, the script shows the transformative power of compassion and forgiveness. The message urges the audience to embrace the new Kingdom Jesus inaugurates—one of peace, love, and non-violence—encouraging active evangelization to announce the reign of this new King.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jesus is referred to as the 'Curios Lord,' meaning the King who seeks to dominate every aspect of our lives—our minds, wills, bodies, passions, and emotions.
• 😀 C.S. Lewis compares Jesus' influence to a house, where we often limit Him to the formal parlor, but He desires access to every room of our lives.
• 😀 The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel highlights His identity as the definitive David, fulfilling the prophecy of a king from David's line who would reign forever.
• 😀 Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament's promise of a king like David—one who listens to the will of the Father and unites His people.
• 😀 Jesus is described as a warrior king, but His battle is not fought with conventional weapons. Instead, He engages with the demonic forces and accusers (Satan) through non-violence and compassion.
• 😀 René Girard’s theory of the scapegoating mechanism explains how societies deal with conflict by finding someone to blame, and Jesus stands against this cycle by offering forgiveness and peace.
• 😀 The story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8 illustrates two kingdoms: the satanic kingdom of accusation and the Kingdom of God based on forgiveness and compassion.
• 😀 Jesus, by refusing to participate in the scapegoating mechanism and offering forgiveness, demonstrates the new way of God's kingdom—one that is built on love, not violence or blame.
• 😀 The gospels show Jesus being accused and blamed, especially in His passion narratives, which reflect the world's false system of organizing around scapegoating.
• 😀 In His resurrection, Jesus is revealed as the true king, overturning the old systems of blame and violence, and establishing a new kingdom based on love, forgiveness, and peace.

Q & A

Why does Paul refer to Jesus as 'Curios Lord' and what does it signify?

Paul refers to Jesus as 'Curios Lord' to emphasize Christ’s sovereignty over every aspect of life, highlighting his role as the King who should dominate our minds, wills, bodies, passions, and emotions.

How does C.S. Lewis describe Jesus' role as King and what metaphor does he use?

C.S. Lewis uses the metaphor of a house to describe Jesus' role as King. He explains that we often let Christ into our lives in a limited way, giving him access only to the 'formal parlor,' but Jesus wants to enter and rule over every room of our lives.

What is the significance of the number 14 in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel?

The number 14 is significant because it corresponds to the Hebrew letters of 'David.' Matthew uses this to signal to his readers that Jesus is the definitive heir to King David’s throne, fulfilling the prophecy of a ruler from David’s line who would reign forever.

How does Jesus' life reflect the characteristics of King David?

Jesus mirrors King David in several ways, such as uniting people (like David united Israel), declaring the coming of God's kingdom, and entering Jerusalem with celebration, just as David did. Both are seen as figures who embody leadership and devotion to God's will.

What does the speaker mean when they describe Jesus as a 'warrior king'?

Jesus is described as a 'warrior king' because he battles the forces of evil, especially the accuser (Satan). His approach to conflict, however, is unconventional, as he defeats evil through humility, non-violence, and love rather than through physical force.

What is the 'scapegoating mechanism' according to René Girard?

The scapegoating mechanism, as described by René Girard, is a social dynamic where a community finds a person or group to blame for its tensions and conflicts. By uniting in collective accusation, the community temporarily resolves its issues but at the expense of the scapegoated victim.

How does the story of the woman caught in adultery illustrate two kingdoms?

In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus contrasts the satanic kingdom, where people unite through accusation and blame, with the kingdom of God, where Jesus introduces forgiveness, compassion, and non-violence, breaking up the cycle of scapegoating.

How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees in the adultery story challenge societal norms?

Jesus challenges societal norms by refusing to join in the communal act of accusation. Instead of condemning the woman, he highlights the sin of those who would cast the first stone, thus dismantling the false community formed by scapegoating.

What role does the resurrection of Jesus play in the concept of the new kingdom?

The resurrection of Jesus signifies the triumph of God’s true kingdom, one based on forgiveness, love, and non-violence. It shows that God does not support the old ways of scapegoating and violence, but instead, He establishes a new order where peace and compassion reign.

What is the significance of Pilate’s inscription on the cross, 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews'?

Pilate’s inscription, though meant as mockery, inadvertently announces the truth of Jesus' kingship. It underscores the ironic reality that the true King is not recognized by the world’s standards, but through His death and resurrection, He establishes a new kingdom based on love and forgiveness.