How Jesus Became the King of the World (That He Always Was)

Summary

This script explores the concept of 'good news' or 'gospel' from its origins in the book of Isaiah, where a messenger brings hope to a devastated Jerusalem, to its fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus redefines God's kingdom as one of humility, love, and forgiveness, contrasting with traditional expectations of power. His death on the cross, though seemingly a defeat, becomes his enthronement as the King, offering victory over death and sin. The message invites everyone to join this upside-down kingdom and embrace a life led by sacrificial love, as announced by his followers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jerusalem's destruction in the Old Testament leads to feelings of abandonment, but hope arises with the promise of God's return and reign over the city.
• 😀 The messenger who brings good news to the watchman on the city walls symbolizes the announcement of God's reign despite devastation.
• 😀 The phrase 'Good news' in the Old Testament is a declaration that God still reigns as King and will restore peace to Jerusalem.
• 😀 'Good news' in the New Testament becomes the 'Gospel' or 'Euangelion,' referring to the announcement of a new King and His kingdom.
• 😀 Jesus, in the New Testament, proclaims the good news of God's kingdom, but in an unexpected way — His kingdom is marked by love, humility, and peace, not power or force.
• 😀 The greatest in God's kingdom are those who love, serve, and forgive, turning the conventional idea of power upside down.
• 😀 Jesus' message of the upside-down kingdom challenges the conventional understanding of authority, where the weak are exalted over the powerful.
• 😀 The story of the Roman officer who acknowledges Jesus as Lord illustrates that Jesus is not only proclaiming God's kingdom but is also the King of that kingdom.
• 😀 Jesus' crucifixion is depicted as His enthronement as King, as He sacrifices Himself to bring God's reign to a broken world.
• 😀 The good news is that Jesus has conquered death and sin, and His followers are called to continue spreading the message of God's upside-down kingdom of love and sacrificial service.

Q & A

What is the significance of the messenger running towards the city in the poem from Isaiah?

The messenger represents the announcement of good news to the people of Israel, reassuring them that despite Jerusalem's destruction, God still reigns as King and will one day return to bring peace to the city.

What does the phrase 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news' mean?

The phrase highlights the beauty of those who carry the message of hope and salvation. In the context of the poem, it signifies the joy and significance of the messenger announcing that God still reigns and will restore peace to Jerusalem.

How does the concept of 'good news' in the Old Testament relate to the New Testament?

In both the Old and New Testaments, 'good news' refers to the announcement of the reign of a new king. In the Old Testament, it is a proclamation of God’s future return to Jerusalem. In the New Testament, it evolves to refer to Jesus as the King bringing God's kingdom.

What is the main difference between the kingdoms described by Jesus and earthly kingdoms?

Jesus' kingdom is described as an 'upside-down kingdom.' While earthly kingdoms emphasize power and victory through force, Jesus’ kingdom values humility, service, love, and forgiveness, especially towards enemies.

Why does Jesus say the greatest in God's kingdom is the weakest?

Jesus teaches that true greatness in God's kingdom comes from serving others and demonstrating love, particularly to those who are considered weak or marginalized. This contrasts with worldly ideals of power and dominance.

What does Jesus' crucifixion symbolize in the context of God's kingdom?

Jesus' crucifixion is seen as his enthronement as the King of the Jews. Although it appears to be a defeat, it is actually the act through which Jesus demonstrates sacrificial love, conquering sin and death, and establishing God's reign.

Why was Jesus’ crucifixion necessary for the establishment of God's kingdom?

Jesus believed that to address the sin and corruption of the world, an act of sacrificial love was needed. His crucifixion, though seemingly a defeat, was the pivotal act that allowed for the establishment of God's kingdom and the defeat of sin and death.

How does Jesus' message of love and peace challenge traditional views of power and authority?

Jesus challenges the conventional understanding of power by teaching that true power lies in love, service, and forgiveness, rather than in domination or violence. His message upends the idea that strength and success come through force and conflict.

What is the role of Jesus' followers after his resurrection in spreading the 'good news'?

After his resurrection, Jesus sends his followers to continue announcing the 'good news' of God's kingdom, encouraging people to pledge allegiance to the King who overcame death with love and to live according to the values of His kingdom.

How does the concept of God's reign relate to the themes of peace and restoration in the script?

God's reign is central to the themes of peace and restoration, as the 'good news' is that, despite the destruction of Jerusalem and the fall of Israel, God’s reign will ultimately bring peace and healing to the world. Jesus' teachings and actions point to this future restoration of God's kingdom.