Christ's Kingdom

Jesus proclaimed a new political reality, the Kingdom of God, which bears little resemblance to the political systems and regimes of this age.

Jesus appeared in Galilee proclaiming the Kingdom of God – “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand.” The Kingdom promised by God was arriving in Christ’s life and ministry. He is the Messiah and King of Israel who summons all men to turn from their wicked ways and submit to his lordship while the opportunity remains.

The Word of the Cross

The power and wisdom of God are revealed in the proclamation of the Messiah, who was crucified by the World Empire.

Jesus of Nazareth performed miracles, exorcised demons, and taught with great authority, and for a time, he attracted large crowds. Nevertheless, his contemporaries failed to recognize who he was despite his displays of supernatural power. Only the Roman centurion on duty at Golgotha perceived that the Nazarene was “the Son of God” when he breathed his last.

¿Quién es este hombre?

En el Evangelio de Marcos, nadie reconoce quién es Jesús excepto los demonios. Solo en su muerte en una cruz romana los hombres entendieron su identidad.

En Galilea, los discípulos presenciaron a Jesús sanar a los enfermos, expulsar demonios, perdonar pecados e incluso calmar tormentas violentas, actos sobrenaturales realizados con gran autoridad. Sin embargo, sus palabras y hechos produjeron confusión sobre su identidad y, por lo tanto, muchos se hicieron la pregunta: “¿Quién es este hombre?” Solo en su ejecución un ser humano finalmente reconoció quién era.

His Way

Jesus proclaimed a new political reality, the Kingdom of God, one that bears little resemblance to the political regimes of this world.

Jesus arrived in Galilee proclaiming the “Kingdom of God” – “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand.” In his ministry, the reign of God was invading the Earth. However, the nature of his realm was radically different than the governments and political ideologies of the existing world order, and more than once, Jesus refused political power, especially when offered by Satan.

The Royal Servant

Following his baptism in the Jordan, the voice from heaven identified Jesus as the Son of God and the Servant of Yahweh.

The theme of fulfillment is prominent in Matthew’s gospel. In Jesus of Nazareth, the promises of God have found their prophesied fulfillments. He is the Son of God, the one who is destined to rule the nations of the Earth, albeit in unexpected and unprecedented ways.

Who is this Man?

In Mark’s Gospel, no one recognizes who Jesus is except demons. Only in his death on a Roman cross was his identity understood by men.

In Galilee, the disciples witnessed Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons, forgive sins, and even calm violent storms, supernatural acts performed with great authority. However, his words and deeds produced confusion over his identity, and therefore, the question was asked by many, “Who is this man?” Only at his execution did a human being finally recognize who he was.

Servant of Yahweh

Paul summoned believers to adopt the same mind that Jesus had when he poured out his life “unto death” for others – Philippians 2:5-11.

Jesus fulfilled the role of the ‘Suffering Servant’ described in the Book of Isaiah. Unlike Adam, he did not attempt to grasp the “likeness of God,” but he humbled himself and submitted to a shameful death on the Roman cross. Therefore, God exalted him and made him “Lord” over all things. His exaltation did not precede his death; his enthronement followed it, and he died utterly alone.

Servant or Caesar?

Jesus rejected Satan’s offer of unlimited political power and instead chose the way of the Suffering Servant that leads to Calvary - Matthew 4:8-11.

Satan tempted Jesus by offering him political power over “all the kingdoms of the world.” The Messiah of Israel refused this seductive and politically pragmatic offer. Instead, he submitted to the way of the ‘Suffering Servant of Yahweh’, which ended with his inevitable death on the Roman Cross.

Rend the Heavens Asunder!

The Spirit of God and the voice from heaven confirmed the calling and identity of Jesus, Son, Messiah, and the Servant of the LORD.

Jesus first appears in the Gospel of Mark when John baptizes him in the Jordan River. The account identifies him with his hometown, Nazareth, a village of no consequence, though its insignificance plays a role in the story. He is the “Servant of the LORD” anointed by the Spirit, but he does not conform to popular expectations about the Messiah.

The Son of David

Jesus is the Son of David and heir to the Messianic Throne, the beloved Son of God, and the Suffering Servant of Yahweh.

The Gospel of Matthew declares Jesus to be the promised “Son of David.” This same Jesus demonstrated what it means to be the King of Israel, especially through his sacrificial death. Traditionally and scripturally, the hoped-for ideal king was linked to the House of David. With the arrival of the Nazarene, that understanding was forever altered.