Kingdom Disciples

The Messiah of Israel submitted to the way of the Cross and summoned his disciples to follow him on the very same path .  One day, Jesus told his disciples that if anyone wished to come after him, “ l et him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me .” This was more than metaphorical or hyperbolic language. It was said at the very time Jesus was on his final journey to Jerusalem where he would demonstrate to the world just what it means to “ deny oneself and take up the cross ” - [ Alpine Path - Photo by Kalen Emsley on Unsplash ].

Jesus is the “word made flesh” in whom the glory, light and life of God are revealed fully, the same “word” by which He created all things   –   John 1:14 .  The Gospel of  John  identifies Jesus as the  Logos , the “ word ” by which God made all things. This is one of the central themes that is explicated in the body of the book. In doing so, John was not engaging in metaphysical speculation but building on traditional ideas from the Hebrew Bible about how Yahweh created the universe and gave life by His spoken word - [ Photo by Anthony Cantin on Unsplash ].

Christ’s submission to a shameful death on the Cross is the paradigm for Christian service and conduct .  Paul presented the self-denying obedience of Jesus as the pattern for Christian conduct towards others, the model that we must emulate if we wish to be his disciple. Moreover, his elevation to reign over all things resulted from his “ obedience even unto death .” His exaltation to God’s “ right hand ” did not precede his death. It followed it - [ Cross Photo by Hugo Fergusson on Unsplash ].

In Colossians, Paul emphasized the exalted position of Jesus that resulted from his death and resurrection – Colossians 1:18-19 .  Writing to the Colossians, Paul stressed the exalted position of Jesus. Some members of the congregation were confused about the authority of the Son of God, especially over the spiritual powers that remained hostile to him and to his people. Therefore, the Apostle reminded them of just how highly God had exalted the one who is the “ firstborn of the dead ” - [ Photo by Yannick Pulver on Unsplash ].