Kingdom Disciples

As they approached Jerusalem, Jesus questioned his disciples:  “ Who do men say that I am? ”  The Gospel of Mark declares that he was “ ON THE WAY ” and does so at least nine times. His unrelenting march to Jerusalem echoed the words of Isaiah the Prophet: “ Behold, I send my messenger before your face who will prepare your way .” He was on the road to Calvary and death on the Cross.

Pour les disciples de Jésus, les représailles et la violence ne sont pas des réactions appropriées à l'hostilité et à la persécution. Au lieu de cela, ils doivent faire face aux menaces et aux agressions avec humilité, miséricorde et pardon. C'est ce que cela signifie de “ renoncer à soi-même ”, de “ prendre sa croix ” et de le suivre “ partout où il mène .” Faire du bien à son “ ennemi ” est contraire à la “ sagesse de cet âge ”, mais c'est ainsi que le croyant devient “ parfait comme le Père céleste .”

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, but his realm was of a different nature than the governments and ideologies of this fallen world, and on more than one occasion, Jesus refused political power, especially when it was offered by Satan.

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. For this reason, 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.

Disciples of Jesus are called to leave everything behind, if need be, and dedicate their entire lives to his mission of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom throughout the Earth. Though the story as recorded in the synoptic gospels is brief, we already begin to glimpse the true cost of discipleship. Jesus began to build his new covenant community in “ Galilee of the Nations ” by inviting four fishermen to leave their livelihoods and follow him “ on the way ” which would lead inevitably to his death in Jerusalem.

On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus explained to his disciples what it meant to be the Messiah of Israel. In the city of David, he was about to face his final confrontation with the Temple authorities which would end in his violent and unjust death at the hands of the Romans. Was not Jerusalem the appointed place where the prophets sent to proclaim God’s word to Israel were slain, where the Messiah himself must suffer rejection and death, according to the Scriptures?

In the experience of many disciples of Jesus, the outbreak of persecution is always a possibility. Moreover, they often face hostility from employers, neighbors, and even family members. So, how should they react when the possibility becomes a sudden and brutal reality? Fortunately, both Jesus and his Apostles left us with clear instructions and examples of how we ought to react when facing persecution.

“ I never knew you! Depart from me! ” These are the most frightening words anyone could ever hear on the lips of Jesus, and they are central to the conclusion of his ‘ Sermon on the Mount .’ His discourse was never a program for reforming or governing civil society. Instead, it instructs his disciples how they must live in the present evil age as faithful citizens and representatives of his Kingdom and message. There is no bypassing the Cross if you wish to enter his domain.

Jesus exhorted us to become “ perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect ,” yet how can we emulate the perfect righteousness of God? His explanation was clear - By performing acts of mercy,  ESPECIALLY  to our enemies. Self-sacrificial love goes to the heart of his message and reflects the nature of the merciful God. Was he not the Messiah who submitted to an undeserved death for us even when we were the “ enemies of God ”?

Each of us has asked the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Why, despite their faithfulness and supplications, do many Christians become ill and die from horrible diseases? Why do so many not experience the emotionally satisfying presence of God, see visions, or have angelic visitations? Can anyone explain by war, poverty, and starvation persist in this world?

For disciples of Jesus, retaliation and violence are inappropriate reactions to hostility and persecution. Instead, they must meet threats and assaults with humility, mercy, and forgiveness. This is what it means to “ deny yourself ,” “ take up his cross ,” and follow him “ wherever he leads .” Doing good to one’s “ enemy ” is contrary to the “ wisdom of this age ,” yet doing so is how the believer becomes “ perfect as the Heavenly Father .”

Jesus sent his twelve disciples to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom throughout the region. In the Gospel of Mark , this incident is followed by the execution of John the Baptist. His death serves as a warning to the would-be disciple that rejection will inevitably follow his or her decision to follow Jesus of Nazareth no matter where he leads. To walk in his footsteps, one must first COUNT THE COST to have any hope of seeing the journey through to the end.

His disciple is called to engage in self-sacrificial service for others just as Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many . After predicting his death, two of the disciples began jockeying for positions of high status in his coming Kingdom. Thinking according to the ways of this world with its concepts of political power, they did not comprehend what kind of Messiah Jesus was and remains, and therefore, what it meant to follow him “ wherever he goes .” However, in Jerusalem, he would soon demonstrate just how one achieves “ Greatness ” in the Kingdom of God.

Rage is  NOT  an appropriate reaction to hostility for disciples of Jesus. His instructions about this issue contradicted the “ wisdom of this age ” and human experience. Nevertheless, responding in anger to violations of our political, civil, and individual “rights” only demonstrates how far many of us have strayed from his teachings and example.

The suffering and death of Jesus provide the pattern for how his disciples must live in this fallen world, and the measuring rod for judging spirituality. Whether examining anyone’s wisdom, teachings, conduct, or supernatural deeds, the Cross of Christ is the dividing line between truth and falsehood. No man can know God or comprehend His ways and words apart from the imperative of “ Christ crucified .” God has revealed Himself in the Crucified Messiah.

Jesus admonished his disciples: If anyone wishes to come after him, “ Let him deny himself daily, take up his cross, and follow after me .” This is more than metaphorical or hyperbolic language. It was said at the very time the Nazarene was on his final journey to Jerusalem where he would demonstrate to one and all just what it meant to “ deny yourself and take up the cross .” To borrow a phrase from the older Holiness Movement,  Death to Self .

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, he explained exactly what it meant to be Israel’s Messiah and the Son of God, namely, suffering and death. This expectation was contrary to popular expectations, and apparently, those of his closest disciples. He also summoned anyone who would follow him to take up his cross and emulate his example. Both then and now, failure to do so renders one an object of shame before the Lord of Glory.

Our natural tendency is to avoid conflict. Understandably, we prefer our daily lives to be characterized by peace, acceptance, and prosperity, a life devoid of difficulties and afflictions. Moreover, the New Testament does promise believers peace now and everlasting life later. Nevertheless, it also exhorts the Assembly of God to expect afflictions and even persecution in this life on account of its light and testimony in a sin-darkened world.

Jesus performed miracles, exorcised demons, and taught with great authority, often attracting large crowds. Nevertheless, his contemporaries failed to recognize who he was despite displays of supernatural power. In the end, only the Roman centurion on duty at Golgotha perceived him to be the “ Son of God ” when the Nazarene breathed his last.

In  Philippians , Paul points to the obedience of Jesus as the model for members of the Assembly to copy. His willing submission to death on the Roman cross is the pattern for the conduct and attitude of his Church. His elevation to reign over the Cosmos resulted from his obedience “ unto death upon a cross .” Imitating this example is what it means to “ follow him wherever he goes .”