Kingdom – Luke 13
4 May 2010 | Kay Cathcart | Posted in Word Words1 Comment
Jesus sends us to show and tell the good news of his kingdom so that those who have not yet heard the word might see it and hear it, know it and receive it for themselves. ‘Show and tell’ is exactly what’s going on in Luke 13: 10-21.
Jesus takes the initiative and heals this woman, pronouncing her cured and touching her. The synagogue ruler is furious as Jesus had healed on the Sabbath day and a power struggle follows. Healing and freedom was available for the woman that very day – there was no need for her to wait. Satan is having his way in her life no longer – she’s been made by God for God and so she’s released to pursue a relationship with him.
Jesus rebukes the synagogue ruler along with those who agree with him. The people who have watched, seen one of their own healed and valued in such a way, are delighted.
Jesus then begins to teach about the Kingdom of God. Why? Because he’s just demonstrated it in the healing of the woman and the turning upside down of the way things were. And he doesn’t teach what the kingdom of God is… but instead the kingdom of God is like….
The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which grows into the largest of garden plants. A tiny seed produces a massive tree, growing at such a mighty rate to provide a home for all the birds in the sky- all the nations of the earth.
It is also like yeast hidden in flour, seemingly insignificant and ineffectual but it doesn’t take long until the dough has risen to form a loaf. The yeast makes its presence felt – the dough is transformed. But it’s invisible – it doesn’t seem to have power. You know it’s there because you can see its impact. It’s the presence of the kingdom of God in the woman which heals her.
Elsewhere in scripture we read more about the kingdom of God:
Luke 10: 9 – Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’
Luke 17: 21 – Nor will people say ‘Here it is’ or ‘There it is’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.
Luke 21: 31 - Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
Romans 14: 17 – For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 4: 20 – For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
So what is the kingdom of God?
Literally it’s the king’s domain. It began with the arrival of Jesus and will be consummated when he returns. The kingdom of God is reality. It’s the gospel of Jesus – good news. It’s within you. It’s peace, joy and righteousness. The kingdom of God comes in power – power to save – sozo – salvation, wholeness, healing. It has power to change circumstances, people and systems. The kingdom is now and not yet – it is to come and it is here. It’s possible to live it – it’s available for us all now.
This kingdom has a king – Jesus is not just our saviour, he is a king.
Is Jesus king of every area of our lives? Where and when do we find it hard to relincuish control to Jesus in our lives?
How does what we believe about the kingdom of God impact the way we live and the way we share our faith?
kevin swan said:-
December 4th, 2010 at 1:34 am
Hi
Was just looking at churches in the area and came across your blog. Love this post here and hope to visit in the future
Be Richly Blessed
kev