We have a lot of perceptions about Jesus and His ministry. We have done much to define, capture and understand Him. The Life of Jesus is like a multi-faceted diamond. His life can be examined from different angles and new things can be understood and learned.
However, the life and ministry of Jesus had some specific aspects. One of the many reason's Jesus became incarnate and walked this earth, was to define God's values for the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of Heaven as introduced by Jesus is very different from the kingdom of this earth.
Isaiah 61describes the King of the Kingdom and His work
61 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations.
Jesus walked into His home town of Nazareth and went to His synagogue on the day this passage was to be read. Jesus was invited to read the text. It is found in Luke 4:14.
14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus saw Himself as the fulfillment of Isaiah 61. It is interesting that these verses describe God's Messiah as being a King of justice, truth and compassion. The character traits of the Kingdom of Heaven are marked by the character of the King.
John the Baptist was eventually imprisoned. As he awaited his doom, it seems he was captured by doubt. In his anxiety, he sent and asked Jesus for evidence that Jesus was truly the King of Isaiah's prophecy.
Jesus responded in Matthew 11
2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
Jesus could have responded in so many different ways to John's question. But Jesus had begun a ministry to Israel to demonstrate the King and the Kingdom of Heaven. He gave John the answer that soothed John's mind. Jesus was the King and His teaching was marked with justice, compassion and truth.
If we are followers of this King, then as we wait for the fulfillment of His kingdom, should we not also walk in His ways? We may not be able to do signs and wonders, but Jesus will perform justice, compassion and truth in us as we serve Him.
The question is, how will the world around us understand what the Kingdom of Heaven is like and be attracted to the God of the universe if we aren't active in demonstrating Christ and discipling people?
As we begin the tour of Bud and Mandy's ministry, you will see that this is not a humanitarian mission. Instead Bud and Mandy are developing a little slice of heaven on earth. As people taste and see the Lord is good, they will find His truth is just, compassionate and full of hope. They will crave for the good food of God's Word and be healed in their souls.
Pastor Ron Christiansen
