The Kingdom Upside-Down

[Announce text] Greetings, everyone. I am glad you are here. Today marks the sixth week of our sermon series, Unveiling the Kingdom. In this series, Jesus unveils his identity, mission, and the values of God’s kingdom, inviting us to follow him. Every week, we turn to another portion of Scripture in the Gospels when Jesus reveals God’s kingdom to those who desire to see it.

[Scripture introduction] If you brought a bible, please open it to the gospel of Luke. We will be reading from Luke 6:17-26, when Jesus ministers to a great multitude of people and preaches a message from the beatitudes.

[Reannounce and read text] Let’s read together the time when Jesus interacts with the crowds of people and speaks concerning the kingdom from Luke 6:17-26. [The Preacher reads the Scripture passage out lout.]

[Prayer for illumination] Heavenly Father, hollowed be your name. We pray at this time that you reveal your kingdom and open up our eyes to recognize the spiritual blessings that come from it. We thank you Lord, for your Word, which is imperishable and brings about our salvation. In Christ’s holy name, we pray. Amen.

[Introduction] From this reading from Luke’s gospel, we are introduced to Jesus teaching his disciples and a great multitude of people. What topic draws crowds to Jesus? It’s something other than this world can offer. It’s about the kingdom of God.

What unique about it? It’s not built upright, but it is counter-intuitive to man’s understanding. Actually, the principles of God’s kingdom goes against everything we deem that is correct. Because it’s built contrary to world’s logic.

Jesus speaks concerning to the kingdom in these ways.

(1) some are last who will be first, and some are first will be last (Lk 13:30). (2) For he who is least among you all is the one who is great (Lk 9:48). (3) For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it (Lk 9:24). (4) For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Lk 14:11).

Jesus then processed to teach about the beatitudes. Blessed be this and that. So often we believe the blessed life looks like wealth, health, happiness, and other’s approval.

But I want you to consider this...

[FCF] What if the very thing you’re avoiding is actually God’s greatest blessing in disguise?

[Scripture bond] In Luke, we discover the blessing that God desires for us and how it connects to our lives is not through attachment to the world, but to his kingdom.

So I stress this point to you.

[Proposition] The blessings of God’s kingdom are not for spectators—they belong to those who follow Him wholeheartedly.

[Main point 1] The power to receive blessings applies only when we are in his presence (Luke 6:17-20).

[Explanation] The entire people came to Jesus during his sermon on the Plain. Who is coming to Jesus? It’s not those who have everything together, but the diseased, demonic oppressed, and the committed followers of Jesus. They gather for a divine oracle and miraculous healing.

[Illustration] It’s good to be noticed. God in Christ sees those who draw near to him. Jesus sees your pain, suffering, and discomfort. He knows your name, story, and sin and yet, he is merciful and compassionate. The disciples looked eyes with Jesus and in his presence, the power of God came upon them.

[Application] The church must be attentive to the presence of God and wait for him to see us. Have you’ve been waiting on God to meet you?

When God looks at you, he sees your needs and extends his blessings. But what about those who are just outside looking in to Christianity. Can they receive anything from God?

Yes, but there is terms and conditions.

[Main Point 2] To to be attached to anything other than Christ is to be cursed (Luke 6:24-26).

[Explanation] The great multitude of people had spectators and followers, but Jesus addresses everyone. Who will be blessed in God’s kingdom. The poor, hungry, mournful, and hated in Christ will receive. This is the cost of discipleship. To follow Jesus is to lose everything for God and in the end. He is your only possession.

[Illustration] What are you attached to? Velcro sticks, but can tear apart. The woes applies when anyone attaches themselves to these identities that we may believe provide to fulfillment.

[Application] The unfortunate life is one who has everything, but really has nothing. We must pray for those under the curse of the world (Luke 6:24-26) to find life and hope.

Which leads to a this final thought.

[Main Point 3] The blessed life is an empty life full of Jesus and his kingdom (Luke 6:20-23).

[Explanation] Life in the kingdom that is upside-down appears empty on the outside, however, following Jesus can take us to a life of poverty, starvation, loss, and ridicule, but in the end it’s all worth it. There’s is the kingdom! The power! The glory! Forever!

[Illustration] Life in the kingdom for Jesus was earthly poverty, fasting in the desert, weeping in the loss of friend and suffering in the garden of Gethsemane, and eventually being rejected by all. The worlds called him cursed, but in his Father’s kingdom, Jesus is the blessed one.

[Application] Likewise, to be blessed is to follow God through Christ. Abandoning the world’s goods and clinging to one who alone can save. Are you utterly dependent on God for everything in your life? Once you do, you are full! Satisfied! and alive by God’s amazing grace!

[Conclusion] The blessings of God’s kingdom are not for spectators—they belong to those who follow Him wholeheartedly. Come to the presence of Christ and let him see into your heart. Detach from the world and empty yourself by being filled with God’s grace through his Son.

Luke 9:23–27 ESV

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

Come and find your life in the kingdom that is upside-down. Amen.