The Upside Down Kingdom
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Good morning! Welcome to CHCC. We had a wonderful weekend out at Greenwood. We had beautiful weather, an incredible lodge, and some great times of fellowship. We had a wonderful service that was followed by two baptisms to celebrate as well!
In our study through Luke’s gospel, we focused on Jesus’ intimate moment with the disciples in the upper room. As they celebrated Passover with a meal, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. Jesus’ concluding words in the communion are found in verse 20 where He says, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
With those words, followed by His blood shed upon the cross would supersede the blood sacrifices of the Old Covenant. While the Old Covenant’s sacrificial system covered sins, they could not remove them. The author of Hebrews explains this.
For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
Simply put, animals could not serve as permanent substitutes for mans sin. As a matter of fact, the continuous repetitions of the sacrificial system served as a reminder to the people of the inescapable reality to their sin.
This was why the people held to the prophetic words of Jeremiah.
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
This was the covenant Jesus was bringing forth as they passed the cup of wine—true and whole forgiveness, new hearts, and a restored relationship. This was a moment that Jesus “earnestly desired to” partake with His disciples. And yet, in the midst of this beautifully intimate moment, we see the flaws of humanity in the midst of the perfect Savior.
If you have your Bibles with you this morning, please turn with me to Luke 22, as we begin in verse 21.
PRAY
Betrayal
Betrayal
But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
If Luke’s account happens in chronological order, then Judas just shared in His first and last communion. What we must understand here as well is none of this came as a surprise to Jesus. While Satan was certainly at work, nothing happened outside of the Father’s will.
Regardless, I imagine the heartbreak was terrible. This was a man who had walked with Jesus day and night for three years. This is a man who Jesus loved and cherished. A man he taught directly and fellowshipped with on countless occasion. A man whose feet He had just washed. I feel that perhaps out of all the “woes” Jesus proclaimed in His ministry, this one was the heaviest.
With such a morose proclamation, surely the disciples were focused on the proper matters of the moment! Not quite. This is a moment that reveals the immaturity of disciples. They still had some growing to do. Rather than focus on the reality of Jesus’ coming arrest and death, they begin to argue with one another about who would be the greatest…verse 24…
Who is the Greatest?
Who is the Greatest?
A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
“You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Can you imagine arguing about being the greatest while in the presence of Jesus?! What is more, they have been Jesus’ closest followers for three years! They’ve seen firsthand the selflessness of Christ; they’ve witnessed His love, tenderness, sacrifice. They’ve watched Him constantly put others before Himself!
They just shared in the first communion where Jesus TOLD THEM HIS BODY WOULD BE BROKEN AND HIS BLOOD WOULD BE SHED…FOR THEM! And in return, they argue amongst themselves about who is the greatest. It would be a little humorous if it wasn’t so disrespectful.
And Jesus’ response was one that the disciples should have understood—seeing as they were a nation under the thumb of Roman occupation.
And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.
The mindset of pagan rulers was lord over those beneath them with selfishness and pride, all the while calling themselves “benefactors” as if they were doing a favor to those beneath them.
But this is the world’s idea of greatness, is it not? The Biblical example of this is seen throughout. One such example is king Nebuchadnezzar.
Here is a guy who was so into himself that he made his own people build a statue of himself made out of gold that was 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide. But that wasn’t enough; no! Then he made all the people to bow down and worship the statue at the sound of any kind of music!
This is a prime example of the world’s definition of “greatness.” The world has a different set of parameters when it comes to measuring greatness; in fact, it runs entirely counter to how Jesus defines greatness.
A.W. Tozer explained it quite profoundly:
I believe there is something inherent in human greatness and fame and recognition that works subtly against the quality of fine spiritual insight in the human mind. World leaders as a rule do not possess spiritual insight.
A. W. Tozer
This isn’t to say that all world leaders lack spiritual insight. No doubt, we’ve had many great leaders that possessed an even greater heart for God.
But as a general rule, there does seem to be a reality here that you cannot achieve worldly greatness while simultaneously being great as how Christ defines it.
Why? Because worldly greatness requires selfishness, inward focus, and putting oneself entirely before others. “I will climb the proverbial ladder of success and use whoever I need to as a step on the way up.”
But Jesus would utilize this silly squabble to teach His disciples (and us, in turn) what it truly means to be great in the eyes of God.
We are not to be like the kings of the Gentiles.
But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
The Greek word for “youngest” here is defined as “recently born” or “newborn.” In fact, the two examples Jesus gives—an infant (or child) and a servant were those of lowly social status in his day. Children were often ignored (at best) and seen as a great nuisance. We see this even with the disciples when children were being presented to Jesus and the disciples rebuked the parents.
Servants here in the Greek refers to one that “waits on tables.” One who serves others. In general, servants were also looked down on with a lower social status. And yet, Jesus’ call to the disciples is to become as the youngest and one who serves! It is entirely counter-culture thinking to that of the world. Greatness in the kingdom is measured by a much different standard. I love how D.L. Moody puts it:
The beginning of greatness is to be little; the increase of greatness is to be less; the perfection of greatness is to be nothing.
Dwight Lyman Moody (Evangelist)
The call of Christianity is to be like Jesus; to emulate Him. And perhaps this is best seen by others in the way in which we serve. The natural inclination of the flesh is to put oneself above and before everyone else.
But Jesus calls for us to live a different life entirely. One that is marked by service and sacrifice. And what is so beautiful is that Jesus didn’t just command us, He showed us.
Throughout His entire ministry, there is not one example of Jesus putting Himself above and before others. Even though He is the Creator of all things! In fact, the call to serve should have been on the hearts of every disciple there. Because John 13 records for us that at the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. With all of their immature bickering over who was greatest, Jesus was far more gracious than the disciples deserved.
He ends the discussion by reminding them of the authority that awaited them in the kingdom.
“You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
R. Kent Hughes explains this statement from Jesus, saying:
The disciples’ future kingdom authority would not be like the delusive authority of earthly kings who practice dominance and demand lordship. Jesus’ followers’ rule would be like his rule—“as one who serves.”
It is sad to me that Jesus stands so near to the cross and yet it seems that His disciples are so far from Him in spirit. And it would continue to spiral.
Peter’s Denial Foretold
Peter’s Denial Foretold
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”
I contemplated going deeper into this moment here, but we will get to this event in greater detail in a couple of weeks. For now, I want us to recognize how this moment went from beautifully intimate and wonderfully personal—a moment that Jesus “earnestly desired” to share with His disciples—to a betrayal, a quarrel, and now a prophesied denial.
When I read this passage, I have no doubt in my mind that Peter absolutely believed his own words. In fact, it would seem early on that Peter would not be the one to deny Jesus as he was prepared to die to keep Jesus from being arrested. Remember he cut the ear off of the Roman soldier.
Peter was bold, brash, outspoken. What is more, he is one of Jesus’ inner three—one of His closest friends and followers. But even so, Peter would fall; he would deny Jesus three times before the sun would rise the next day.
We will touch on this passage more at the conclusion of this message. Just know that even in the midst of such a sorrowful proclamation, there is a beautiful hope in the midst of it.
Jesus then turns to the whole group with a word for them to be prepared.
Scripture Fulfilled in Jesus
Scripture Fulfilled in Jesus
And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”
This is a callback of sorts to earlier moments in Luke’s gospel. Both in chapter 9 and 10, Jesus would send out His disciples into ministry while bringing no provisions with them. They were to fully rely on the goodwill of others and the Lord to provide for their needs. And they did! They were provided for and their ministry was a success!
But now, with Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion moments away, Jesus prepares His disciples for post-resurrection ministry; things would change and they were to be ready.
Also, Jesus directly quotes from Isaiah 53 here—namely, verse 12—”And he was numbered with the transgressors.” And this is exactly what happens. In fact, Jesus would be crucified between two thieves! A transgressor He was not, though He would be numbered among them.
And Jesus understood the reality for His disciples; since they were numbered with Jesus, they too would be regarded as transgressors; outlaws.
I find it interesting that Jesus gives them two instructions—to bring a moneybag and knapsack (provisions) as well as a sword. And like nearly ALL men—they focus entirely on the sword. They seem excited even. “Look , Lord, here are TWO swords!”
But it seems they have missed entirely what Jesus was relaying to them. As John Nolland explains:
The apostles, however, with a dullness we have seen before, focused on the specific mention of a sword without attempting to grapple with what that suggested—namely, the hostility that awaited them, and the necessity of making adequate provision.
I do find it funny that the disciples assumed that having not one, but TWO swords would be enough to hold off the entirety of the Roman military. And as much as I support 2nd amendment rights, I don’t believe Jesus was calling for His disciples here to violence. And I say that for a couple of reasons. First off, we see the rebuke He sends Peter’s way after cutting off the ear of the Roman soldier, and second, His response here in Luke 22.
When they tell Jesus, “We have two swords,” Jesus replies, “It is enough.” Here is where this passage can get lost in translation a little bit. We might read that and think Jesus is telling them, “Two swords are enough.” It certainly reads that way here in the ESV.
While I personally prefer ESV over the like of NIV and NLT, those two translations probably translate this response more accurately. They both quote Jesus saying, “That’s enough!”
It simply means, “Enough with this kind of talk!” As Marvin Pate explains:
So complete was the disciples’ misunderstanding of His saying about the need to buy a sword, that he refused to explain it any more. We might colloquially render Jesus’ words thus, ‘I give up!
This whole moment began with Jesus’ eager anticipation to fellowship and commune with His disciples. It began with the sharing of the Passover meal and Jesus’ institution of the New Covenant in His blood! It was a momentous and beautiful moment.
But then came Judas’ betrayal, the disciples dissension, Peter’s promised denial, and the misunderstanding of Jesus’ words by the disciples. Jesus’ final exclamation here presents His broken heart.
If this is your first reading of this passage you might come away thinking, “These disciples are hopeless!” But sometimes we might give ourselves too much credit. For I know myself, and sadly, I am much more like the disciples here than I want to admit. I, too, can be selfish, presumptuous, sinful, and slow to understand.
And I think many of us, if we are honest with ourselves, would come to the very same conclusion. So what hope is there for us? Yes! And the answer is so beautifully and neatly tucked away in Jesus’ words of verse 37—His reference to Isaiah 53—”And he was numbered with the transgressors.”
Isaiah 53 is entirely Messianic. It is often called the passage of “The Suffering Servant” or “The Servant Song.” It is an incredibly detailed prophetic word that describes the passion, death, and atonement of the Lamb of God. In other words, the entire passage is ALL ABOUT JESUS.
What is interesting as well is that verse 12 is the only verse Jesus ever quotes, and the whole of that verse is essentially a summary of Isaiah 53. In fact, following the statement, “He was numbered with the transgressors,” is two other extremely significant phrases that close out the chapter.
“He was numbered with transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors.”
Together, these three phrases give us the foundation of our hope. Remember, I asked, Is there hope for us? As sinners who fall short of God’s glory, is there hope for us? On our own—no, there isn’t. We are doomed to penalty of sin, which is death. But Jesus…
The first of the the three phrases: He was numbered with the transgressors was fulfilled when Jesus hung from the cross in between two outlaws/transgressors.
The humbling and beautiful reality of this picture is that we, ourselves, are outlaws and transgressors—and as Jesus hung from the cross, He identified with us. The sinless son of God became a transgressor even though he broke no law.
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Not only was Jesus numbered with the transgressors. He also bore the sin of all transgressors. Let’s take a peak at Isaiah 53.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Remember, Hebrews tells us that it was impossible for the blood of animal sacrifices to take away sins, but here it reveals to us that by HIS wounds we are healed.
Then finally, the last beautiful statement that ought to bring us to our knees in worship and adoration: He “makes intercession for the transgressors.”
In other words, Jesus not only identifies with us as transgressors. He not only atones for our transgressions. He also prays for us as transgressors!
This is where I wanted to touch once more on the passage of Peter’s foretold denial. Jesus tells Peter, “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” R. Kent Hughes beautifully encapsulates the reality of Jesus’ intercession for us. He says,
This is why Peter ultimately made a comeback. Satan had asked to sift Peter as wheat, hoping to dispose of the wheat and harvest the chaff. But Christ prayed for Peter, and through Peter’s failure the chaff blew away and the wheat remained. Peter’s vanity was sifted out, his misplaced self-confidence was sifted away, his presumption was sifted, his impulsive mouth was winnowed—and he became a great strength to his brothers and sisters in the early church.
This is no doubt a remarkable truth. When you look at the ministry of Peter within the early church, you can absolutely look to his failure in his denial of Jesus, preceded by Jesus’ prayer for Him, as a catalyst to his remarkable maturity and faith. His denial of Christ is gut-wrenching. It’s heartbreaking. But even so, it was a turning point moment in Peter’s life. Yes, he was still bold. Yes, he was still Peter. But that boldness became refined by a humility and selflessness to serve Christ above himself.
And Peter’s hope is also our hope! Jesus identifies with us as sinners—even though He Himself is sinless. Furthermore, He became the sacrificial Lamb of God, bearing our sin upon His shoulders so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
And lastly, Jesus makes intercession for us.
but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
This is our great hope in Jesus! Even though we may find ourselves with far too much in common with the disciples in this passage—self-centered, arrogant, presumptuous, weak sinners—we have hope in Jesus. He is the New Covenant; His promise and His priesthood does it all! And His hope is for everyone!
PRAY
