THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 23:1-7
“We have found this man subverting our nation.” (Luke 23:2)
The Latin root for the English word ‘subvert’ means to turn from beneath.
The original Greek word in this text means to turn thoroughly.
Jesus is being accused of turning things around – like a revolution.
But was Jesus really a revolutionary?
Not in the sense that we normally think, but yes He was.
Jesus came to turn things right, or straight, or right-side up.
Our world is upside down, or backwards, in terms of goodness.
Jesus ‘subverted’ the rulers by being a humble, gentle, patient, loving person.
His goodness antagonized their self-serving attitudes and behaviours.
As Messiah, Jesus was the king of the Jews, but not a worldly king.
His exercise of authority was shown in how He loved and served people.
Jesus subverts Satan, sin, death and hell by His subversive kindness.
As Jesus followers, we are called to be kingdom subversives in the same way.
Not with violence, or rebellious spirits, but with grace, mercy and peace!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to know how to lead like You in this upside-down, mixed up world. May I be guilty of subverting greed, selfishness, injustice etc. with my gracious attitude and behaviour.
The charges against Jesus were political and not religious.
Pilate didn’t take it serious.
However His teachings – were radical. It was against the flow of doing things.
God’s way.
Bringing healing to the people.
Bringing hope.
Bringing life.
Bringing the present world upside down
to His Way.
Serving. Giving. Speaking peace, wholeness, love.
Living for Jesus means going against the flow.
God’s way.
1 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
does its successive journeys run,
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.
2 To him shall endless prayer be made,
and praises throng to crown his head.
His name like sweet perfume shall rise
with every morning sacrifice.
3 People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.
4 Blessings abound where’er he reigns:
the prisoners leap to lose their chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.
5 Let every creature rise and bring
the highest honors to our King,
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud amen.