Reflecting on Mark 11:1-11
"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" (Mark 11:10)What would cause people to erupt in joyful praise like this?
They were rejoicing in the good news, the gospel of the kingdom.
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”
“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'” (Mark 1:14-15)
What do you think about when you think of the gospel, the good news?
If you are like many, the word ‘kingdom’ is not part of your answer.
The meaning of this word has devolved through the centuries.
The Reformation and the Renaissance occurred around the same time.
The Reformation focused on salvation by grace, not works, through faith.
It shifted the focus away from the church to the individual.
The Renaissance focused on human potential and individual experience.
It also shifted the focus away from the church to the individual.
The net result was a gospel of individual faith and salvation.
How I am a sinner, how Jesus died for me, how I am forgiven by faith.
And how I will one day be accepted to eternal life, or heaven.
If ‘kingdom’ is mentioned at all, it is about the future kingdom.
The people were not rejoicing because they were forgiven and going to heaven.
The people rejoiced because FINALLY the kingdom of Israel was being restored.
Rome was going to be defeated and kicked out of the land.
They would no longer be oppressed, impoverished, humbled and shamed.
They were experiencing life on earth as a dominion of darkness.
Everything was about to change, here on earth, because of the Messiah.
“The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near.” (Mark 1:15)
When Jesus began His ministry, He explained His mission:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)
Modern individualistic christianity spiritualizes this message.
But this was not about personal salvation, it was about kingdom restoration.
God was going to make life in this world ‘very good’ again for the Jews.
I believe in the good news of the kingdom.
God is making this screwed up world ‘very good’ again for everyone.
The cross is not just how God’s wrath is appeased, and I am forgiven.
The resurrection is not just God’s guarantee of life beyond the grave.
On the cross, Jesus disarms and defeats the devil and his empire.
In the resurrection the curse of sin (death) is lifted from this world.
God’s creation kingdom is restored, as Adam (Jesus) is back on the throne.
This world, right here, right now, is being made ‘very good’ again.
This is good news for everyone everywhere!
Jesus is ruling over all creation now, and we are reigning with Him.
We are working with Jesus to fulfill God’s will here on earth, as in heaven.
What the Jews failed to understand, and we do too, is HOW Jesus does this.
Jesus does not initiate a revolution, raise an army, or storm the capitol.
Jesus does not enact legislative reform, or stack the supreme court.
Jesus comes as a humble servant-king, and calls His disciples to do the same.
God’s kingdom not only will be a place of love, joy, peace, patience, etc.
God’s kingdom COMES through our being a people of love, joy, peace, patience, etc.
Jesus reigns by love, not by force, and calls all people to love with Him.
Evil is overcome with goodness, those in bondage to sin set free by kindness.
I believe in this good news, this restored kingdom under Jesus.
This is not just for me, but for all people.
I am not motivated by a fear of hell, and the hope of heaven (very selfish).
I am compelled by the compassion, kindness humility and grace of Jesus.
The vision of this world, and all people, experiencing goodness is what inspires me.
Despite what we see in this world, Jesus and Love are in charge.
Like a mustard seed, this seems weak and insignificant.
But God is in this seed, working through this seed, spreading goodness.
Too often we just focus on the evil, and miss the hidden work of goodness.
Grace is everywhere, and goodness is happening all around us.
And as we see in Jesus, grace, goodness, and love win!
We need to stop thinking in worldly ways about ourselves and our own salvation.
We need to repent (change the way we think) and trust the Jesus Way.
The way of humility and grace, the way of goodness triumphing over evil.
The way of helping the weak, the poor, the helpless, the lost, the despairing.
The way of suffering with and for (empathy), the way of the cross!
Living for a world where the oppressed, the poor, the blind experience God’s favour!
This is the vision of faith, hope and love that inspires me.
This is the kingdom of David that I long for and live for.
This is the good news of the kingdom that inspires me to sing:
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” (Mark 11:10)
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, forgive me for making the good news just about me. Forgive me for forgetting, ignoring or neglecting those around me who desperately need the good news of Your kingdom NOW.
I don't just want to BELIEVE this good news, I want to BE this good news! To work with You in making this world 'very good' again! May Your kingdom come, may Your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven!