TOPIC 10 OF 47
The Kingdom of Christ
The servant King brings sinners under God’s saving reign.
THE MAIN TRUTH
When Jesus was born, the King of heaven entered into the domain of spiritual darkness on earth.
The teaching
From the book · pages 28–31
When Jesus was born, the King of heaven entered into the domain of spiritual darkness on earth. At his Baptism, Jesus was anointed by the Father with the Holy Spirit as the Christ—the King of Israel. Jesus proclaimed the Good News that God’s heavenly kingdom had come in him to reclaim lost sinners from the powers of evil and bring them under his saving reign.
By the Spirit, Jesus displayed his reign when he taught, healed the sick, drove out demons, and performed miracles. He called his twelve disciples to follow him, and they became the beginning of his kingdom community. Jesus gives the blessed life of his saving reign through his Word to those who are spiritually poor. The King’s reign among his people is expressed in mercy, peacemaking, faithful obedience to his Word, and loving service that blesses even our enemies—being salt and light for the world.
The Gospel of Christ’s kingdom is the rock on which Jesus builds his Church—the assembly of his servant people. As a humble servant King, Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem to enter the glory of his reign by saving sinners through his death on the cross.
Scripture foundations
All Scripture excerpts from this topic are presented below in the book’s order. Ellipses and bracketed explanations follow the manuscript. Select a reference to read the surrounding passage in the EHV.
Reading these passages together
Read Jesus’ words and works as signs of his saving kingship. His authority is revealed in mercy, deliverance, and ultimately the cross, shaping the life of his kingdom community.
15 Scripture excerpt groups
SCRIPTURE 02
John 1:4-5 ↗
“In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Book page 29
SCRIPTURE 03
John 6:38; 1 John 5:19 ↗
[Jesus:] “For I have come down from heaven . . .” “. . . the whole world lies in the grip of the Evil One.”
Book page 29
SCRIPTURE 04
Matthew 3:16-17 ↗
[Jesus is baptized] “Suddenly, the heavens were opened for him! He saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove and landing on him, and a voice out of the heavens said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love. I am well pleased with him.’”
Book page 29
SCRIPTURE 05
Mark 1:14-15 ↗
“. . . Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God . . . he said, ‘The kingdom of God has come near!’”
Book page 29
SCRIPTURE 06
Luke 4:18 ↗
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor . . . freedom to the captives. . .”
Book page 29
SCRIPTURE 07
Acts 10:38 ↗
“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went around . . . healing all who were oppressed by the Devil. . .”
Book page 29
SCRIPTURE 08
Matthew 4:23-24 ↗
“Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching . . . preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. . .”
Book page 30
SCRIPTURE 09
Matthew 12:28 ↗
“But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
Book page 30
SCRIPTURE 10
Mark 1:17; 4:10,14 ↗
“Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” “The mystery of the kingdom of God . . . The sower sows the word.”
Book page 30
SCRIPTURE 11
Matthew 5:3,7,9,13,14 ↗
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven . . . Blessed are the merciful, because they will receive mercy . . . Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God . . . You are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world.”
Book page 30
SCRIPTURE 12
Matthew 5:44; 7:24 ↗
“. . . love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . . .” “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on bedrock.”
Book page 30
SCRIPTURE 13
Matthew 16:16,18 ↗
[Peter:] “ ‘You are the Christ. . .’ Jesus replied, ‘. . .on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it.’”
Book page 30
SCRIPTURE 14
Luke 22:25-27 ↗
“The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them . . . But it is not to be that way with you . . . let the greatest among you . . . [be] the one who serves . . . I am among you as one who serves.”
Book page 31
SCRIPTURE 15
Matthew 21:5 ↗
“. . . your King comes to you, humble, and riding a donkey. . .”
Book page 31
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture passages are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), copyright 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission, as noted in the manuscript.
PERSONAL REFLECTION OR GROUP DISCUSSION
Reflect and pray
How do Jesus’ actions reveal the character of his kingdom?
Why is the cross central to his reign?
How can mercy, peacemaking, and service make his reign visible in your relationships?
A prayer
King Jesus, rule our hearts through your Gospel. Deliver us from evil and teach us to serve others with the mercy and humility of your kingdom. Amen.