Embracing the Transformative Power of Christ's Kingdom

 

Summary

As we embark on our journey through the Gospel of Matthew, we are reminded of the transformative power of the good news of Christ. This gospel invites us to embrace a kingdom that defies worldly expectations, one that prioritizes the needy and the humble over the powerful and the wealthy. It challenges us to live in a way that reflects the upside-down values of this kingdom, where the first shall be last and the last shall be first. This is the kind of life that not only transforms us but also has the potential to impact our city and the world.

Matthew's Gospel presents Jesus as both King and Savior. From the very beginning, we see Jesus identified as the Christ, the Son of David, and the Son of Abraham. These titles emphasize His royal lineage and His role as the promised Messiah who fulfills God's covenant with David and Abraham. Jesus is the King who has all authority in heaven and on earth, yet He exercises this authority not through force but through sacrificial love. His life, death, and resurrection reveal a King who lays down His life for His people, bridging the gap between humanity and God.

The Gospel of Matthew also extends an invitation to follow Jesus. This invitation is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey of discipleship. It calls us to prioritize Jesus above all else, even above our closest relationships and personal comforts. Following Jesus means aligning our lives with His teachings and embodying His love and grace in our daily interactions.

As we delve deeper into Matthew, we are encouraged to take Jesus' words seriously, recognizing them as matters of life and death. His teachings are not mere advice but divine commands that guide us toward true life. This gospel challenges us to move beyond a superficial relationship with Jesus and to engage in a transformative apprenticeship, where we learn to love what He loves and hate what He hates.

In this new year, let us commit to being gospel people, allowing the good news of Jesus to reshape our lives and overflow into our communities. May we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as faithful followers of our Savior King, bringing His light and love to the ends of the earth.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Upside-Down Kingdom: The Gospel of Matthew invites us to embrace a kingdom that prioritizes the needy and humble over the powerful and wealthy. This kingdom challenges us to live in a way that reflects its values, where the first shall be last and the last shall be first. This transformative way of living has the potential to impact our city and the world. [00:00]

2. Jesus as King and Savior: Jesus is presented as both King and Savior in Matthew's Gospel. He fulfills God's promises to David and Abraham, exercising His authority through sacrificial love. His life, death, and resurrection bridge the gap between humanity and God, offering salvation to all who believe. [42:26]

3. The Invitation to Follow: The Gospel extends an invitation to follow Jesus, not as a one-time decision but as a lifelong journey of discipleship. This invitation calls us to prioritize Jesus above all else, aligning our lives with His teachings and embodying His love and grace. [01:04:26]

4. Taking Jesus' Words Seriously: Jesus' teachings are not mere advice but divine commands that guide us toward true life. We are challenged to take His words seriously, recognizing them as matters of life and death. This requires moving beyond a superficial relationship with Jesus to a transformative apprenticeship. [52:20]

5. Becoming Gospel People: As we engage with the Gospel of Matthew, we are encouraged to be gospel people, allowing the good news of Jesus to reshape our lives and overflow into our communities. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are called to live as faithful followers of our Savior King, bringing His light and love to the ends of the earth. [01:11:57]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew
- [01:45] - The Upside-Down Kingdom
- [05:20] - Jesus as King and Savior
- [10:15] - The Promise Keeper
- [15:40] - Authority of Jesus
- [20:30] - Invitation to Follow
- [25:50] - Taking Jesus' Words Seriously
- [30:10] - Becoming Gospel People
- [35:00] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [40:20] - Jesus' Authority in Teaching and Miracles
- [45:00] - The Great Commission
- [50:30] - Invitation to Non-Believers
- [55:00] - Invitation to Believers
- [01:00:00] - Closing Prayer and Communion

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 1:1 - "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
3. Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

#### Observation Questions
1. What titles are given to Jesus in Matthew 1:1, and what do they signify about His identity? [42:26]
2. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what authority does Jesus claim, and what mission does He give to His followers? [49:43]
3. In Matthew 11:28-30, what invitation does Jesus extend to those who are weary, and what promise does He offer? [45:11]
4. How does the sermon describe the "upside-down kingdom" that Jesus introduces in the Gospel of Matthew? [35:07]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' identity as both King and Savior influence the way believers should view His authority and teachings? [49:43]
2. What does it mean to live in alignment with the "upside-down kingdom" values, and how might this challenge societal norms? [35:07]
3. How can the promise of rest in Matthew 11:28-30 be understood in the context of modern-day stress and anxiety? [45:11]
4. What are the implications of Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations for the church's mission today? [49:43]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the concept of the "upside-down kingdom." How can you prioritize the needy and humble in your daily life, and what changes might this require? [35:07]
2. Jesus claims all authority in heaven and on earth. How does this truth impact the way you approach decisions and challenges in your life? [49:43]
3. Consider the invitation to find rest in Jesus. What specific burdens are you carrying that you need to lay down at His feet, and how can you practically do this? [45:11]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of taking Jesus' words seriously. Identify one teaching of Jesus that you struggle to fully embrace, and discuss how you can begin to live it out more faithfully. [52:20]
5. How can you actively participate in the mission to make disciples in your community, and what steps can you take this week to engage someone in a spiritual conversation? [49:43]
6. Reflect on the idea of following Jesus as a lifelong journey. What does it mean for you to be an apprentice of Jesus, and how can you cultivate this relationship daily? [01:09:57]
7. In what ways can you allow the good news of Jesus to reshape your life and overflow into your community, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this transformation? [01:11:57]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Upside-Down Kingdom
The Gospel of Matthew invites believers to embrace a kingdom that defies worldly expectations, prioritizing the needy and humble over the powerful and wealthy. This kingdom challenges individuals to live in a way that reflects its values, where the first shall be last and the last shall be first. Such a transformative way of living has the potential to impact not only personal lives but also entire communities and the world. By aligning with these values, believers can become agents of change, embodying the love and grace of Christ in their daily interactions. [00:00]

Matthew 5:3-5 (ESV): "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you can prioritize humility and service over personal gain. How can you actively live out the values of the upside-down kingdom today?


Day 2: Jesus as King and Savior
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is presented as both King and Savior, fulfilling God's promises to David and Abraham. He exercises His authority through sacrificial love, bridging the gap between humanity and God through His life, death, and resurrection. This portrayal of Jesus challenges believers to recognize His authority in their lives and to respond to His love with faith and obedience. By understanding Jesus as both King and Savior, individuals are invited to experience the fullness of His salvation and to live under His gracious rule. [42:26]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: Reflect on how you can acknowledge Jesus' authority in your life today. What steps can you take to live more fully under His rule and experience His redemptive love?


Day 3: The Lifelong Journey of Discipleship
The Gospel of Matthew extends an invitation to follow Jesus, not as a one-time decision but as a lifelong journey of discipleship. This invitation calls believers to prioritize Jesus above all else, even above their closest relationships and personal comforts. Following Jesus means aligning one's life with His teachings and embodying His love and grace in daily interactions. This journey of discipleship is transformative, requiring a commitment to grow in faith and to become more like Christ in every aspect of life. [01:04:26]

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you can more fully commit to following Jesus. What practical steps can you take to prioritize Him above all else in this area?


Day 4: Taking Jesus' Words Seriously
Jesus' teachings in the Gospel of Matthew are not mere advice but divine commands that guide believers toward true life. These teachings are matters of life and death, challenging individuals to move beyond a superficial relationship with Jesus to a transformative apprenticeship. By taking Jesus' words seriously, believers are invited to engage deeply with His teachings, learning to love what He loves and hate what He hates. This commitment to His words leads to a life that reflects His character and brings glory to God. [52:20]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: Think of a specific teaching of Jesus that you find challenging. How can you begin to apply this teaching in your life today, moving from hearing to doing?


Day 5: Becoming Gospel People
As believers engage with the Gospel of Matthew, they are encouraged to be gospel people, allowing the good news of Jesus to reshape their lives and overflow into their communities. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they are called to live as faithful followers of their Savior King, bringing His light and love to the ends of the earth. This call to be gospel people is an invitation to live out the transformative power of the gospel in every aspect of life, impacting others with the love and grace of Christ. [01:11:57]

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us."

Reflection: Consider how you can be an ambassador for Christ in your community. What specific actions can you take to share His love and grace with those around you today?

Quotes


Father, as we start this gospel, this good news, we are reminded of the life that we find in the good news of Christ. And we need the Holy Spirit to cause us to believe, to cling to, and to live in light of this good news. And so we ask your spirit to open our minds to understanding, even understanding that is upside down from how we typically think of things or align our lives, a kingdom that is not organized around those who are strongest or the wealthiest or those who seem to have it all together, but one that is for those who are needy. [00:32:26] (43 seconds)


And so help us to understand that, Lord. Help us to embrace an upside down. Kind of living where the first shall be last, help us to remember that Lord, and not just cling to it in a distance, but in how we live everyday life, may your spirit help us to understand that and shape us so that we would be good news. People, we need that Lord, and this is what the city needs. And this is what the world needs is your good news. [00:33:10] (34 seconds)


That's a promise that God makes to those who believe that he is someone who has a light yoke, who can bear the burdens that we carry, who come to him and lay those down at him and take on his yoke in our life, that he promises to give rest to those who come to him. That's a promise that many of us are wanting to be in, isn't it? That many of us lack rest, not just physical rest, a true sense that things are being taken care of, that a rest that kind of empowers human responsibility and yet at the same time has the freedom to lay down at night, close our eyes, and trust that God keeps us safe. [00:45:11] (49 seconds)


Jesus is a savior who mends this gap between us and God, who makes us relationship, who is emotionally, legally, eternally right with our creator by his work. This is a king who is a savior. That is who Jesus is. That's some of the sounds, that's some of the themes we will see throughout this gospel. You'll see threaded throughout all the gospels. You also see this theme in the gospel of Matthew that is also very similar sounding and resonates out from the other gospels, that there's an invitation, an invitation by this king. [01:03:05] (40 seconds)


Not only do we see the identity of Jesus ringing out in this gospel, we see the invitation of Jesus ringing out. Look at the end, and you'll see the various kinds of receptions Jesus has in the end of Matthew's gospel, 28 verses 16 to 17. Now the 11 disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. Throughout the gospels, and John in his gospel makes this very explicit why he's writing it, that he wants those who read this to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. [01:03:44] (42 seconds)


He just shows up on your feed. I don't know if you've ever used Instagram recently, but I hate the algorithm. If you go into the search thing, it already is listening to you and it'll just pump you a bunch of stuff to sell you things. Right now, if I say tennis, all of you are going to start getting tennis ads. It's just going to listen to me talk and my phone will eventually start sending me a bunch of tennis advertisements, influencers who influence tennis, whatever else is there. When you see someone you want to get more information about or follow their posts so you find them interesting, you can click follow. And that's, I think, how many of us think a relationship with Jesus feels like. You follow him by following him on Instagram. And so when his posts show up, you like him. [01:08:24] (46 seconds)


Maybe you'll comment a little bit here and there. You'll say, oh, I got to engage a little bit. I'll say, yeah, that's a great statement, Jesus. You'll comment. You'll follow him. Maybe even put him in, I don't know how you do it, but like you can make him pop up, like all his posts will give you notifications. So you always see all his posts. You come out in his video updates. But the people you follow on social media, you don't really know them. You don't really know what they're like outside of the times that they post. Very unlikely that you even live like them as much as you even want to do the things that they're doing or not. Jesus is not a social media influencer. [01:09:49] (40 seconds)


And following him isn't like following those we follow on social media. This invitation to follow him is more like old world apprenticeship. You know how old world apprenticeships worked? When a master took on an apprentice, this new apprentice would come and live often with that master. You would eat with them. You would learn the rhythm, of their life when they woke up and when they went to bed. You would do what they do and not do what they did not do. You would work, sleep around each other. You would share life together. You would glean as much as you can by being around them so that you would begin to not just understand their teaching, you would begin to embody their teaching in the very rhythms of your life. By following them, by living with them, you would become like them. [01:10:00] (57 seconds)


By following Jesus as an apprentice, you would love what he loves. You would hate what he hates. You would struggle in your life to align the things of your life, your schedule, your resources, your rhythms, all to be like Jesus. Choosing to follow Jesus is not just clicking follow on a social media influencer and liking posts here and there. Coming in and out of his life when you turn on the app. It is choosing a lifelong struggle to make him first in your life, to make what he loves your loves, make what he hates the things that you hate. Fellow Christians, I think this is the struggle, isn't it? [01:10:45] (42 seconds)


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Transcript
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