The Courage and Kingdom of Jesus: A Call to Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound significance of the name of Jesus and the courage, kingdom, and call of our King. We began with a personal testimony of the power of Jesus' name, illustrating how invoking His name can bring about miraculous change and hope in seemingly hopeless situations. This story set the stage for our exploration of Luke 19, where we examined the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolized His courage and the nature of His kingdom. Unlike earthly kingdoms, His kingdom is eternal and spiritual, not bound by the limitations of this world. Jesus' courage was evident as He knowingly rode into Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering and death that awaited Him. This courage challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to stand for our faith, even in the face of adversity.
The kingdom of Jesus is distinct from earthly kingdoms. It is not defined by power or wealth but by love and righteousness. His laws are written on our hearts, guiding us to live in accordance with His will. This kingdom is accessible to all, regardless of status or wealth, and is characterized by selfless love and humility. Jesus' actions in the temple, where He drove out the money changers, underscore the purity and holiness of His kingdom.
We are called to be part of this kingdom, to obey, worship, and carry Jesus with us wherever we go. Our call is to live out the values of His kingdom, to love others, and to share the good news of His eternal reign. As we carry Jesus with us, we create an atmosphere of His presence, impacting those around us with His love and truth.
Finally, we are reminded of the eternal nature of Jesus' kingdom and our call to spend eternity with Him. Recognizing the time of God's coming to us is crucial, as it invites us to fully surrender to Him and embrace our role in His kingdom. Let us not be ashamed to proclaim His name and live out our faith boldly, knowing that His kingdom is eternal and His love conquers all.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Jesus' Name: The name of Jesus holds immense power, capable of bringing hope and transformation in dire situations. Invoking His name is an act of faith that can lead to miraculous outcomes, reminding us of the authority and love inherent in His name. [00:00]
2. The Courage of the King: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem exemplifies His courage, as He willingly faced suffering and death for our sake. This courage challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to stand for our faith, even when it requires sacrifice or facing our fears. [48:10]
3. The Nature of Jesus' Kingdom: Unlike earthly kingdoms, Jesus' kingdom is eternal and spiritual, characterized by love, humility, and righteousness. His laws are written on our hearts, guiding us to live in accordance with His will and inviting us to be part of His eternal reign. [52:00]
4. Our Call to Obedience and Worship: We are called to obey and worship Jesus, recognizing His authority and responding to His love with devotion. Worship is not confined to specific times or places but is a lifestyle of acknowledging His presence and glory in all circumstances. [58:46]
5. Carrying Jesus with Us: As followers of Christ, we carry His presence with us wherever we go, impacting those around us with His love and truth. Our call is to live out the values of His kingdom, sharing the good news and creating an atmosphere of His presence in our daily lives. [01:09:40]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - The Power of Jesus' Name
- [03:45] - Personal Testimony of Faith
- [07:20] - The Triumphal Entry
- [12:00] - The Courage of Jesus
- [18:15] - The Nature of Jesus' Kingdom
- [24:40] - Spiritual vs. Earthly Kingdoms
- [30:10] - The Laws Written on Our Hearts
- [36:25] - The Call to Obedience
- [42:50] - Worship and Praise
- [48:10] - Sacrificial Giving
- [52:00] - Carrying Jesus with Us
- [58:46] - The Eternal Kingdom
- [01:03:31] - Recognizing God's Timing
- [01:09:40] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 19:28-46
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and how did the people respond to His arrival? [07:20]
2. How did Jesus demonstrate courage during His entry into Jerusalem, and what was His awareness of the events that awaited Him? [18:15]
3. What actions did Jesus take in the temple, and what do these actions reveal about the nature of His kingdom? [36:25]
4. How did the crowd react to Jesus' entry, and what were the Pharisees' concerns about this reaction? [58:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the courage of Jesus, as He knowingly faced suffering and death, challenge our understanding of courage in our own lives? [18:15]
2. In what ways is Jesus' kingdom distinct from earthly kingdoms, and how does this distinction affect our role as His followers? [52:00]
3. What does it mean for Jesus' laws to be written on our hearts, and how does this influence our daily decisions and actions? [36:25]
4. How does the concept of carrying Jesus with us wherever we go impact our interactions with others and our daily lives? [01:09:40]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenging situation. How can Jesus' example of courage inspire you to face your own challenges with faith and determination? [18:15]
2. Jesus' kingdom is characterized by love, humility, and righteousness. What specific actions can you take this week to embody these values in your interactions with others? [52:00]
3. Consider the idea of Jesus' laws being written on your heart. How can you become more attuned to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? [36:25]
4. In what ways can you create an atmosphere of Jesus' presence in your home, workplace, or community? Identify one specific action you can take to share His love and truth with those around you. [01:09:40]
5. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was met with both praise and opposition. How can you remain steadfast in your faith and continue to worship Jesus, even when faced with criticism or adversity? [58:46]
6. Reflect on the eternal nature of Jesus' kingdom. How does this perspective influence your priorities and decisions in life? [52:00]
7. Identify one person in your life who may not know Jesus. How can you intentionally carry His presence to them this week, and what steps can you take to share the good news of His kingdom? [01:09:40]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Jesus' Name
Invoking the name of Jesus is an act of faith that can lead to miraculous outcomes, reminding us of the authority and love inherent in His name. The name of Jesus holds immense power, capable of bringing hope and transformation in dire situations. When we call upon His name, we are not merely uttering words; we are tapping into the divine authority and love that Jesus embodies. This act of faith can bring about change and hope, even in the most hopeless circumstances. The personal testimony shared illustrates how invoking His name can lead to miraculous change, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of His power. [00:00]
Acts 4:12 (ESV): "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that feels hopeless. How can you intentionally invoke the name of Jesus in faith today to invite His transformative power into that situation?
Day 2: Courage in the Face of Adversity
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem exemplifies His courage, as He willingly faced suffering and death for our sake. This courage challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to stand for our faith, even when it requires sacrifice or facing our fears. Jesus' courage was evident as He knowingly rode into Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering and death that awaited Him. This act of bravery is a powerful reminder of the strength and resolve required to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with adversity. It invites us to examine our own lives and consider how we can embody this courage in our daily walk with Christ. [48:10]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: Identify a fear or challenge you are currently facing. How can you draw on the courage of Jesus to stand firm in your faith and confront this challenge today?
Day 3: The Eternal and Spiritual Nature of Jesus' Kingdom
Unlike earthly kingdoms, Jesus' kingdom is eternal and spiritual, characterized by love, humility, and righteousness. His laws are written on our hearts, guiding us to live in accordance with His will and inviting us to be part of His eternal reign. Jesus' kingdom is not defined by power or wealth but by love and righteousness. It is accessible to all, regardless of status or wealth, and is characterized by selfless love and humility. This kingdom challenges us to live in a way that reflects its values, with Jesus' laws written on our hearts guiding us to live in accordance with His will. [52:00]
Hebrews 12:28 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe."
Reflection: Reflect on how you can embody the values of Jesus' kingdom in your daily life. What specific actions can you take today to demonstrate love, humility, and righteousness?
Day 4: A Call to Obedience and Worship
We are called to obey and worship Jesus, recognizing His authority and responding to His love with devotion. Worship is not confined to specific times or places but is a lifestyle of acknowledging His presence and glory in all circumstances. Our call is to live out the values of His kingdom, to love others, and to share the good news of His eternal reign. As we carry Jesus with us, we create an atmosphere of His presence, impacting those around us with His love and truth. This call to obedience and worship is a reminder of the importance of living a life that reflects our devotion to Him. [58:46]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: Consider how you can incorporate worship into your daily routine beyond traditional settings. What are some ways you can acknowledge and celebrate God's presence in your everyday activities?
Day 5: Carrying Jesus with Us in Daily Life
As followers of Christ, we carry His presence with us wherever we go, impacting those around us with His love and truth. Our call is to live out the values of His kingdom, sharing the good news and creating an atmosphere of His presence in our daily lives. This involves being intentional about how we live, ensuring that our actions and words reflect the love and truth of Jesus. By doing so, we can create an environment that invites others to experience His presence and be transformed by His love. [01:09:40]
2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere."
Reflection: Think of a specific person or group you will interact with today. How can you intentionally carry the presence of Jesus into that interaction, impacting them with His love and truth?
Quotes
My mother had a heart attack And she went into the hospital And the whole family was there And my dad had just passed away And one of the nuns that taught me In high school came out and talked to me And to my brother And they said go in and say goodbye to your mom Because your mom's not going to live And they said we're going to fly your mom to Rockford But she had this huge heart attack And you know they're breathing for her They're beating her heart But she's not going to make it So go say goodbye So I went in with my brother Two of us one at a time And I went in to my mom And I said mom We just can't afford to lose you right now And you know they got her hooked up to all these machines And I said mom in the name of Jesus We need you to live My mom sat right up in bed With all this you know And they came But they came right away you know And they were like what's going on And then they pushed my mom down And they took us out of the room And they flew her to Rockford And when we got there The doctor met all of us My brothers and sisters you know They met us And he goes man I thought sure your mom would have brain damage She'd have all this trouble And he said she's asking for all you kids by name She knows you right now And all I could do is smile and say What rooms my mom in And I asked her later you know I said mom you remember that She said I don't remember anything about that day But that name was so powerful That name was awesome And I shouldkryf to pi?cly To some people And never be afraid to speak [00:36:18] (94 seconds)
but what they didn't know and what they didn't believe and they didn't hear Jesus when he said he was going to his death is that Jesus knew he was going to his death in Jerusalem and he still went that's the courage of a king I want you to stop for a minute what's the scariest thing you've ever done for me it was going to first grade I was so afraid of those people I tell the teachers here if you would have been my teacher I think I might have liked it but I was so afraid [00:42:05] (33 seconds)
you know John Wayne says that courage is being afraid but saddling up anyway Jesus knew what was waiting he saddled up and he rode straight into Jerusalem knowing what was waiting for him there would be scourging at the pillar there would be a crown of thorns there would be a cross to carry there would be nails piercing his hands and feet and Jesus knew it now I don't know about you I know I'm going to die or be raptured one or the other I would like door number two [00:43:06] (35 seconds)
but I don't know how I'm going to die and that's okay with me because if I knew that would be scary won't you think so I keep telling God I want to be like Abraham I want to pull my feet up into bed and go home that's what it says but Jesus was so courageous knowing what was going to happen and he went straight in he rode straight into town Hebrews chapter 12 and verse 2 says for the joy set before him he endured the cross despising the shame and it says he sat down at the right hand of God the Father that that is a capsule of Jesus [00:43:46] (43 seconds)
are you courageous enough even to speak his name in public and acknowledge him and confess him because he had enough courage to ride to his death for you and me it's powerful so the king's courage is your first point your second point is the king's kingdom all right if you're taking notes right down it's eternal Jesus kingdom is eternal it will never end he is seated on the throne and he will never be taken off the throne the scripture tells us that David would always have somebody on the throne and that's Jesus and he's not going to come off the throne and no matter how much the enemy tries he can't get Jesus off that throne every other kingdom every other kingdom comes to an end every dictator every president every country's leader every dynasty it all crumbles one day because it's it's it's earthly [00:44:31] (63 seconds)
and he went to the temple because his kingdom is a spiritual kingdom it lives in you and it lives in me and all of us together are part of the king's court when was the last time you thought you were part of the king of king's court maybe you start thinking that way today it makes a difference on how we live when you understand that [00:46:07] (24 seconds)
ezekiel says i'll take out your heart of stone and i'll put in a heart of flesh anybody here with a heart of stone today i think they write songs about hard hearts don't they sometimes i witness to people and they're so obstinate and they're against god and i say just listen one night you're going to hear this big bang god's going to break that heart of stone put in a heart of flesh he wrote his laws on your heart you know in your knower what's right chapter 4 of genesis god said to cain why is your face downcast he said sin's crouching at the door and it wants you and he said you have to learn to rule over it cain knew it was wrong to kill his brother and he still used his free choice to kill his brother [00:47:06] (53 seconds)
his laws are written on your heart if you've opened your heart to jesus the spirit of god comes in and he tells you immediately this is right and this is wrong you know it people call it your conscience they call it all kinds of things i call it the holy spirit i knew a man one time that kept he would call me up and this is what he would say he would say pastor i'm going to go out and get drunk tonight with all the rest of the people in my office and he said i'm just going to go out and sin like everybody else and i would say to him i would say you know what you can wreck your life any day but i said why don't you take one more night and go home and talk to jesus he started calling me jiminy cricket [00:48:47] (39 seconds)
a billionaire and a penniless person has to do the same thing to go to heaven they have to acknowledge jesus christ as lord and savior they have to be born again they have to be filled with the spirit of god and they have to walk with jesus to be his disciple there's no taxes in his economy when john the baptist sent his disciples to see jesus and and ask him a very important question are you he who is to come or do we look for another and jesus didn't say go tell him i'm the guy he said you go back and tell him what you see that the blind see and the deaf hear and the dumb speak and the lame walk and he said the gospel is preached not to the rich he said the gospel is preached to the poor [00:49:17] (47 seconds)
I want you to see when Jesus rode in, and he truly is a king, there was no pomp or circumstance. There was nothing but selfless love when Jesus rode in. Isn't that interesting? Jesus didn't have a crown of gold. He didn't have on any fancy garments. [00:50:54] (18 seconds)
And he went in to jerusalem knowing what was waiting for him he never strayed from his call now how about us we've all been called haven't we we're called number one to obey boy you go to any school and say we're going to have a lesson on obedience in there but we have to obey how would you like to be the two guys that jesus said hey go into town and untie that colt and its mom and bring it to me that would be like me telling riley go up to the ford dealer pick out one of them nice pick out one of them really nice mustangs man get a convertible put the top down and come on back i'm riding into jerusalem and they'd say what are you doing taking that car the lord has need of it i bet that'd work wouldn't it uh -huh be followed by a bunch of sirens wouldn't you but i wonder what these two guys did when they were walking there in the town going do you think like did he make arrangements you know what's going on here hey you know in the wild west they used to hang guys for taking a donkey but they went in and they did exactly what he said that's obedience [00:56:45] (77 seconds)
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