The coronavirus has led to social distancing, which has led us to be apart again this Sunday. Since we can’t be together, I’m developing a new video series called “Keywords for Kids.”
Each Sunday morning, IBC will post a short video featuring keywords from the Bible. These videos are designed for kids, but adults are more than welcome to tune in (I’m certain adults will learn something too!).
Three of the keywords are Christ, Kingdom, and Love.
CHRIST
First, Christ (χριστός), which occurs a whopping 499 times, is obviously a very important word to the New Testament writers. Contrary to what is commonly believed, Christ is not Jesus’ last name. Rather, it is a title that means “King,” and it captures the ultimate Jewish hope.
All throughout the Old Testament, we read about the Jewish people longing for their Messiah (Hebrew – מְשִׁיח), who would one day come and rule the world in righteousness and peace.
Jesus is that long King who came to restore peace and blessing on the earth through righteousness and love. This is something the world has never seen before, and it’s a reality that fulfills the “blessings” God had promised long ago to Abraham (Genesis 12).
KINGDOM
Second, Kingdom (βασιλεία) occurs in 154 times in the New Testament and is usually mentioned in association with God or Heaven. The Kingdom of God (Heaven) was Jesus’ favorite topic. He went from town to town preaching about the good news of its arrival.
But, contrary to worldly kingdoms, Jesus did not become king through military strength or brute force. Instead, He became King by riding into the hostile capital city of Jerusalem on a donkey (an animal nobody takes into battle) and letting His enemies kill Him. He became King through the cross!
But because of his resurrection from the dead, Peter declared the final words of his sermon at Pentecost,
“Let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Acts 2:36
And Jesus taught His followers to pray that His Kingdom would come on earth as in heaven (Matthew 6).
So, how is that prayer answered? In what practical ways does God answer this prayer for establishing His kingdom on earth? Our final keyword for the day answers those questions.
LOVE
Love (ἀγάπη), which occurs 106 times in the New Testament, is essential to Jesus’ Kingdom. It was through the love of Jesus Himself by laying down His own life for His friends that His Kingdom began.
And Jesus’ kingdom continues to operate on earth as in heaven through the love of His followers, a love for both God and others.
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:36-40).
When we do this, by the power of His Spirit within us, the Kingdom of God (Heaven) is built here on earth.
So think about your response today. How can you serve the King and build His Kingdom on earth as in heaven by loving those around you?
– Pastor Matt