Reviewing the Kingdom

If you have your Bibles, please take them and find Luke 13:31. I want to share a message with you entitled, “Reviewing the Kingdom.”

 

In the recent weeks, we have found ourselves in Luke 13. I know you’ll remember that Luke 13 is all about the kingdom of God.

 

We have talked about entrance into the kingdom.  We have talked about opposition to the kingdom.  We have talked about growth of the kingdom. 

 

Last Sunday, Bro. Ronnie preached from Luke 13:22-30.  In verse 22, the path of the kingdom included Jerusalem.  That is where Christ was headed, and that is where He would be crucified for my sin and your sin.

 

Verses 23 and following speak of to the plan for entrance into the kingdom.  It is not about semantics or saying the right words.  It is not even about service and doing the right things.

 

In verse 28, they will come from all directions into the kingdom.  They will come not because of semantics or service but because they have surrendered unto the Lordship of Jesus Christ in their lives.  In other words, King Jesus is on the throne of each heart in the kingdom.

 

However, if you reject King Jesus and you are intent on self sitting on the throne of your heart, there will be punishment for missing the kingdom.  That punishment is described in verse 28.  There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in hell.

 

Today, we come to the end of Luke 13.  Some things will be new.  Some things will be review. 

 

 

1. When it comes to the kingdom of God, there will always be opposition, Luke 13:31.

31 On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.”

 

On that very day?  About which day are we speaking?  It was that same day that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, and He was teaching in the cities and the village.

 

In this stance, the opposition was Herod.  This was Herod Antipas and the same Herod who had John the Baptist beheaded.

 

Both the Pharisees and Herod were opposed to Jesus.  However, the Pharisees just wanted Jesus out of this place.  Herod wanted to end His life.

 

If you attempt to live your life for the kingdom of God, there will always be opposition. It may come from normal enemies. It may come from surprise enemies.

 

Regardless, Jesus didn’t let opposition to the kingdom keep Him from wanting to do God’s will.  He pressed on.

 

 

2. When it comes to the kingdom of God, surrender is the answer, Luke 13:32-33.

32 And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’ 33 Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.

 

Jesus had word for Herod. Actually, there is the only time and only person that Jesus demonstrated animosity. Fox wasn’t a term to describe Herod’s sly or cunningness. 

 

It was used to say that Herod was not significant.  Herod wasn’t going to get in Jesus’ way.  He was moving forward to Jerusalem, and Herod couldn’t stop Him. 

 

In spite of opposition, Jesus was going to continue to minister and He was going to continue to follow God’s plan.  That included dying and being resurrected.

 

Verse 33 says that Jesus MUST keeping moving forward.  Why?  Jerusalem was God’s place for the kingdom. 

 

Jesus was going to die.  That would happen in Jerusalem.  Jesus was going to be raised.  That would happen in Jerusalem. 

 

BTW…Some people say Jesus never spoke about dying and being resurrected.  Really?  He sure did here in Luke 13:32-33.

 

He prophesied such.  He fulfilled such.

 

Brothers and sisters, Can I remind you that God’s plan and God’s kingdom is always perfect and worth it and what is best for you even if it is hard, and even if it hurts.  Jesus followed God’s plan and kingdom to the point of death, and it was perfect and right.

 

 

3. When it comes to the kingdom of God, Jesus invites you join Him, Luke 13:34-35.

34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

 

In verse 34, we see Jesus’ love and compassion for people, but specifically Jerusalem and the nation of Israel.  However, don’t misunderstand Israel’s guilt.

 

They were guilty as charged for rejecting Jesus and God’s plan and God’s kingdom.  However, Jesus still loved them.

 

In a very unique instance, Jesus verbalized maternal instincts. He called Himself a hen, but Jerusalem wasn’t willing to surrender.

 

BTW…What we see here in Luke 13:34 as well as Psalm 122:6 is why I pray for Israel to recognize Jesus as their promised Messiah.  No person will enter the kingdom because of their ethnicity.  Every Jew must confess Jesus as Lord and Savior in order to be saved, and many will.  I pray for it sooner rather than later.

 

122:6, Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.”

 

Verse 35 speaks to Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  We’ll get there in Luke 19.

 

So what about you?  What about you and the kingdom of God?

 

 

Conclusion

Like Israel, you and I are guilty as sinners.  We don’t deserve any part in the kingdom of God. 

 

However, Jesus wants you in His kingdom.  Would you receive Him as your Lord and Savior today?