BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 1 - LukeSample

Today’s passages reveal a shocking revelation about Jesus’ mission. Jesus says that he is indeed the Messiah (Christ), but then he goes on to say that he will not assert his reign over Israel in a way that any king has done before. He will reign by becoming the suffering servant of Isaiah 53. He will die to ascend his throne. Luke then explores this upside-down idea in the next story.

In this story, Jesus takes some of his disciples up on a mountain, where God’s glorious presence appears as a bright cloud and Jesus is suddenly transformed. Two other figures appear, Moses and Elijah, two ancient prophets who have also experienced God’s glory on a mountain. God speaks from the cloud saying, “This is my son listen to him.” It’s an amazing scene! Luke then tells us that Jesus, Elijah, and Moses talk about Jesus’ departure or “exodus.” Luke uses the Greek word exodos (a word that the Greeks used to describe death) as a way of linking what Jesus is about to do in Jerusalem with Israel’s exodus from Egypt. In this, Luke is showing us that Jesus is the ultimate prophet. He is a new Moses who, through his exodus (death), will free Israel from the tyranny of sin and evil in all of its forms.

And with that shocking revelation, Jesus’ mission in Galilee comes to an end, and Luke begins the story of Jesus’ long trip to the capital city where he will die to be enthroned as Israel’s true king.

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• Compare the prophet’s words in Isaiah 53 with Jesus’ words about how he would take up the throne of Israel (9:20-25). What do you notice?
  
  


• Compare God’s words from the brilliant cloud (9:35) to God’s words in Deuteronomy 18:15-19. What do you observe?
  
  


• Those in the kingdoms of this world avoid suffering to gain what their souls can’t keep. But Jesus said that people in his Kingdom willingly suffer as they follow his words of life and that nothing could be more worthwhile! What is your response to Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom? How have you learned to suffer the loss of pride (9:46-50), public validation (9:51-56), comforts, and familiarity (9:57-60) as you follow and listen to Jesus?
  
  


• Let your reading and reflection prompt a prayer. Marvel at God’s amazing plan, be honest about where you struggle, and seek his help to follow him in suffering.