The Government on His Shoulders

In one paragraph

This message was the continuation of a series on resurrection, picking up at the third aspect Brian had introduced the week before: the new assignment believers will share when Jesus returns to establish his kingdom on earth. The conversation moved from the familiar concept of new life, through the idea of a new body, into territory that was newer for most people in the room, ruling and reigning...

Read together

1. Hebrews 8 God will forgive wickedness and remember sins no more because of the blood of Jesus
2. Ezekiel 16 read aloud describing God passing by, speaking life, covering nakedness, and adorning with garments and jewelry as a picture of redemption
3. Proverbs (unspecified verse) the righteous man falls seven times but gets back up
4. Luke 19:17 parable of the talents, faithful servant rewarded with authority over ten cities
5. Isaiah 9:6-7 the government will rest on his shoulders, describing the coming kingdom of Jesus with justice and righteousness forever
6. Romans 13:1 there is no authority but that which God has established
7. Psalm 2 (referenced without full quotation) Jesus will smash the nations like a clay pot with his iron scepter
8. Matthew 28:18 all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus

What was said

• Pick up an angel tree tag when they arrive next Sunday and buy a gift for a kid in the Jackson community who needs one.
• Read through one of the gospels this week with the specific lens of how Jesus responded to the Roman government occupying his world.
• Think of one area of your life you have kept separate from Jesus's leadership and ask him what he has to say about it.
• When you catch yourself blaming the church, a pastor, or the government for cultural problems, press into Jesus more intentionally instead of pointing outward.
• Mark Christmas Eve at 6:30 on Town Square on your calendar and plan to be there for Tribe Christmas.

Talk about it

1. Brian talked about resurrection showing up all around us in nature, in cities, in a bowl of dough waiting to bloom. Where have you seen something that looked like death turn into new life outside of a church context, and what did it stir in you?
2. Brian described the moment he realized he knew Jesus had paid it all but had never actually received it, never opened the gift. Can you remember a time when you knew something was true in your head but had not yet let it land in your life?
3. The parable in Luke 19 ends with the servant being put in charge of ten cities, not given a bonus or a vacation. What is your honest gut reaction to the idea that ruling and governing is part of what Jesus is preparing his people for?
4. Brian described the tension between being politically and culturally active right now and trusting that Jesus will set things fully right when he returns, and he said wise people know the difference between a problem to solve and a tension to manage. Where do you feel that tension most in your own life?
5. Brian said Christianity was never intended to be just a personal belief system but a worldview that shapes every single part of life, including your vote, what you watch, how you spend your time. Which area of your life have you found it hardest to hand over to Jesus as boss, and why?