Jesus is a prophet, priest and King, not just at some point in the future, but right now. We need to know him as such, encounter, and experience him in each of those functions. This coming passage is the introduction of Jesus as King to his contemporaries. The final revelation of who the Messiah truly is.
The three parts of this text: the healing, the Pharisees challenge, and the instruction of the Kingdom to his disciples.
Part 1
The road to Jerusalem is not straight. Related to the places his disciples had gone to prepare his arrival.
Leper colony where strangers are forced upon one another.
Had a measure of faith when they raised their voices to be heard – desperation.
All had faith for healing, only one was made whole: two aspects to faith, obedience and gratitude (worship). Jesus expects both.
Part 2
The challenge to Jesus’ authority from a theological position. “Who do you think you are?”
Rejecting the evidence in front of them. A simple end times approach to the Messiah
Unable to examine their own perspective and cultural heritage
The response by Jesus is that the kingdom is not just some internal ideas, but there is real power in it’s existence to heal, deliver, and to transform lives. It is all around you for those who have eyes to see, and ears to hear.
Part 3
Using the worldview and mindset of the Jewish leaders, Jesus instructs his disciples concerning the Kingdom.
Notice, this part of Jesus as King of the Kingdom is now coming into focus. He will be proclaimed, mocked and labeled: King of the Jews
His resurrection will be his enthronement on high where he is placed on a throne.
He will judge the living and the dead. He is the King above all kings, supreme ruler in heaven and earth. It is not a question of when, or where as most would have it. The end will come quickly, but what is important is your response to the King now. This is not about chronology (timing), it is about conversion!
Hold lightly to pleasures, relationships, and possessions, but commit to the King and the eternal is secured regardless of what happens in this world.
And it is for all who are called and visited by the King.