If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
Introduction
Jesus is King. This is a fact, He has been given authority. Our culture does not trust authority figures very much. The idea that Jesus is King, or Lord can be quite threatening. It is through our relationship with Him that we learn that the way He exercises His kingship makes Him trustworthy. It is necessary then in looking at this subject to balance two apparently opposite views. Firstly we will look at the position of Jesus as Lord or all, then we will go on to look at the way He handles that authority, not in a domineering way but as a servant!
Bible Zone
This Zone looks at a number of situations where Jesus’ leadership is observed.
- God authorises the King - God puts all things under authority of Jesus.
- Authority to Serve - Jesus chooses to serve, not dominate.
- Humility and Authority - Jesus’ attitude is one of humility
- Submit to King - The response of Jesus’ subjects is to submit to His rule.
- Follow Jesus’ Example - Jesus gave an example of leadership for His leaders.
An issue people have with authority figures is how they use their authority. However good the system, authorities use authority to look after themselves. Jesus is different. Ephesians 1v21-23
- What is the basis of Jesus’ authority?
- What is the extent of Jesus’ authority?
- What do you think it means that God put everything under Him for the church?
Ephesians 1v 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
Jesus has authority exercises it differently from rulers. Our culture believes the purpose of the world is to enable everyone can enjoy themselves. God’s concern is that we enter into a relationship with Himself. To foster this relationship Jesus serves us, and we need to trust Him that He is directing us in love.
Jesus’ place of authority gives Him a secure place from which He serves His beloved brothers. Have a look at this text in John 13:1-5
- What did Jesus understand about Himself?
- What attitudes and actions did Jesus demonstrate?
- Why did Jesus need to understand where He stood with the Father in order to serve in this way?
John 13:1-5 1 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.*2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas,* son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist,5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
So, Jesus uses authority not to domineer, but to serve in love. This is a break from our conceptions of authority. He desires that we lead the same way.
This service in love, this incredible attitude of humility is one of the Father’s key values. Let us look at another passage that links the Father’s giving authority to Jesus with Jesus’ service to the world. This passage is Philippians 2v5-11
- What was Jesus’ humility proven in action?
- What was the outcome of Jesus’ humility? (the key word is ‘SO’)
- What is the basis of Jesus’ authority among people?
- What does it mean for us to “think and act like Christ Jesus”?
Philippians 2v5-11 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus is a great king, we are privileged to be His people. There comes a time when our being His people is tested - when He asks us to do something we don’t want.
- What right does a person have to call Jesus Lord if they don’t do what he says?
- What are the consequences of obedience and disobedience in a person’s life?
Luke 6: 46 "So why do you keep calling me 'Lord, Lord!' when you don't do what I say?47 I will show you what it's like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it.48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.49 But anyone who hears and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins."
Jesus gave us an example of service in leadership. He expects those who lead in His name to act the same way. This text picks up from Jesus washing His disciples feet in John 13:12-17
- What is the basis on which Jesus served those He led?
- How does Jesus ask His disciples to follow His example?
12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, "Do you understand what I was doing?13 You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and you are right, because that's what I am.14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet.15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
JESUS THE KING
