Title: ENTHRONED
The purpose of the plan: His Kingdom
Bible verses:
Luke 1:32-33 "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
We want our people to grasp in the first week of our Easter campaign to focus on what Jesus did through his death and resurrection. So that no matter what happens from this point, they know the purpose of the plan. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit’s plan was eternal, to rule over all creation, it was to establish His throne and Kingdom that will never end. We want to highlight the key attributes of Christ: Son of the Most High, given the throne of King David, ruler over the kingdom that will never end, giving our congregation the “reason for the season” of Easter. To end focusing on the return of the King as the final instalment when the Kingdom is established forever.
Through Jesus, the Triune God achieved something of eternal impact and indisputable relevancy. Jesus was brought into the world to rule over all creation. (See Mary’s Magnificat Song, [an echo of Sarah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10], in Lk. 1: 46-55) to get a feel of what this rule entails.
The above throne of David in Lk. 1:32-33 is a reference to King David, who was the king-priest of Israel. Luke is helping us see that Jesus’ presence upon the Earth is not a new story, but a continuation of an ancient one. Where once the grace of God was mediated through priests, Jesus has now come to minister grace to humanity once and for all (Heb. 1:1–3, 8, 13).
Jesus secured atonement (making amends for wrongs) for humanity (1 Pet. 2:4), and his offering was accepted by the Father through the ascension (Heb 10:12) into the Holy of Holies (Heb. 9:24). The work is done, the life of Jesus has set about a new kingdom. One which he is now reigning over from the right-hand of the throne of God (Mark 16:19). This concept echoes Genesis 2:2, when God rested from creation, not because he was tired, but because he was finished. Jesus has inaugurated a new creation. One that he is ruling over, prior to returning and making his enemies his footstool. (Heb. 10:13) The church is now invited to participate in this collaboration, via wisdom and the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 3:9) and to worship Jesus as the exact representation of God’s glory (Heb. 1:3) and the supreme enthroned King. (Colossians 1:15-29).
But this story doesn’t stop there, what Jesus began he will bring to final consummation in his final coming. The second coming of Christ, found in Revelation 19, ushers in the final step: His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. The restoration of the Kingdom of God to earth, where Father, Son and Holy Spirit are enthroned forever (Revelation 20-22). We are part of this plan, bringing his Kingdom on earth right now as the beginning instalment for the when he returns and establishes His Kingdom now and forevermore.
Easter is Part 1 of a two-part plan. So, as we journey through the Easter story over the next couple of weeks, don’t forget, Jesus said in Revelation “See you soon.” Revelation 22:12
Extra Scriptures:
- Acts 2:30-36
- Psalm 110
- Matthew 22:41-45
- Hebrews 1:13; 9:25-28; 10:8-15
- 1 Corinthians 15:25-26
Connect Group Resources:
Bible project video: Book of Luke
Article from Joseph Greene, Tyndale Theological Seminary on The Spirit in the Temple
Article by Keith L. Yoder - Spirit and Atonement in John
Connect Group Discussion Questions:
GATHER:
- What is the big picture and purpose of Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension? (Answer: Dying for our sins, to establish his throne, rulership, and Kingdom over all creation for eternity.)
- What is that Kingdom like, how do we live in that Kingdom?
- What do we do that shows the outside world, Jesus is our King?
GROW:
- What Jesus did for us was total and complete, dealing with ALL the ways we were excluded from Him. What has Easter and the Passion story taught you about Christ?
- How do you cope with being under authority?
- Do you find it easy to submit to Jesus’ authority? Discuss and perhaps share a story when it your will against His (e.g. the inner wrestle)
GO:
- Easter was part one of God’s plan to bring His kingdom on the earth. What are the ways that we can and do participate in bringing God’s kingdom to earth as we await part two?
- Christmas and Easter both feature giving and gifts, which is something everyone enjoys. Who can we share with/give to this Easter? What can you give that isn’t chocolate?
