Kingdom paradoxes

(One Perfect Life Chapters 91-95) In this portion of the Gospel Jesus teaches that the ways of His kingdom are paradoxical to the practices of men. Paradox: The triumphant Messiah must be betrayed and killed (Mark 9:30-32). The Jewish people were looking for a Messiah that would deliver them from Roman occupation. Jesus offers Himself as the one whose death and resurrection will deliver them from hell.

Paradox: Temple tax to be paid when not owed – in order not to offend (Matthew 17:24-27). The Temple is Jesus Father’s house. Sons due not pay taxes but Jesus would so He would not offend the religious leaders. To demonstrate His identity He has Peter catch a fish that has the exact amount of the Temple tax in its mouth.

Paradox: the “greatest” must be the servant of others; humility leads to exaltation (Mark 9:33-37). Because they were still looking for a Messiah who would be a conquering King, the disciples were arguing over their rank in the King’s court. Jesus corrects their thinking by teaching them the priorities of His Kingdom. Service to other is what defines “greatness” and humility is the most important behavior that they can display.

Paradox: Better maimed and saved than whole and condemned. While Jesus is speaking figuratively when He talks about cutting off limbs or plucking out eyes, His point is still valid. We must remove from our lives anything that would cause separation between ourselves and God. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) are always attempting to lead us into sin. We must value our relationship with God above all things – pleasure, possessions, position and even family.

Paradox: Leave the 99 to find the one (Matthew 18: 12-14). Jesus shows us that God’s commitment to seeking and keeping us. He will leave the 99 sheep who are staying close to Him in order to retrieve the one who wonders away. We have all been that one sheep at some point in our lives. How wonderful that Jesus was not willing to lose even one sheep.

Paradox: Response to offense is forgiveness and restoration not revenge (Matthew 18:15-18). Jesus is teaching how to lovingly confront a fallen brother and restore them back to fellowship. Peter ask about what happens when we are the offended party. Jesus saw – forgive. God has been patient with us and forgiven us of the same offense on multiple occasions. That is why we are to forgive “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18: 21-22).

The final paradox is God’s willingness to judge us by our standard when we reject His (Matthew 18:23-35). In this parable, an evil servant demanded repayment of a small debt after being forgiven a debt he could never repay. Because of this, the evil servant’s debt is reinstated and the punishment applied. God is willing to forgive us our sins. But we show we are not truly His followers when we fail to forgive others; therefore, our sins won’t be forgiven either.