BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 1 - LukeSample

Luke tells us that Jesus begins announcing the Kingdom of God to cities and villages. But instead of traveling with a royal entourage like a typical king, Jesus travels with his chosen ragtag team of twelve alongside some women that he healed and freed. And Jesus’ companions aren’t just along for the ride; they are participants. The ones who received Jesus’ good news, freedom, and healing are the same ones who get to share it from one city to the next.

Their travels are full of wild experiences. Jesus silences a sea storm, frees a man from thousands of demons, heals a woman who suffered for twelve years, raises a twelve-year-old girl from the dead, and feeds thousands of people with one boy’s lunch––after everyone eats, they leave with twelve baskets of leftovers!

As you read today’s passage, notice how Luke repeats the word “twelve” several times. Remember, Jesus intentionally appointed twelve disciples to show that he is reforming the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke wants to highlight this fact, so he repeats the word “twelve” twelve times throughout his Gospel account. Each time he uses the word, he is showing another way that Jesus is redeeming the twelve tribes of Israel, and through Israel, the whole world.

God promised that through the twelve tribes of Israel all the nations would be blessed, and God called Israel to be a light to all nations. Israel failed on their part, but God is faithful to keep his promises. Jesus comes to restore Israel’s calling to bless the world as he sends out his new twelve to announce the Kingdom of God.

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• Those who receive the Messiah’s good news (Isaiah 61:1-3) are the same ones who share it to “repair ruined cities” (Isaiah 61:4). Review Isaiah 61 in light of these passages in Luke again. What do you notice?
  
• Read Isaiah 42:6-7. Reflect on Yahweh’s commitment to appoint Israel as a light to the nations. What do you observe?
  
• Jesus teaches parables to explain how the Kingdom of God is received. Like seed, it can be well received and produce abundance, or it can be interrupted and fail to flourish. Like the light of a lamp, it can be displayed so all can receive it, or it can be hidden away. Jesus’ family are those who receive the words of God and respond in action to bless the world (Luke 8:21). What is your honest response to the Kingdom of God? Are there any distractions, anxieties, or temptations that are luring you away from joining Jesus and his mission to bless the world?
  
• Let your reflection prompt a prayer to God. Talk to God about what inspired amazement, how you agree with his message, where you struggle to share his good news, and what you need.