The upside-down kingdom of God
by Maria Rudolph
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‘I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he’ (Luke 7:28).
Think of a great Bible teacher or a very active Christian you know. Who comes to your mind? Think of the hundreds of hours that person has spent reading the Bible, praying for God’s people, and putting their faith into action.
Now, think of the youngest member of your extended family or the littlest child of someone in your circle of friends; so small, and with still so much to learn.
How do these two people in your mind compare?
Now contemplate the marvellous perplexity of the upside-down kingdom Jesus brings to us. The least is the greatest. The first shall be last. In Greco-Roman times, children had very low status. So, when the disciples asked who the greatest in the kingdom of heaven was, Jesus perplexed them when he placed a child in their midst (Matthew 18:2–5). Jesus’ teaching was radical!
John the Baptist is, of course, not comparable with any of the great Bible teachers of our times. He was the forerunner of Christ himself! And yet, even this John, with all his zeal, faith and vigour for the Lord, is not regarded any more highly in the eyes of God than the smallest, and, in worldly terms, most insignificant person.
Many times in the kingdom of God, the order of things as we know them is turned on its head. At the smallest sign that we are getting pleased with ourselves and think we are doing a wonderful job for God, Jesus points us to humility. He points us to a child: unassuming, teachable, curious. A child’s sinful nature is unveiled and obvious, and yet a child is also openly longing for love and acceptance. This is how our gracious God comes to us, regardless of who we are in the eyes of the world, with his offer to be in a deep relationship with him, into eternity.
Loving God, grant me a simple faith and liberate me from wanting to distinguish myself with the accomplishments of this world. Help me to see that all people are equally loved and important to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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