Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 9
The speaker argues the kingdom is “at least a part… now” (kingdom “in your midst,” sons of the kingdom, “engage in business until I come,” and the warning of enemies being “slaughtered”); how does this “present reign” emphasis challenge comfortable Christianity that delays obedience until later, and what “we do not want this man to reign over us” attitudes might exist in supposedly Christian hearts?
Another way to ask: If Jesus’s reign is already happening in some way right now, how does that push back on “I’ll obey later” Christianity? Where might we secretly think, “I don’t want him to rule over me,” even if we call ourselves Christian?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The speaker’s “present reign” emphasis challenges comfortable Christianity by insisting Jesus rules now and expects present obedience, not delayed submission. The attitude “we do not want this man to reign over us” can hide in any resistance to Jesus’s rule—especially when we want the benefits of the kingdom without living as faithful subjects.
- He uses Luke 17 language: the kingdom is not observable, but “the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
- From the weeds parable, he says “the good seed is the sons of the kingdom,” implying kingdom identity exists now.
- He states explicitly: “the Kingdom of God, at least a part of it, is now… we are to live as subjects to the King now.”
- In Luke 19, the nobleman says, “Engage in business until I come,” and the citizens’ rebellion is: “We do not want this man to reign over us.”
- He draws a warning: “if we do not want to be ruled by him now, we will be slaughtered upon his return.”