People of the Kingdom

Many people thought there was something wrong with Jesus. He did not conform to their standards or behave in the way they expected. Yes, He had done extraordinary things. Clearly, He had unusual power and wisdom. But some found this confusing.

The religious establishment developed an explanation that fit their theology. They concluded that He was “possessed by an evil spirit.”

His family had a different explanation: They thought He must be crazy—“out of his mind.” Concerned, His mother and brothers “came to see him.” But Jesus looked around and said something that must have bewildered them even more: “Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

Jesus was demonstrating the new reality of His Kingdom. People in the world had their expectations and assumptions. But everything was different in God’s Kingdom. It had its own rules and logic, and a different set of relationships. As Jesus sought to demonstrate this new reality, it became clear that it was a new way of thinking, with new kinds of authority and power.

These principles remain true today. As He did in the first century, Jesus calls men and women to be His followers. He beckons people to enter the Kingdom and adopt its values. However, as we live in His Kingdom, we will face skeptics and critics. They may accuse us of many things, even being “out of our minds.”

During this process, it is critical that we stay in tune with Jesus, listening to His voice and seeking to follow His leading. We must strive to know His Word, where we find the rules of the Kingdom. Every day, we must seek to be filled, led, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. When we do these things, we will think and act like people of the Kingdom.