La carga de la superstición &#8211; #163

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document)

The Baggage of Superstition – #163

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Rather Listen? Click here…

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospel of Luke to see how Jesus responded to worldly superstitions.

So let’s dive in.

Luke 13:1–5

At that time some of those present told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. To this He replied, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered this fate? No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam collapsed on them: Do you think that they were more sinful than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

My Thoughts

When we hear about horrific tragedies like those described in this passage, we often jump to the conclusion that the victims did something to deserve it. This is exactly the assumption the people were bringing to Jesus.

Was Jesus confirming their suspicions, saying, “They deserved it!” or was He saying, “They didn’t”? I don’t believe He was trying to distinguish between justice and fate. Instead, He was leveling the playing field, addressing the universal reality of sin. In essence, He was making the same point Paul would later articulate in Romans:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

In truth, we all probably deserve far worse fates. Jesus is addressing a deeper issue here, drawing a sharp line between real spiritual consequences and mere superstition.

Mixing superstition with truth is dangerous. It distorts our understanding of God’s true character and blurs our own identities. Jesus wanted His listeners to grapple with the truth that we are all sinners—and ultimately, to understand the nature of God’s grace and justice.

As disciple-makers, we will inevitably face this same challenge. People come to us with a “theological cocktail”—a blend of world religions, cultural myths, and self-manufactured ideas about God. It is our task to dive into the Word of God to separate truth from fiction, reality from myth. We have to help them cut away the baggage of superstition.

My Story

I was recently explaining a friend’s medical condition to my respiratory therapist. As I was describing the dire details, he kept knocking on the wooden chair beside him. He was “knocking on wood,” practicing a superstitious act to prevent jinxing himself. I couldn’t tell if he was just playing around or genuinely trying to ward off bad luck, but I wanted him to know that I wouldn’t trust my friend’s fate to the “god of luck” or any other substitute for the One True God. I told him that I believe in the Great Physician, and I choose to place my friend’s future in His capable and trustworthy hands. Let’s draw a clear line of distinction between superstition and the One who is the Truth.

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for application. Here’s some questions and ideas:

What superstitious practices have we borrowed from the world and need to jettison?
Listen carefully to those you are discipling. What superstitions do you need to address?
Do a Bible study on what God thinks about superstitions.

We are all swimming in a world of half truths and flat out lies from the enemy. Our culture will explain circumstance, good and bad, through alternatives to anything but the truth. Let’s be careful to make a clear distinction between Biblical truth and worldly superstition.

La carga de la superstición – #163

¡Bienvenidos de nuevo! Hoy examinaremos el Evangelio de Lucas para ver cómo respondió Jesús a las supersticiones mundanas.

Así que, entremos en materia.

Lucas 13:1–5

Mis Pensamientos

Cuando oímos hablar de tragedias horribles, como las descritas en este pasaje, a menudo nos apresuramos a concluir que las víctimas hicieron algo para merecerlas. Esta es exactamente la suposición que la gente planteaba ante Jesús.

¿Estaba Jesús confirmando sus sospechas al decir: «¡Se lo merecían!»?, ¿o estaba diciendo: «No se lo merecían»? No creo que Él estuviera intentando distinguir entre la justicia y el destino. Más bien, estaba nivelando el terreno de juego, abordando la realidad universal del pecado. En esencia, estaba planteando el mismo argumento que Pablo articularía más tarde en Romanos:

«Por cuanto todos pecaron y están destituidos de la gloria de Dios». (Romanos 3:23)

En verdad, es probable que todos nosotros merezcamos destinos mucho peores. Aquí, Jesús aborda una cuestión más profunda, trazando una línea clara entre las verdaderas consecuencias espirituales y la mera superstición.

Mezclar la superstición con la verdad es peligroso. Distorsiona nuestra comprensión del verdadero carácter de Dios y desdibuja nuestras propias identidades. Jesús quería que sus oyentes se confrontaran con la verdad de que todos somos pecadores y, en última instancia, que comprendieran la naturaleza de la gracia y la justicia de Dios.

Como formadores de discípulos, inevitablemente nos enfrentaremos a este mismo desafío. La gente acude a nosotros con un «cóctel teológico»: una mezcla de religiones mundiales, mitos culturales e ideas sobre Dios fabricadas por ellos mismos. Nuestra tarea consiste en sumergirnos en la Palabra de Dios para separar la verdad de la ficción, la realidad del mito. Debemos ayudarles a desprenderse de la carga de la superstición.

Mi Historia

Recientemente le estaba explicando la condición médica de un amigo a mi terapeuta respiratorio. Mientras describía los sombríos detalles, él no dejaba de golpear la silla de madera que tenía a su lado. Estaba «tocando madera», realizando un acto supersticioso para evitar echarse la mala suerte encima. No lograba discernir si simplemente estaba bromeando o si realmente intentaba ahuyentar la mala fortuna; sin embargo, quería que supiera que yo no confiaría el destino de mi amigo al «dios de la suerte» ni a ningún otro sustituto del Único Dios Verdadero. Le dije que creo en el Gran Médico y que elijo depositar el futuro de mi amigo en Sus manos capaces y dignas de confianza. Tracemos una clara línea divisoria entre la superstición y Aquel que es la Verdad.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de la aplicación práctica. Aquí tienen algunas preguntas e ideas:

¿Qué prácticas supersticiosas hemos adoptado del mundo y necesitamos desechar?

Escuchen atentamente a aquellos a quienes están discipulando. ¿Qué supersticiones necesitan abordar?

Realicen un estudio bíblico sobre lo que Dios piensa acerca de las supersticiones.

Todos navegamos en un mundo repleto de verdades a medias y mentiras descaradas provenientes del enemigo. Nuestra cultura tiende a explicar las circunstancias —tanto las buenas como las malas— recurriendo a cualquier alternativa, salvo a la verdad misma. Tengamos el cuidado de establecer una clara distinción entre la verdad bíblica y la superstición mundana.

Si ve un problema importante en la traducción, envíeme una corrección por correo electrónico a charleswood1@gmail.com

Kingdom Kernel #51 – Ten Virgins, A Parable on Preparedness – Matthew 25:1-13

Stewarding Resources to Maintain Vigilance and Prudent Expectance of Christ’s Return

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. “Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. “For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. “Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. “But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ “Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. “The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ “But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ “And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. “Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ “But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour. (Matthew 25:1-13)

Introduction

The basic thrust of this parable and the Parables of the Talents and the Minas is to be ready for Christ’s return. Where the Parables of the Talents and Minas focus on preparedness by multiplying the resources given by the Master, the Parable of the Ten Virgins is more about the use of resources to persevere in preparedness. In this essay we will look at the admonition Jesus gives and the practical ways one can remain vigilant and ready to the end.

Key Words and Phrases

Foolish – μωρός (Strong’s G3474 – mōros) foolish, stupid, impious, godless

Prudent – φρόνιμος (Strong’s G5429 – phronimos) intelligent, wise, prudent, i.e. mindful of one’s interests

Messianic Model – Focus on Jesus’ example

Some of the most visible ways we see Jesus modeling prudence is by the way He used His time and stewarded relationships.

Time Management – Jesus knew when to do things and when not to do things. He routinely mentions His hour has not yet come or has come. (John 2:4, John 12:23, John 13:1, John 17:1) When it was not time to enter into conflict that could potentially end in death, He moved on. (Matthew 12:14-15) And when it was time for the cross, He marched straight into Jerusalem. (Luke 18:31-33) Timing was something Jesus stewarded to perfection. (John 5:19) His three year ministry has lasted for over two millennia.

Stewarding Relationships – Jesus preached to and helped scores of people. His efforts to relate to people were both evident in population and geography. (Mark 6:44, Mark 3:7-8) But in the process of engaging so many people, He also saw the need to develop leaders to sustain the movement after He was gone. He helped many but invested deeply in a few. (Mark 3:14, John 17:4-6)

Key Theological Implications

The return of Christ is a focal point in Christian theology. Jesus talked about it extensively in His parables and in direct explanations with His disciples. (Matthew 24, 25, Luke 12:35-40, John 14:1-3) The primary theme of His exhortations was for His followers to recognize the signs of the times and to be ready for His return.

Although the Apostle Paul was only in Thessalonica for three Sabbaths (Act 17:2-3) before he was run out of town by jealous Jews, he included the return of Christ in his short-term discipleship. (2 Thessalonians 2:5) In both of his letters to the church he would give further instruction on the second coming of the Messiah. This was very early in the young converts’ education.

Although there are many different interpretations and opinions, the church’s emphasis on eschatology continues to this day. The one thing that we can all agree on is that Jesus said He would come back and that we should be ready for His return. His admonitions should both encourage us and draw our attention as kingdom citizens to faithful service and vigilant faith.

Contemporary Spiritual Significance

Many find end times theology confusing or at worst a nonessential doctrine. This is exactly what Jesus warned against. Although there have been many abuses of the doctrine; fear mongering, false predictions, and even those who claimed to be Christ themselves, It should not make us any less vigilant in preparing for His return.

But it would be good to talk about what this preparedness looks like. Readiness for His return does not look like a person with their eyes on the clouds and waiting for the trumpets to sound. At Christ’s ascension even the angels prodded those who watched His departure with these words;

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)

In other words, “Get after it! Go do what He commissioned you to do!”

Jesus Himself makes it quite clear what being ready looks like by the many parables and admonitions He gave to His disciples. One of the clearest is found in the end of Matthew chapter 24;

“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.” (Matthew 24:45-46)

These are the faithful expectant stewards of the kingdom, those who are using their resources, gifts, talent, abilities, time, and yes, the whole of their lives to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

The Transformative Power of Being Ready for Christ’s Return

Proper anticipation and orientation of stewardship will cause the individual, the church, and the kingdom to grow. Anticipation creates both a sense of urgency and a focus on the things that really matter, the things that are eternal. Orientation facilitates a healthy intentionality in assessing and employing one’s contributions as a steward of God’s kingdom. Both of these take time to develop through learning, application, and character development. It is not a static proposition but rather a dynamic process that lasts a lifetime in pursuit of God. Growth and transformation are inevitable for the wise and prudent servant.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Virgins is an exhortation by Jesus to do what it takes to cross the finish line prepared for His return. It harkens back to the old adage that “the Christian life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.” But it is not a leisurely stroll through the park either. We are to be busy at the Master’s work and patiently but fervently anticipating His return.

Disciple-Maker’s Short Story

The Oil in Our Lamps

The maple leaves spun down in lazy spirals, catching the October light as they settled onto the playground equipment. Sarah watched her three-year-old, Milo, navigate the climbing structure with the determined concentration of a mountain climber, his small hands gripping each rung with fierce deliberation.

“I swear he’s going to give me a heart attack before he turns four,” she murmured, not taking her eyes off him.

Beside her on the bench, Emma laughed, bouncing her six-month-old on her knee. “Wait until he discovers he can jump off things. That’s when the real fun begins.”

Jan smiled from her spot on the grass, where she was building a tower of blocks with Emma’s two-year-old twins. At forty-three, she was the oldest in their loose confederation of mothers, the one who’d been through the sleepless nights and toddler years twice over. Her boys were in middle school now, but she’d never forgotten what it felt like to need other women in the trenches with you.

“Remember when we thought pregnancy was the hard part?” This from Keisha, who was trying to convince her eighteen-month-old that wood chips were not, in fact, a food group.

Their Tuesday and Thursday meetings had started accidentally six months ago—Sarah and Jan arriving at the same time, week after week, until conversation became inevitable. Then Emma had joined, newly moved to Tacoma and desperate for adult interaction. Keisha had rounded out their group a month later, and now these mornings felt essential, like vitamins or coffee.

“Speaking of hard parts,” Emma said, her tone shifting to something more careful, “did anyone else’s church do that whole rapture sermon series? My mom sent me three YouTube videos about the end times this week, and I honestly don’t know what to think anymore.”

Sarah groaned. “My feed is full of that stuff. Half the people are stockpiling supplies, and the other half are arguing about pre-trib versus post-trib like it’s a sports rivalry.”

“What does that even mean?” Keisha asked, abandoning her wood chip patrol to join them. “I grew up Baptist, but we never talked about any of that.”

“It’s basically different theories about when Jesus comes back and how it all happens,” Emma explained. “Some people think believers will be taken up before things get bad, others think we’ll go through it. And everyone’s so sure they’re right.” She shifted the baby to her other knee. “My mom’s convinced it’s happening any day now. She keeps telling me to ‘be ready,’ but I don’t actually know what that means. Like, should I be doing something specific? Praying more? Going to more Bible studies?”

Jan had been quiet, letting the younger women articulate their confusion. She’d heard variations of this conversation before—the anxiety that modern end-times preaching could generate, the way it sometimes paralyzed people rather than mobilizing them. She thought of Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins, of oil and lamps and a bridegroom’s arrival.

“Can I tell you what I think?” Jan asked, and something in her voice made them all turn. Not authoritative, exactly, but grounded. Sure.

“Please,” Emma said. “Because right now it just feels like noise.”

Jan stood, brushing grass from her jeans, and moved to where she could see all their children at once—a habit that never died, even when your own kids were taller than you. “A few years ago, I got obsessed with this topic too. Read all the books, watched all the documentaries, tried to decode Revelation like it was a puzzle I could solve.” She smiled ruefully. “Drove my husband crazy. Finally, he asked me: ‘If Jesus came back tomorrow, would you be doing anything differently today?'”

Milo shrieked with delight as he reached the top of the climbing structure, and Sarah gave him a thumbs up before turning back to Jan.

“That question gutted me,” Jan continued. “Because honestly? I was spending all this time trying to figure out when and how, but I’d stopped focusing on who I was becoming. Jesus told this parable about ten women waiting for a bridegroom—five had enough oil for their lamps, five didn’t. The ones who ran out missed everything, not because they didn’t care, but because they hadn’t prepared for a long wait.”

“So we’re supposed to stockpile spiritual oil?” Keisha asked, half-joking.

“Not stockpile. Steward.” Jan picked up one of the blocks, turned it over in her hands. “Jesus wasn’t subtle in his parables. Over and over, he told people: ‘I’m coming back, so be busy with what I gave you to do.’ The oil isn’t about having all the right theological positions. It’s about faithfulness over time. It’s about…” She gestured at the playground, at their children, at the circle they’d formed. “It’s about this, actually.”

Emma frowned. “Hanging out at parks?”

“Building relationships. Investing in people. Using your gifts.” Jan looked at each of them in turn. “Sarah, you’re always the first to notice when someone’s struggling. Last month you showed up at my house with dinner because you somehow knew I’d had a terrible day. Emma, you’ve got this gift for asking questions that make people think deeper—I’ve watched you do it in our conversations. Keisha, you’re hilarious, but you also have this way of speaking truth that doesn’t feel judgmental. You made me rethink my whole approach to discipline just by telling a story about your grandmother.”

“I did?” Keisha looked genuinely surprised.

“You did.” Jan sat back down on the bench, and they instinctively drew closer. “The prudent virgins—the wise ones—they made sure they had what they needed for the long haul. Not because they were paranoid, but because they took the bridegroom seriously. They believed he was coming, so they lived accordingly.”

A breeze scattered more leaves across the playground. One of Emma’s twins toddled over and climbed into Jan’s lap, and she settled him there with practiced ease.

“But what does that actually look like?” Sarah pressed. “Because I’ll be honest, most days I’m just trying to keep everyone alive and fed.”

“Yes,” Jan said simply. “Exactly that. Jesus was really clear about this—the person who’s faithful in small things will be faithful in large things. You think keeping a three-year-old alive isn’t kingdom work?” She nodded at Milo, who was now attempting to hang upside down. “You’re raising a human being who could change the world. You’re showing him what love looks like, what patience looks like, what forgiveness looks like—even on the days when you’re doing it imperfectly.”

“Especially on those days,” Emma murmured.

“Right. And these mornings?” Jan gestured at their circle. “This is discipleship. This is how the early church actually functioned—people doing life together, helping each other follow Jesus in the middle of ordinary things. Paul spent three weeks in Thessalonica, and you know what he made sure to teach them? That Jesus was coming back. Not to scare them, but to give them purpose. To help them understand that everything they did mattered.”

Keisha had gone quiet, her usual energy stilled. “I think I’ve been so worried about doing it right that I forgot to just… do it.”

“That’s the trap,” Jan agreed. “Jesus spent three years modeling what preparedness looks like. He managed his time intentionally—knew when to engage and when to withdraw. He poured into masses of people, but he also invested deeply in twelve specific humans. He stewarded everything—relationships, opportunities, even his own life—with this incredible purposefulness.”

“I like that word. Purposefulness.” Sarah was watching Milo again, but Jan could see her really thinking. “It feels different than just being busy.”

“It is different. You can be busy and still run out of oil.” Jan shifted the twin on her lap so she could see them all better. “The foolish virgins weren’t careless because they didn’t care about the bridegroom. They just didn’t think about sustainability. They didn’t prepare for the marathon.”

“So how do we prepare?” Emma asked. “Practically, I mean.”

Jan considered. “For me, it’s meant being really honest about where I invest my energy. It’s meant saying no to good things sometimes so I can say yes to better things. It’s meant developing habits that keep me connected to God—not legalistic stuff, but real relationship. Reading Scripture not to check a box but to let it change me. Praying not just in crisis but in the ordinary moments.” She paused. “And it’s meant community, like this. People who’ll tell me when I’m drifting, who’ll remind me what matters.”

One of the twins started fussing, and Emma stood to retrieve him. “My mom would say that’s not enough. That I need to be more… I don’t know, on fire or something.”

“Maybe,” Jan said gently. “Or maybe your mom’s working out her own relationship with God, and what she needs looks different from what you need. The point isn’t to become your mom’s version of ready. It’s to become you, fully formed into who Jesus created you to be. That’s the transformation that matters.”

“Fully formed sounds exhausting,” Keisha said, but she was smiling.

“It’s a lifetime process,” Jan admitted. “And here’s the thing—nobody crosses the finish line perfect. The wise virgins weren’t wise because they never struggled or doubted. They were wise because they kept refilling their lamps. They kept doing the next right thing, day after day.”

Sarah’s phone buzzed—probably a reminder about naptime. They’d been here almost two hours already. “So when people ask if I’m ready for Jesus to come back, what I should really hear is: ‘Are you faithfully doing what you’re called to do right now?'”

“Yes,” Jan said. “And the answer doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be honest. Some days my answer is ‘I’m trying.’ Some days it’s ‘I forgot to try until just now.’ But I keep showing up. I keep asking God to reshape me. I keep…” She trailed off, watching their children play together, these small humans they were all trying to shepherd toward something good and true. “I keep remembering that Jesus’ return isn’t meant to terrify us. It’s meant to orient us. To remind us that everything we do today echoes into eternity.”

They gathered their things slowly—diaper bags and water bottles, shoes that had been kicked off, half-eaten snacks. The maple leaves continued their gentle descent around them.

“Same time Thursday?” Emma asked, and they all nodded.

As they walked toward the parking lot, Keisha fell into step beside Jan. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear that.”

“We all need reminding,” Jan replied. “That’s why we keep showing up.”

Sarah’s voice carried back to them: “Milo, honey, we don’t eat leaves either.”

Jan laughed, the sound mingling with children’s voices and rustling leaves and the ordinary sacredness of an autumn morning in Tacoma. This, she thought. This was the oil in their lamps—these faithful friendships, these honest conversations, these small humans being loved into being. Not dramatic or flashy, but real. Sustainable. Enough for the journey, however long it took.

And if the Bridegroom came tomorrow, or next year, or decades from now? She would still have spent today well. Still have invested in what mattered. Still have been about the Master’s work, in a park on a Thursday morning, helping young mothers understand that readiness wasn’t about having all the answers.

It was about showing up. Again and again. With whatever oil you had.

And then, because grace was inexhaustible, letting Jesus refill your lamp.

Rather Listen? Click here…

Jesus the Divider – #162

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospel of Luke to see why Jesus is so divisive.

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document)

Luke 12:49-53

I have come to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

My Thoughts

Make no mistake about it, Jesus is divisive. He is the most polarizing figure in all of history. You are either with Him or against Him. Oh, there are those who try to find the middle and call Him a good man, one with a great moral compass, a kind figure in the annals of the past, but certainly not someone to be exclusively worshiped as the One and only true God. Those trying to stand on the “middle ground” are in just as much danger as the outright rebellious. There is no middle ground with Jesus. Jesus said, ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. (Revelation 3:15-16).

But you may say, “Chuck, what does this have to do with us? We are disciple makers. We are all in. How does this apply to us?” I’m glad you asked. 🙂 Have you noticed where most of our culture stands, especially here in the West? No one wants to be exclusive or appear divisive. Everyone wants to take the middle ground on religion. And as you are sharing the gospel you’ve heard it a million times, “I believe in Jesus.” But when you press in a little deeper, universalism is the flavor of the day.

Part of our task as disciple makers is to “fill in the gaps.” I was recently studying Acts 18. The Apostle Paul finds twelve disciples of John the Baptist. They don’t know about Jesus so Paul fills in the gaps and they are baptized and receive the Holy Spirit. Then Paul enters the synagogue and tries to “fill in some gaps” and gets the boot. So what’s the difference between the two groups of people? Receptivity. The twelve received the truth and responded in obedience to the gospel and the folks in the synagogue rejected the message, the messenger, and the Master.

Notice Paul didn’t try to soften the blow or candy coat the truth of the gospel in either case. And that is the key lesson for us as disciple makers. Some have unwittingly changed the gospel to make it more palatable to be “Seeker Friendly.” Some are preaching discipleship with no cost. Some are minimizing obedience for the sake of corrupted grace. Jesus (nor Paul) didn’t do that. They told it like it is. Now this doesn’t give us license to be a jerk but we dare not water down the truth either.

My Story

Lately, we’ve been trying a new approach to sharing the gospel. It focuses on four simple questions about the kingdom of God, stepping away from older illustrations and starting right where Jesus began His ministry.

We usually open by reading Mark 1:15 together: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Then, we ask the first question: “What does it mean that the kingdom of God is at hand?”

It sometimes takes a little friendly prompting, but people almost always land on the core truth: Jesus the King has arrived as the ruler of His kingdom.

From there, we move to question two: “What are the three components of a kingdom?”

Most of the time, folks don’t need much help with this one. They quickly piece together the trio: a King, His domain, and His people.

Question three is where the gears really start turning: “What are the three ways people can respond to a King?”

The first two usually come out immediately: allegiance or rebellion. The third option can be a bit of a head-scratcher. But when we ask, “What sits right in the middle of allegiance and rebellion?” the lightbulb goes on. “Indifference!” Exactly.

This sets up the fourth and final question: “Of those three responses to King Jesus, which one describes you?”

It is eye-opening how many people—probably 95% of those we talk to—honestly identify as indifferent. That vulnerability opens the door perfectly.

From there, we’ll often share Revelation 3:15-16—the passage about being lukewarm—and let that lead us right into a genuine conversation about what real, active faith actually looks like.

We are trying to get closer to “filling in the gaps” like Jesus and Paul.

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for application. Here’s some questions and ideas.

Are you trying to “soften the blow of the truth” in any way?
Do a study on how Jesus shared the truth in love.
Do an assessment on the way you share the gospel compared to Jesus or the Apostles.

As disciple makers we are filling in the gaps for people. In order for us to do this in an effective way we are going to have to go places that may make us and those we are talking to feel uncomfortable. But this truth telling is the most loving thing we can do for those who are in jeopardy of losing their souls.

Jesús, el divisor — #162

¡Bienvenidos de nuevo! Hoy examinaremos el Evangelio de Lucas para ver por qué Jesús resulta tan divisivo.

Así que, entremos en materia.

Lucas 12:49-53

Mis Pensamientos

Que no quepa duda alguna: Jesús es una figura divisiva. Es la figura más polarizante de toda la historia. O estás con Él o estás contra Él. Oh, ciertamente hay quienes intentan buscar un punto medio y lo califican como un buen hombre, alguien con una gran brújula moral, una figura bondadosa en los anales del pasado, pero, sin duda alguna, no alguien a quien se deba adorar exclusivamente como el Único y verdadero Dios. Aquellos que intentan mantenerse en el «punto medio» corren tanto peligro como los que son abiertamente rebeldes. Con Jesús no existe el punto medio. Jesús dijo: «Conozco tus obras: que ni eres frío ni caliente. ¡Ojalá fueras frío o caliente! Así que, por cuanto eres tibio, y no frío ni caliente, te vomitaré de mi boca» (Apocalipsis 3:15-16).

Pero tal vez te preguntes: «Chuck, ¿qué tiene que ver esto con nosotros? Nosotros somos hacedores de discípulos. Estamos comprometidos al cien por cien. ¿Cómo se aplica esto a nuestra labor?». Me alegra que lo preguntes. 🙂 ¿Te has percatado de cuál es la postura de la mayor parte de nuestra cultura, especialmente aquí en Occidente? Nadie quiere ser excluyente ni parecer divisivo. Todo el mundo prefiere adoptar una postura intermedia en lo que respecta a la religión. Y, a medida que compartes el evangelio, habrás escuchado esa frase un millón de veces: «Yo creo en Jesús». Pero cuando indagas un poco más a fondo, te das cuenta de que el universalismo es la tendencia del momento.

Parte de nuestra tarea como hacedores de discípulos consiste en «llenar los vacíos». Recientemente estuve estudiando el capítulo 18 del libro de los Hechos. El apóstol Pablo se encuentra con doce discípulos de Juan el Bautista. Ellos no tienen conocimiento acerca de Jesús, así que Pablo «llena esos vacíos»; como resultado, ellos son bautizados y reciben el Espíritu Santo. Luego, Pablo entra en la sinagoga e intenta «llenar algunos vacíos» allí también, pero termina siendo expulsado. Entonces, ¿cuál es la diferencia entre estos dos grupos de personas? La receptividad. Los doce recibieron la verdad y respondieron con obediencia al evangelio; en cambio, la gente de la sinagoga rechazó el mensaje, al mensajero y al Maestro.

Observa que Pablo no intentó suavizar el golpe ni «edulcorar» la verdad del evangelio en ninguno de los dos casos. Y esa es la lección clave para nosotros como hacedores de discípulos. Algunos han modificado el evangelio —quizás sin darse cuenta— para hacerlo más «digerible» y así lograr que resulte más «amigable para los buscadores». Algunos predican un discipulado sin costo alguno. Otros minimizan la obediencia en aras de una gracia adulterada. Jesús (ni tampoco Pablo) actuaron así; ellos decían las cosas tal como son. Ahora bien, esto no nos da licencia para comportarnos como patanes, pero tampoco debemos atrevernos a diluir la verdad.

Mi Historia

Últimamente, hemos estado probando un nuevo enfoque para compartir el evangelio. Se centra en cuatro preguntas sencillas sobre el reino de Dios, dejando de lado las ilustraciones más antiguas y comenzando justo donde Jesús inició su ministerio.

Por lo general, comenzamos leyendo juntos Marcos 1:15: «El tiempo se ha cumplido y el reino de Dios se ha acercado; arrepiéntanse y crean en el evangelio».

Luego, planteamos la primera pregunta: «¿Qué significa que el reino de Dios se ha acercado?».

A veces hace falta un pequeño estímulo amistoso, pero casi siempre la gente llega a la verdad fundamental: Jesús, el Rey, ha llegado como el gobernante de su reino.

A partir de ahí, pasamos a la segunda pregunta: «¿Cuáles son los tres componentes de un reino?».

La mayoría de las veces, la gente no necesita mucha ayuda con esta. Rápidamente identifican el trío: un Rey, su dominio y su pueblo.

La tercera pregunta es donde realmente empiezan a funcionar los engranajes: «¿Cuáles son las tres formas en que las personas pueden responder a un Rey?».

Las dos primeras suelen surgir de inmediato: lealtad o rebelión. La tercera opción puede resultar un tanto desconcertante. Pero cuando preguntamos: «¿Qué se sitúa justo entre la lealtad y la rebelión?», se les enciende la bombilla. «¡Indiferencia!». Exacto.

Esto da pie a la cuarta y última pregunta: «De esas tres respuestas ante el Rey Jesús, ¿cuál te describe a ti?».

Resulta revelador ver cuántas personas —probablemente el 95 % de aquellas con las que hablamos— se identifican honestamente como indiferentes. Esa vulnerabilidad abre la puerta de manera perfecta.

A partir de ahí, a menudo compartimos Apocalipsis 3:15-16 —el pasaje sobre ser tibios— y dejamos que eso nos conduzca directamente a una conversación genuina sobre cómo es realmente una fe auténtica y activa.

Estamos intentando acercarnos más a «llenar los vacíos», tal como lo hacían Jesús y Pablo.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de la aplicación práctica. Aquí tienes algunas preguntas e ideas:

¿Estás intentando, de alguna manera, «suavizar el golpe de la verdad»?

Realiza un estudio sobre cómo Jesús comunicaba la verdad con amor.

Haz una evaluación de la forma en que compartes el evangelio, comparándola con la manera en que lo hacían Jesús o los apóstoles.

Como formadores de discípulos, estamos supliendo las carencias de las personas. Para poder hacerlo de manera eficaz, tendremos que adentrarnos en terrenos que tal vez nos hagan sentir incómodos —tanto a nosotros como a aquellos con quienes hablamos—. Sin embargo, decir la verdad de este modo es el acto de amor más grande que podemos realizar por aquellos que corren el riesgo de perder sus almas.

Si ve un problema importante en la traducción, envíeme una corrección por correo electrónico a charleswood1@gmail.com

Kingdom Kernel #50 – Shutting Off the Kingdom of Heaven

A Harsh Warning for Those Who Get in the Way of Kingdom Expansion

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” (Matthew 23:13)

Introduction

This essay will explore the huge error the religious leaders of Jesus’ day made when they did not enter God’s kingdom and even worse, tried to prevent others from entering it. We will discover the failure to grasp the meaning of the Scriptures, misguided traditions, and character flaws that led to this indictment of hypocrisy. We will also look at ways we may unwittingly commit the same sin Jesus points out in the religious leaders. We will study the example of Jesus in facilitating entrance into the kingdom and our responsibilities in these modern times.

Key Words and Phrases

Hypocrites – ὑποκριτής (hypokritēs – Strong’s G5273) – one who answers, an interpreter, an actor, stage player, a dissembler, pretender, fraud, fake

“Shut off the kingdom of heaven…” – Essentially the religious leaders through their teaching, life-style, and lack of character led people astray. Although they were very “religious” people, they did not possess or teach the truth about Jesus as Messiah. They led people astray and therefore “blocked” the entrance to the kingdom.

“You do not enter [the kingdom] yourselves…” – This started with John the Baptist when the religious leaders refused to believe he was a true prophet. Their error continued to deteriorate when they failed to embrace the promised Messiah, Jesus.

Messianic Model – Focus on Jesus’ Example

It may seem counterintuitive to say Jesus entered the kingdom of God and thereby giving us an example to follow. But we must remember Jesus was given the kingdom by His Father and it was obtained through His supreme obedience to the Father’s will. (Psalm 2:6-8, Luke 22:29-30, Philippians 2:8-9) Furthermore, He is an example of One who does not prevent people from entering God’s kingdom. In fact, He is the quintessential model for ushering them into the kingdom. (Mark 1:14-15, Luke 9:1-2, Acts 1:3)

Key Theological Implications

The Religious Leader’s Failure

When we look at the role of religious leaders the word “priest” comes to mind. The Hebrew word כֹּהֵן – kōhēn (Strong’s H3548) meaning priest, one who mediates and the Greek word ἱερεύς – hiereus (Strong’s G2409) meaning a priest, one who offers sacrifices and in general is busied with sacred rites, referring to priests of Gentiles or the Jews. Put simply, one who brings man to God and God to man. The religious leaders were supposed to inform the people about God’s kingdom and usher them into it. But as Jesus and the Scriptures point out, they failed miserably in their mission. There are many reasons a spiritual leader may fail to point people in the right direction. The religious leaders of Jesus’ time didn’t understand the Scriptures. (Matthew 22:29, John 5:39) They elevated their traditions above the commands of God. (Matthew 15:3-9, Mark 7:7-9) They were unwilling to practice the basic principles of justice and mercy. (Matthew 9:13, 23:23) And they had huge character flaws.

Flaw	Description	Example Verse
Hypocrisy	Preach but don’t practice	Matthew 23:3
Pride and self-righteousness	Comparing to themselves to others, lacking humility	Luke 18:9-14
Envious and Jealous	Pilate knew they were envious and jealous of Jesus’ influence	Matthew 27:18
Lack of mercy	Ignoring justice, mercy, and faithfulness	Matthew 23:23
Greed and exploitation	Taking advantage of people, devouring widows’ houses	Matthew 23:14
People Pleasers and fear of People	They wouldn’t follow their own convictions for fear of the people	John 12:42-43

Can a Leader Actually “Shut a person out of the kingdom?”

Once again Jesus is using hyperbole to make His point. Hyperbole uses language that is exaggerated to emphasize the severity of people’s actions or attitudes. It is important to note that God is sovereign and no human frailty or stupidity could thwart the sovereign call of God. As we have discussed in previous essays, man has free agency and God is totally sovereign. Although we can’t reconcile these two with human logic, the Bible speaks of both. Religious leaders will be held accountable for their failure to usher or even efforts to block people from entering the kingdom of God. However, it is impossible to deter the elect. Those who really want to submit to Jesus’ rulership and enter, are those whom God has chosen. Jesus is simply calling out the ineptitude of the spiritual leaders. (John 3:5,10:28-29, Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 1:4-5)

Contemporary Spiritual Significance

Jesus’ warning to the religious leaders in His time is just as applicable to spiritual leaders today. We will be held accountable for both action and inactions that counter the kingdom message. We have already reviewed some of the errors and defects Jesus directly addressed in His day but there is another in the present that is just as dangerous; failure to recognize the priesthood of the believer. (1 Peter 2:9) Leaders who cause a “bottleneck” to the gospel and ministry are placing unnecessary roadblocks in the path of kingdom advancement. As already stated, the leaders can’t actually keep a person from entering the kingdom but they will be held accountable for beliefs and actions that try to, intentionally or unintentionally, thwart its expansion. Unbiblical restrictions like; You’re not qualified to share the gospel, make disciples, administer the Lord’s Supper, baptize someone, or even be the church are all hindrances to the spread of Christianity. Restrictions are not the answer. Training every believer is.

The Transformative Power of Freeing Kingdom Citizens

When disciples are unleashed to understand authority, responsibility, and rewards of functioning as healthy kingdom citizens, growth is inevitable. Individual disciples will grow in their relationship with their King and take on the stewardship they’ve been entrusted with. The church will be more than a gathering to practice religious rites. It will be a kingdom outpost poised to minister to its own but also press into the darkness and win more souls. And the kingdom, like leaven, will spread across the globe. But in order for this to happen we must make disciples of Jesus as He commanded. Jesus said “the harvest is great but the laborers are few.” (Luke 10:2) Not only should we pray for more laborers as Jesus instructed, we should train and deploy more laborers as He did.

Conclusion

Jesus has harsh words for the religious leaders who get in the way of kingdom expansion. His warning carries with it the reality that they themselves will not enter. As disciple-makers of Jesus we dare not make the same mistake. We need to roll up our sleeves and make disciples who can make disciples. Artificial constraints and roadblocks must be knocked down and the kingdom citizens must be set free.

Disciple-Maker’s Short Story

Locker Room for the Kingdom

Collin’s voice rose just enough to carry over the low hum of showers and closing lockers. “Alright, last rep, fellas. Knees down, hearts up.”

Thursday’s walk-through had left a thin sheen of sweat but not the bone-deep ache of Friday night. Shoulder pads hung like empty armor, jerseys draped over hooks, and a faint haze of Icy Hot floated in the warm air. The Bible study circle formed slowly along the far wall, where rubber flooring was scuffed white from cleats and a fluorescent tube flickered. Helmets became stools. Linemen sat on duffel bags.

Collin sat cross-legged, back against a dented blue locker with 72 stenciled in flaking white. His Bible lay open on his thigh, a strip of athletic tape scribbled with “Audience of One” clinging to the back cover.

“Who’s got Matthew 18?” he asked.

Tyrese, their wiry slot receiver, read about becoming like children to enter the kingdom of heaven, about not despising the little ones. His voice was softer than on the field, where he chirped at cornerbacks all game long.

When he stopped, the locker room exhaled. In their circle, a silence settled that felt like the quiet in the huddle right before a trick play.

Mason, the sophomore linebacker, broke it. “I was reading ahead—where Jesus is roasting the Pharisees and says they ‘shut off the kingdom of heaven from people.'” His forehead tightened. “How do you even do that? Block somebody from the kingdom? Jesus sounds like He’s saying you can actually get in people’s way with God.”

He looked straight at Collin, and behind the bravado was something like fear. “What if we’re doing that?”

The question hung heavy. Collin felt his heartbeat kick faster. Every eye in the circle had shifted to him.

“That’s a legit question,” he said. “Before we answer it, let’s back up. In Matthew 18, how does Jesus say you enter the kingdom?”

Tyrese glanced down. “He says unless you’re converted and become like children, you won’t enter.”

“What does that mean to you?” Collin asked. “When you think of a kid, what do you actually see?”

“Honest mess,” Jordan said. “They don’t fake it.”

“Dependence,” said Lucas, a quiet junior safety whose dad had left the year before. “Little kids need you for everything.”

Collin nodded. “So… humble, honest, dependent. Not pretending to be big when you aren’t. Not walking around like you own the field, but like you know Who actually does.”

He felt a gentle conviction paint the edges of his own ego—his love of being captain, the guy the coach trusted, the guy freshmen watched.

“If Jesus says that’s how you enter the kingdom,” he said, “what kind of person would make it harder for someone else to get there?”

“An opposite kid,” Mason said. “Proud. Fake. In control.”

“So, like my uncle,” Tyrese muttered, then winced.

Collin caught that. “Yeah. Jesus calls the religious leaders ‘hypocrites’—like actors. They were supposed to bring people to God, but instead of opening the door, they stood in the doorway and blocked it.”

“But how do you block it?” Austin pressed.

“Think about people you know,” Collin said. “When do you feel more drawn to Jesus because of them, and when do you feel like He’s farther away?”

Tyrese stared at the floor. “When they actually live it. Coach Reed doesn’t shove God down our throats, but when he prays, you can tell it’s real. That makes me want to pray.” He swallowed. “My uncle posts Bible verses every day but talks trash about everybody. Makes me think, ‘If that’s what following Jesus looks like, I’m out.'”

Heads nodded.

“That,” Collin said softly, “is what it looks like to block the kingdom. You can make Jesus look smaller, meaner, more fake than He is. And you can make yourself look like the main point.”

He let that sit.

“Jesus isn’t just talking to ‘those guys back then.’ His warning is for anybody who leads. Captains. Seniors. That’s us.”

“Dude, I’m a backup QB,” Austin said. “My platform is the bench.”

“Freshmen still watch you,” Jordan said. “When you clown on somebody, the whole locker room follows.”

Austin’s grin faded.

“Jesus gave the kingdom to His church—He calls all His people a ‘royal priesthood,'” Collin said. “Every believer carries the job of pointing people to God. So when we act like we’re the only ones qualified, or make following Jesus look like a members-only club, we’re jamming up the doorway.”

Mason frowned. “But we’re just high schoolers.”

“Who led you here?” Collin asked.

“You invited me. You kept asking.”

“Exactly. You’re being discipled and you’re already discipling. You bring your little brother to church workouts. If you bow your head over your pregame meal, he probably will too. If you mock it, he’ll mock it twice as hard.”

A muscle jumped in Mason’s jaw.

“So maybe the better question is: Who’s watching our lives—and what are we showing them about the King?”

Lucas spoke again, words careful. “When you guys came to the house after my dad left and just sat on the porch with me and didn’t say a bunch of religious stuff… that made me think maybe Jesus wasn’t like my dad. Like He wouldn’t bounce when it got ugly. That kinda opened a door.”

Collin’s throat tightened. He and Jordan had just felt a weight in their chests and got in the truck. They’d brought pizza and played Madden until midnight and prayed once, haltingly.

“That’s the opposite of blocking the kingdom,” he managed. “Jesus came close, especially when things were messy, and kept pointing people to His Father.”

He uncapped a marker and turned to the whiteboard, writing over ghostly route trees:

HOW COULD I BLOCK? | HOW COULD I OPEN?

“What are some ways guys like us could accidentally block people from wanting Jesus? And what are some opposite plays we could run?”

The answers came slowly but surely.

“Talking big about God here, but cussing out refs on Friday,” Jordan said.

“Only inviting people to church if they’re already our kind of people,” Tyrese added.

“Acting like you gotta be perfect before you come to God,” Lucas said.

They filled the left side: making fun of non-athletes, acting like only the youth pastor could pray, hoarding attention.

Then the right side.

“Admitting when we’re wrong. Actually apologizing to freshmen,” Mason said.

“Letting younger guys lead something small,” Austin offered.

“Being the same at school as we are here,” Tyrese said.

“Listening more, preaching less,” Lucas added.

Collin stepped back. The board looked like a scouting report on their own souls.

“We’re not doing this in our own strength,” he said. “Jesus gave His life to open the kingdom, then shares His Spirit so we can live like Him. If we’re going to stop blocking and start ushering people in, we’ll have to ask Him to change us—not just our behavior, but our hearts.”

He paused. “And that starts with wanting to become like Him more than we want to be anything else. More than all-district, or popular, or respected.”

The room went still. Football ambitions lived thick in this air—scholarship dreams, highlight reels, rumors of scouts.

Mason broke the quiet. “So if I’m more worried about being ‘that dude’ than looking like Jesus, I’m already blocking the kingdom. ‘Cause I’m telling people my glory is bigger than His.”

Collin’s lips twitched. “You said it, not me.”

“Then I don’t want that,” Mason said. “I wanna hit like me but live like Him. Use the respect to point people up.”

Tyrese leaned back. “My little cousins copy everything I do. If I keep being halfway with Jesus, I’m telling them He’s only worth halftime. I wanna go all-in. Not just so I don’t block them, but ’cause He actually deserves it.”

“If Jesus could obey all the way, even when it cost Him everything,” Lucas said, “why wouldn’t I want to live under a King like that? I want that kind of obedience. So when people look at me, they don’t see the guy whose dad left; they see a different kind of Father.”

Their words washed over Collin like a warm wave and a weight. This was why he’d said yes to leading the study. They weren’t just learning plays; they were being formed into men who could carry a kingdom.

“Last question,” Collin said. “What’s one concrete thing you’re going to do before next Thursday?”

“I’ll apologize to Micah, the freshman corner,” Austin said. “I lit him up in film room. That’s not what Jesus would’ve done.”

“I’ll invite my cousin to the game and to this study,” Tyrese said.

“I’ll ask my little brother what he thinks God is like,” Mason said. “Then try to show him that.”

“I’ll talk to Coach about letting a freshman lead pregame prayer,” Jordan added.

“I’ll read Matthew 18 again with my mom,” Lucas said.

Each answer felt like a hand reaching for a door handle.

“Let’s take a knee.”

They dropped down, helmets beside them like surrendered crowns. In the half-circle of bowed heads, the fluorescent flicker softened.

“Jesus,” Collin began, “You didn’t shut us out. You opened the kingdom with Your own body and blood. We want to become like You. Not just for us, but for the guys watching us.”

He swallowed. “Save us from being actors. From loving our image more than Your name. Break anything in us that blocks people from seeing how good You are. Make us like kids—humble, honest, dependent. Teach this team how to use every bit of influence to open the way for others to come to You.”

Around him, boys whispered “Amen,” some barely audible, some strong.

When they stood, something felt subtly rearranged. There was a new awareness in their eyes—that their tackles, their jokes, their quiet porch visits were all part of a much larger field.

Collin caught Mason’s shoulder. “Next week, you lead the questions.”

Mason blinked. “Me?”

“You’re already thinking like a leader. Time to step into it. Not as a gatekeeper. As a guy holding the door wide open.”

A slow grin spread across Mason’s face. “Knees down, hearts up.”

“Exactly.”

They walked out into the cooling evening, the setting sun painting the practice field gold. In the lingering light, their shadows stretched long—small figures on a big canvas, following a King whose kingdom no one could shut.

Kingdom Kernel #49 – The Humble King

The Messiah Comes as a Humble Servant King

Matthew 21:6-10, Mark 11:8-10, Luke 19:36-38, John 12:12-15

“On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, ‘Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.’ Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written, ‘FEAR NOT, DAUGHTER OF ZION; BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING, SEATED ON A DONKEY’S COLT.'” (John 12:12-15)

Introduction

Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem was the ultimate celebration—the inauguration of His Kingdom. But it didn’t look anything like the world expected.

In this Kernel, we are going to examine how our King fulfilled ancient prophecies while completely upending the crowd’s expectations. We’ll look at the stark contrast between His approach and the religious leaders’ reactions. Ultimately, we’ll see what Jesus’ quiet confidence in this moment means for us today as we follow Him and invest in discipling others.

Key Words and Phrases

Hosanna! – Closely related to the Hebrew word יָשַׁע (Strong’s H3467 – yāšaʿ from Psalm 118:25), meaning to save, be saved, or be delivered. It’s used simultaneously as a massive shout of praise and a desperate plea for the Messiah: “Please save us!” or “Our Savior!”

Son of David – This title points directly to a fulfilled promise. God told King David He would raise up a descendant to rule forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Later, Isaiah affirmed this exact covenant (Isaiah 9:6-7).

This covenant also highlighted the relational dynamics of “a son” in David’s lineage, pointing toward the Father/Son relationship between the Messiah and God the Father. God also promised David that his descendant would build a “house.” While David likely pictured a physical building, Jesus was referring to the ultimate temple: His body (John 2:19-21), and eventually, the church (1 Corinthians 6:19; Colossians 1:18).

Old Testament Prophecies:

“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD; We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.” (Psalm 118:26)
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

Messianic Model – Jesus the Humble Serving Ruler

Jesus knew exactly what to do—and when to do it—to fulfill His role as the King of kings. But as He rode into the city, He was modeling something profoundly counter-cultural for us: He was the Humble Servant King.

Jesus rode a donkey’s colt into Jerusalem, a blatant sign of humility. To put this in historical perspective, King David rode a mule, and Solomon rode that same royal mule for his coronation (1 Kings 1:38-40). Even Absalom, David’s rebellious son, rode a mule into battle (2 Samuel 18:9). In that era, the mule was royalty’s beast of choice, signifying majesty and power.

Yet Jesus chose a young, unbroken donkey. It’s the ancient equivalent of arriving at a presidential inauguration in a borrowed, beat-up economy car instead of an armored motorcade.

The people shouted “Hosannas,” laid down their coats, and waved palm branches. But Jesus knew that just five days later, this same crowd’s cheers would likely curdle into demands for His crucifixion. He knew all of this, yet He still came as the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:1-12)—not to conquer with a sword, but to conquer through humble sacrifice.

Paul exhorts us to have this exact same attitude (Philippians 2:5-11). Jesus emptied Himself, obeyed God, and allowed Himself to be murdered by His own creation to absorb God’s wrath and provide propitiation for our sins. Jesus expects us to lead with that same serving heart:

“It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)

“If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” (John 13:14-15)

Key Theological Implications

These Kingdom passages underscore the breathtaking humility of Christ. He entered our world as a fragile infant in the most austere conditions. He is the servant who doesn’t raise His voice in the streets, gentle with the bruised reed, giving His life for the downtrodden (Isaiah 42:1-4).

He stepped into our arena of brokenness, sorrow, and pain. He came so lowly that the religious elite completely missed Him, yet He is the Creator of all things. He fit right in with the marginalized, dining with tax collectors and outcasts. He allowed His prized creations to spit in His face, torture Him, and kill Him (Isaiah 53:3-7; Isaiah 61:1-11).

He did all this to be the sacrifice for our sins (Mark 10:45).

The crowds that day were looking for a military king to crush Rome. They missed that Jesus came to deliver them from a much deadlier slave owner: sin itself (John 8:34-36). To free us, He had to become the perfect sacrifice foretold in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3), dying in our place as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Oh, the incredible humility of our God!

Contemporary Spiritual Significance

Let’s be honest: true humility is incredibly rare today.

Often, what we see is feigned humility masking a self-centered culture of virtue signaling. Sometimes it’s disguised as self-deprecation, which might look humble on the surface, but is ultimately still obsessively focused on self.

True humility is being entirely secure in your identity and purpose, and then using those strengths to serve others at a personal cost. Jesus perfectly modeled this secure, costly humility as our King, and He invites us into that exact same rhythm.

The Transformative Power of Humble Leadership

Jesus repeatedly told His followers to be humble, especially as they stepped into roles of teaching and leading others (Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11).

The rest of Scripture echoes this mandate (Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Peter 5:6; James 4:10). We are called to lead through service, rejecting the world’s power-hungry playbook. It feels completely counterintuitive in a culture—and sadly, sometimes even in the church—where power and control are the standard metrics for “strong leadership.”

But there is profound freedom in leading like Jesus. As we adopt His posture of service, our character deepens, our faith is strengthened, and our actual purpose becomes crystal clear (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Conclusion

As the ultimate leader, Jesus gave us the ultimate example of how to lead. He arrived as a humble servant, despite holding all authority and power to demand His own way. He sacrificed Himself on a cross, offering us the free choice to acknowledge Him not just as Savior, but as King and Lord.

Our best response? Receive His unmerited gift with joy, and then roll up our sleeves to lead others exactly as He led us.

Disciple-Maker’s Short Story

Not What You Expect from a CEO

The amber light filtered through the windshield as Maya stared at her hands, still faintly pink despite three rounds of scrubbing. The scent of industrial disinfectant clung to her clothes, a sharp reminder of the afternoon’s work at Mrs. Chen’s house.

“I can’t stop thinking about it,” she said finally, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them since leaving the elderly woman’s apartment. “The way you just… took over. The bathroom, those sheets…” She shook her head, still processing what she’d witnessed.

Rebecca glanced over from the driver’s seat, her own hands bearing the same telltale signs of their labor. At fifty-two, she moved with the quiet confidence Maya had always admired—the same presence that commanded boardrooms at Meridian Industries, where she’d built a reputation as one of the most respected CEOs in the region.

“You’ve seen other leaders in action,” Rebecca said, her voice gentle but probing. “At work, in church ministries. How do they typically handle situations like today?”

Maya let out a rueful laugh. “Usually? They delegate the gross stuff. Point and direct while keeping their manicures intact.”

She remembered Pastor Williams during last month’s community outreach, his pristine polo shirt untouched while volunteers sorted through donation bags reeking of mildew. “Even in women’s ministry, I’ve watched leaders hover around the food table while everyone else scrubs floors.”

The car slowed at a red light, and Rebecca’s fingers drummed thoughtfully against the steering wheel. Through the windshield, the sun hung low on the horizon, painting the sky in watercolor strokes of orange and rose.

“You know what changed everything for me?” Rebecca asked, her gaze distant. “Palm Sunday, about fifteen years ago. I was sitting in church, listening to the passage about Jesus riding that donkey into Jerusalem, and something clicked.”

Maya turned toward her, curious. She’d never heard this story.

“Here was the King of kings,” Rebecca continued, “the one person in all of history who actually deserved a red-carpet entrance, a golden chariot, armies of servants clearing his path. Instead, he chose a young donkey—probably stubborn, definitely unremarkable. The crowds threw down their coats because he didn’t even have proper royal transport.”

The light turned green, and they moved forward through the quiet residential streets.

“I was running a small consulting firm then,” Rebecca said. “Thought leadership meant commanding from the corner office, letting others handle the messy details while I focused on ‘strategy.'” Her voice carried a note of regret. “That sermon hit me like a freight train. If Jesus—the actual King of the universe—chose humility and service, what did that say about my approach?”

Maya watched her mentor’s profile, noting the way Rebecca’s expression had grown thoughtful, almost tender.

“Monday morning, I walked into the office and asked where I could help. Not delegate, not oversee—help. My assistant nearly fainted when I started organizing files with her. But you know what happened? Everything changed. Projects moved faster. People stopped dreading meetings. Revenue increased thirty percent that year.”

They turned onto Maya’s street, where apartment buildings stood shoulder to shoulder. Maya found herself hanging on every word.

“It wasn’t magic,” Rebecca continued. “It was just… Jesus’ model. When you’re willing to do the work you’re asking others to do, when you take the hardest jobs instead of the easiest ones, people notice. They trust you differently. They follow differently.”

The car pulled up to Maya’s building, but neither woman moved to get out. The engine ticked softly as it cooled.

“At Meridian, I still clean conference rooms after board meetings,” Rebecca said with a small smile. “Last month, I spent three hours helping our janitor replace fluorescent bulbs because he’d hurt his back. The board members who saw it didn’t think less of me—they respected the decision to pitch in rather than just send an email to facilities.”

Maya stared at the dashboard, her mind replaying the day’s events through this new lens. Rebecca hadn’t just happened to take the worst cleaning jobs; she’d deliberately sought them out. The overflowing toilet, the sheets stained with bodily fluids, the kitchen caked with months of neglect—she’d tackled each one with the same focused attention she brought to quarterly earnings reports.

“In my family, too,” Rebecca added softly. “When my teenagers were going through their worst phases, I didn’t just lay down rules from parental authority. I got down in the trenches with them. Drove them to late-night activities, sat through horrible amateur theater productions, helped with projects I couldn’t begin to understand. Served them, even when they didn’t deserve it.”

The silence stretched between them, filled with the weight of revelation. Maya felt something shifting in her chest.

“Someday,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper, “I want to be a leader like you.”

Rebecca turned fully toward her then, and Maya was surprised to see tears glistening in her mentor’s eyes. But she was also smiling—a broad, radiant expression that seemed to light up the entire car.

“No, sweetheart,” Rebecca said, reaching over to squeeze Maya’s hand. “You want to be a leader like Jesus.”

The words hung in the air between them, simple but profound. Not like Rebecca, impressive as she was. Like Jesus. The King who chose the donkey, who washed feet, who served rather than demanded service.

Kingdom Kernel #48 – Who is in the Kingdom? – Matthew 21:28-31

Jesus’ Sober Warning to the Religious of His Day

“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in the vineyard.’ “And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he regretted it and went. “The man came to the second and said the same thing; and he answered, ‘I will, sir’; but he did not go. “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you. (Matthew 21:28-31 NASB95)

Introduction

In this parable Jesus is shining a light on the characteristics of a kingdom citizen. The true citizen of the kingdom of God is not just verbally compliant. They take action and ultimately do what the King has ordered. This essay will discuss verbal acknowledgements, thought processes and motives, and behavioral responses. We will also see how Jesus actually applied this in His own life with the Father.

Key Words and Phrases

“I will not” and “I will, sir” – Notice the second son even adds the word “sir” (κύριος – Lord – Strong’s G2962) to his response feigning respect.

Regretted – μεταμέλομαι – metamelomai – Strong’s G3338 – Meaning “a care to one afterwards,” repent.

“Which of the two did the will of his father?” – Notice Jesus puts credibility on action, not verbal acknowledgement or intellectual ascent.

Messianic Model – Focus on Jesus’ Example

We know that Jesus always did His Father’s will both with verbal acknowledgement and in action. (John 5:19, 12:49) So how does Jesus illuminate and model the principles of this parable? First, we must acknowledge that Jesus had a choice. In the wilderness being tempted by Satan the temptations were real. He had the choice to renege on his statements and commitments, and choose to do His own will. The choice was His to make. Second, Jesus was cognizant of the cost of obeying the Father. In the Garden of Gethsemane He appealed to the Father to “take this cup away” and yet He yielded to the Father’s will at the price of His own life, by taking on the sins of the world and incurring the wrath of God. Jesus was an example of a son who not only verbally acknowledged his father’s desires and commands but fulfilled them trusting him.

Had He not lived out a relationship with the Father in perfect compliance in mind, spirit, and body, He would have failed to be the perfect sacrifice for sin. He could not have paid the substitutionary payment for man. He would not have satisfied the just punishment we all deserve which is death. (John 1:29, Hebrews 10:12-14, 1 Peter 1:19)

Key Theological Implications

We all know that salvation is by grace and not our works (Ephesians 2:8-9) and we are very careful to stay away from even a hint that it is. But Jesus isn’t afraid to dance on the edge of being misunderstood that salvation is based on what we do. He makes it clear that repentance is a requirement to enter the kingdom of God. Oftentimes people shy away from repentance for fear of presenting a “works based gospel.” It would do us well to 1.) Preach what Jesus preached. 2.) Understand repentance from a Biblical stand point of view. The Seven Stories of Hope (Repentance) are very helpful in this pursuit.

In the parable the first son shows repentance through the “regret” he felt afterwards and does the will of the father. The second son gives verbal acknowledgement to his father but does not do his will. Notice the second son even called him “sir”. This word in the Greek is κύριος which is normally translated “lord.” It is not enough. This brings to mind the statement from Jesus,

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.” (Matthew 7:21-23)

Action will always follow the heart. The first son had a change of heart which motivated him to do his father’s bidding. It’s not that the Jews failed to be religious and do “good things.” It was their hearts that had yet to be changed. They were very opposed to Jesus, His way of life and His teachings. Jesus makes it very clear what the “work” is and the change that it will take to do it.

“Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (John 6:28-29)

Now remember, this is not just verbal acknowledgement or intellectual assent. This is fully embracing Jesus for who He is as the Messiah, the King. The change of heart being made, the repentance, is to turn from one’s own ways and submit to Christ the King’s authority. This change of heart not only ushers one into the kingdom but appropriates all the grace necessary to live under the King’s authority and be forgiven when we fall short. Faith receives grace and grace produces action.

I love Dallas Willard’s quote on this;

“Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action. Grace, you know, does not just have to do with forgiveness of sins alone.”

“The true saint burns grace like a 747 jet burns fuel on takeoff. Become the kind of person who routinely does what Jesus did and said. You will consume much more grace by leading a holy life than you will by sinning, because every holy act you do will have to be upheld by the grace of God.”

(The Great Omission, Dallas Willard)

Contemporary Spiritual Significance

Many times the gospel is proclaimed as data to acknowledge as true and a professional prayer of that acknowledgement. And although some have come into the kingdom through this act many are still “dead in their trespasses and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1) One of the reasons people are believing they are saved and are not is because a gospel without repentance is being taught. (Which is a false gospel). The disciple presenting the gospel must preach it as Jesus did.

Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)

Notice Jesus is not only preaching the good news but how to appropriate it. There is a kingdom at hand and therefore there is a King with authority at hand. In light of the King and kingdom’s presence a person is commanded to turn from their ways to the ways of the King and believe that this is good news! This is the true gospel that Jesus preached and it is the gospel by which people are saved. There is a surrender, a willingness to embrace the authority of the Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

We must evaluate the gospel we are preaching and conform it to the gospel the Author of the Gospel preached.

The Transformative Power of the True Gospel

Many “believers” in the church today are still as entrenched in the old life as they were before they “believed.” That is because they failed to receive the true gospel promises that transform the individual.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Although they are not perfected in the flesh, by grace that comes through the gospel they will notice change in their lives. They will no longer desire some of the things they did in their pregenerate state. And the things they are still battling will cause them great grief, a sorrow that leads to further repentance. (2 Corinthians 7:9-10) The saint’s life is like that of Zaccheus, he was a changed man and Jesus declares, “Today salvation has come to this house!” (Luke 19:9)

Conclusion

Jesus preaches a parable to warn the religious leaders that they have a false sense of security in their relationship with God. Although being very religious and in strict adherence to the parts of the Law that made them appear holy, they fell woefully short of God’s plan for salvation. Like the son in the parable that said he would comply with the father’s will, they did not follow through with the action required to obey. They did not embrace Jesus, the King who ushered in the kingdom. Like the religious leaders of the day many “Christians” believe they have salvation because they believe in a creed, perform good works, or attend religious gatherings. They are also living in a false sense of security because they have failed to attend to the one thing that provides salvation. And the thing is not a thing, it’s a Who, Jesus Christ.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.” (John 5:39-40)

Disciple-Maker’s Short Story

Two Sons and General Tso’s

The amber glow of paper lanterns cast dancing shadows across Marcus’s weathered face as he carefully maneuvered his chopsticks around a piece of General Tso’s chicken. Steam rose from their shared plates, mingling with the soft chatter of other diners at Golden Dragon, their Thursday night sanctuary tucked between a bodega and a dry cleaner on 47th Street.

“You’re quieter than usual tonight,” Marcus observed, setting down his chopsticks and studying his mentee across the red vinyl booth. “Rough week at the firm?”

David pushed his lo mein around his plate, creating small mountains of noodles. “Actually, work’s been fine. It’s… something else.” He looked up, his eyes carrying the weight of genuine confusion. “I’ve been having this ongoing debate with some friends about what it really means to be saved. And honestly, Marcus, I’m more confused now than when I started.”

Marcus leaned back, a knowing smile creeping across his lips. “Ah. The great salvation debate. Let me guess—you’ve got friends on both sides of the fence?”

“Exactly.” David’s fork clinked against his plate as he gestured. “My buddy Jake from college keeps insisting that all you have to do is believe. He quotes John 3:16 like it’s a magic formula—just intellectual agreement that Jesus existed and died for sins. Done deal. But then there’s Sarah from our Bible study group who keeps talking about repentance and surrender, saying faith without works is dead.”

“And you’re caught in the crossfire.”

“Right. Jake makes it sound so simple, so… accessible. Just believe and you’re in. But Sarah’s version feels more demanding, more… I don’t know, authentic somehow? But also terrifying because how do you know if you’ve repented enough?”

Marcus reached for the teapot, refilling both their cups with jasmine tea. The ritual gave him a moment to think. “You know, I’ve been studying Jesus’s parables lately, particularly the ones about the kingdom. There’s one that speaks directly to what you’re wrestling with.”

David leaned forward, his dinner forgotten. “Which one?”

“The parable of the two sons. You familiar with it?”

“Vaguely. Refresh my memory.”

Marcus cupped his hands around his tea, the warmth seeping through the ceramic. “A father asks both his sons to work in the vineyard. The first son says, ‘I will not,’ but later changes his mind and goes to work. The second son says, ‘I will, sir’—very respectful, very religious—but never actually shows up to work.”

“Okay…”

“Jesus asks which son did the father’s will. The obvious answer is the first son, right? But here’s what makes it fascinating—Jesus wasn’t just telling a nice story about work ethic. He was talking to the religious leaders, the Pharisees, people who had all the right words, all the right religious credentials.”

David’s eyes widened slightly. “So the second son represents…”

“The religious elite. They called God ‘Lord,’ they knew all the right terminology, they performed all the religious duties. Perfect verbal acknowledgment. But when it came to actually embracing Jesus as Messiah, as King—when it came to the actual work of the kingdom—they refused.”

A waiter shuffled past their table, balancing a tray of sizzling plates. Marcus waited for the noise to subside before continuing.

“The first son, on the other hand, initially rejected his father’s request. But something happened—the text says he ‘regretted’ it. In Greek, it’s metamelomai—a deep change of heart that led to a change of action.”

David set down his tea cup with deliberate precision. “So you’re saying Jake’s wrong about the intellectual assent thing?”

“I’m saying Jesus himself put credibility on action, not just verbal acknowledgment. But David, here’s where it gets tricky—and where your friend Sarah might be missing something too. The first son’s work in the vineyard wasn’t what saved him. His change of heart was.”

“I’m not following.”

Marcus smiled, leaning forward conspiratorially. “Think about Jesus going through temptations in the wilderness. The temptations were real—he had genuine choices to make. And in the Garden of Gethsemane, He could have said no. But he consistently chose the Father’s will over his own, even when it meant the cross.”

“Right, but Jesus was perfect. That’s different.”

“Is it though? Here’s what I’ve been learning—Jesus didn’t just model perfect obedience, he modeled perfect faith. And that faith expressed itself in surrender to the Father’s authority, even at great personal cost.”

David pushed his plate away, his appetite completely gone. “So where does that leave someone like me? I want to believe, I really do. But if salvation requires this perfect surrender, this complete change of heart…”

“Who said anything about perfect?” Marcus’s voice carried a gentleness that seemed to wrap around David’s anxiety. “The first son didn’t perfectly obey from the beginning. He started with rebellion, remember? But he experienced what the text calls repentance—a fundamental reorientation toward his father’s will.”

“But how do you know if you’ve truly repented? How do you know if your faith is real or just… intellectual?”

Marcus pulled out his phone and scrolled through his notes. “Dallas Willard said something that revolutionized my thinking: ‘Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning.’ You see the difference?”

“Not really.”

“Earning is an attitude—thinking your works purchase salvation. Effort is simply the natural expression of a changed heart. Grace doesn’t eliminate action; it empowers it.”

David stared at the table, processing. “So it’s not that I have to earn my salvation through good works…”

“But genuine faith—true belief—naturally produces obedience. Not perfect obedience, but a heart that’s been reoriented toward Christ’s authority. Think about it, David. If someone truly believes Jesus is King, how can they simultaneously refuse to acknowledge his reign over their life?”

“They can’t. That would be… contradictory.”

“Exactly. Your friend Jake’s ‘just believe’ gospel misses the fact that genuine belief includes submission to Jesus as Lord, not just Savior. And your friend Sarah’s emphasis on repentance is biblical, but she might be making a checklist of dos in her head that lead to the performance of religious laws, rather than a change of heart.”

David looked out the restaurant window at the blur of yellow cabs and hurried pedestrians. “So what does real faith look like then?”

Marcus’s eyes lit up. “You know what this reminds me of? Zacchaeus. Remember him? The tax collector who climbed the tree to see Jesus?”

“Yeah, the short guy.”

“Right, but here’s what’s remarkable about his story. When Jesus called him down and invited himself to dinner, something happened in Zacchaeus’s heart. He stood up and declared he would give half his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he’d cheated four times over.”

David frowned. “Okay, so he did good works…”

“But David, listen carefully—he hadn’t actually done any of those things yet. These were promises, declarations of intent. But Jesus looked at this transformed heart, at this evidence of genuine repentance, and said, ‘Today salvation has come to this house.'” Marcus leaned forward intently. “Today. Not after Zacchaeus followed through on his promises, but right then, when his heart had been changed.”

“So you’re saying…”

“I’m saying that the very fact that you’re wrestling with this, that you’re not satisfied with easy answers, that you want authentic faith—that’s your Zacchaeus moment. The work of God is already happening in your heart.”

David nodded slowly. “I think I need to have some conversations with Jake and Sarah.”

“Just remember,” Marcus said, signaling for the check, “the gospel Jesus preached wasn’t just ‘believe in me.’ It was ‘repent and believe.’ The kingdom has come, and there’s a King. The good news is that this King is also a Savior who provides everything necessary to live under his loving authority.”

As they gathered their coats and prepared to step back into the controlled chaos of Manhattan, David paused. “Marcus?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks. For helping me see that it’s not an either-or thing. It’s both-and.”

Marcus smiled as he held the door open. “That’s the beauty of the kingdom, David. It’s both gift and calling, both grace and transformation. Both sons matter in the story—but only one did the father’s will.”

They stepped into the cool October air, the city lights reflecting off the wet pavement like scattered jewels. David felt something settling in his chest, a peace that came from understanding that the gospel was both simpler and more profound than he’d imagined. The work of the kingdom wasn’t about perfect performance—it was about a changed heart expressing itself in loving obedience to the King who had first loved him.

As they parted ways at the subway entrance, David carried with him not just the lingering taste of General Tso’s sauce, but a deeper hunger—to become the kind of person who, like Jesus, consistently chose the Father’s will out of love, not obligation. The parable wasn’t just about two sons; it was about the kind of son he wanted to become.

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Surprise, Surprise! (Part 2) – #161

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospel of Luke to see the “Not So Good Surprise” Jesus talks about.

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document)

Luke 12:41-48

“Lord,” said Peter, “are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else as well?” And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.

My Thoughts

In my last post I really focused on the second surprise in Jesus’ parable. (See Part 1 here) But now Peter asks a question that will force us to give more attention to the first surprise, the “Not So Good Surprise.”

Jesus is giving a warning to His would-be followers that they should be alert to His second coming. He talks about His servants giving the other servants “their portion at the proper time.” Or in the New American Standard Version (1995) “to give them their rations at the proper time” (Luke 12:42-43). That sounds a whole lot like John 21 when Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” and then tells him to “Feed my sheep.”

At first glance, the average Christian may shrug this off and say, “Oh, He’s talking about my pastor or clergy. He can’t possibly be talking about an everyday Joe or Jill like me.” But wait a second. Let’s look at this a little more closely. In His description of the servants who get the “Not So Good Surprise” He clearly gives an answer to the “who’ and the “what.”

“That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.” (Luke 12:47)

Now that puts things in a whole other light doesn’t it? Is He our Master? Do we know His will? Are we following His instructions? Let’s put the cookies on the lowest shelf. Do we call Jesus our Lord? (Matthew 7:21) Are we loving God and people? (Mark 12:34-35) Are we making disciples? (Matthew 28:18-20) These are clear instructions from Jesus the Master and we don’t need a seminary degree in Greek to figure them out.

My Story

When I was a brand new baby Christian I had two things I’d pray every night; “God please use my life and give me a wife.” Night after night, I’d drift off to sleep thinking and praying those two things. I didn’t know how much responsibility came along with those two requests but that was my heart’s desire.

Only six months into the faith I started making disciples of Jesus and I quickly realized this was the answer to my first prayer. He had given me (and every other follower) a commission to make disciples of all the nations. Not only did I come to realize that this was His purpose for my life but it had unexpected responsibilities that came along with it. It wasn’t always convenient or fun helping people follow Jesus. In fact, sometimes it was down right hard and messy. I was figuring out the weight of my request and the stewardship it required. God was answering my first prayer but I had to be a willing participant, a good servant of the Master.

The answer for my second petition came when He gave me my mate, Deborah Lynn Thar. Deb and I have had a fantastic marriage and she is my best friend but we can’t say that it has always been easy. We had to grow together, compromise, enter disagreements and reconcile. We had to steward our marriage like teammates trying to win the championship. And of course to do that, we had to listen to Coach Jesus every step of the way. From getting past the honeymoon phase, to raising our sons, to empty nesters and retirement, to being grandparents and parenting adult sons. All of this had its challenges and victories and took more intentional stewardship than I ever realized praying the simple prayers in the early years.

Lo and behold, the way the Lord answered my two prayers from the beginning is, not surprisingly, in alignment with the commands He gave Adam and Eve in THE beginning:

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:27-28)

I have been stewarding what He has commanded me to do all my adult life and by His grace will continue until He knocks on my door.

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas:

Do a Bible study on the parables Jesus tells about stewardship (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:11-27, Luke 16:1-13).
Do an assessment of how you are obeying the three Great Commands in your life and the lives of those you are discipling.
Ask questions of those you are discipling about what and how they are stewarding the things God has entrusted to them.

God has given all of us an identity and a purpose in this life. Jesus gives both a challenge and a promise of reward for us to be alert and ready for His return. Being ready simply involves being, knowing, and doing what He has designed and commanded us to do.

Organic Writing – No Artificial Intelligence or Sweeteners Added

¡Sorpresa, sorpresa! (Parte 2) – #161

¡Bienvenidos de nuevo! Hoy nos adentraremos en el Evangelio de Lucas para ver la «sorpresa no tan buena» de la que habla Jesús.

Así que, ¡manos a la obra!

Lucas 12:41-48

Mis Pensamientos

En mi última publicación, me centré realmente en la segunda sorpresa de la parábola de Jesús. (Vea la Parte 1 aquí). Pero ahora Pedro hace una pregunta que nos obligará a prestar más atención a la primera sorpresa: la «sorpresa no tan buena».

Jesús está advirtiendo a sus aspirantes a seguidores que deben estar atentos a su segunda venida. Habla de que sus siervos deben dar a los demás siervos «su porción a su debido tiempo». O, según la *New American Standard Version* (1995): «darles sus raciones a su debido tiempo» (Lucas 12:42-43). Eso se parece muchísimo a lo que ocurre en Juan 21, cuando Jesús le pregunta a Pedro: «¿Me amas?», y luego le dice: «Apacienta mis ovejas».

A primera vista, el cristiano promedio podría restarle importancia a esto y decir: «Oh, Él está hablando de mi pastor o del clero. Es imposible que esté hablando de una persona común y corriente —un “Juan” o una “María” cualquiera— como yo». Pero espere un segundo. Analicemos esto con un poco más de detenimiento. En su descripción de los siervos que reciben la «sorpresa no tan buena», Él responde claramente a las preguntas de «¿quién?» y «¿qué?».

«Aquel siervo que conoce la voluntad de su amo, pero no se prepara ni sigue sus instrucciones, será castigado con muchos azotes» (Lucas 12:47).

Eso pone las cosas bajo una luz totalmente distinta, ¿verdad? ¿Es Él nuestro Amo? ¿Conocemos su voluntad? ¿Estamos siguiendo sus instrucciones? Seamos muy claros y sencillos. ¿Llamamos a Jesús nuestro Señor? (Mateo 7:21). ¿Amamos a Dios y a las personas? (Marcos 12:34-35). ¿Estamos haciendo discípulos? (Mateo 28:18-20). Estas son instrucciones claras de Jesús, el Amo, y no necesitamos un título de seminario en griego para comprenderlas.

Mi Historia

Cuando yo era un cristiano recién convertido —un «bebé» en la fe—, había dos cosas por las que oraba cada noche: «Dios, por favor, usa mi vida y dame una esposa». Noche tras noche, me quedaba dormido pensando y orando por esas dos cosas. No sabía cuánta responsabilidad conllevaban esas dos peticiones, pero ese era el anhelo de mi corazón.

Apenas seis meses después de haber abrazado la fe, comencé a hacer discípulos de Jesús y rápidamente me di cuenta de que esta era la respuesta a mi primera oración. Él me había dado (a mí y a cualquier otro seguidor suyo) la comisión de hacer discípulos en todas las naciones. No solo llegué a comprender que este era Su propósito para mi vida, sino que dicha misión traía consigo responsabilidades inesperadas. Ayudar a las personas a seguir a Jesús no siempre resultaba cómodo ni divertido. De hecho, a veces era francamente difícil y complicado. Estaba empezando a comprender el peso de mi petición y la mayordomía que esta exigía. Dios estaba respondiendo mi primera oración, pero yo debía ser un participante dispuesto, un buen siervo del Maestro.

La respuesta a mi segunda petición llegó cuando Él me concedió a mi compañera: Deborah Lynn Thar. Deb y yo hemos tenido un matrimonio fantástico —ella es mi mejor amiga—, aunque no podemos decir que siempre haya sido fácil. Tuvimos que crecer juntos, ceder, afrontar desacuerdos y reconciliarnos. Tuvimos que ejercer la mayordomía de nuestro matrimonio como compañeros de equipo que luchan por ganar el campeonato. Y, por supuesto, para lograrlo, tuvimos que escuchar al «Entrenador» Jesús en cada paso del camino. Desde superar la etapa de la luna de miel hasta criar a nuestros hijos; desde la etapa del «nido vacío» y la jubilación, hasta convertirnos en abuelos y seguir guiando a nuestros hijos ya adultos. Todo este recorrido tuvo sus desafíos y sus victorias, y requirió una mayordomía mucho más intencional de lo que jamás imaginé cuando elevaba aquellas sencillas oraciones en mis primeros años de fe.

Y he aquí que la manera en que el Señor respondió mis dos oraciones desde el principio —y esto no resulta sorprendente— guarda total armonía con los mandatos que Él dio a Adán y Eva en *el* principio:

«Creó, pues, Dios al hombre a su imagen; a imagen de Dios lo creó; varón y hembra los creó. Y los bendijo Dios y les dijo: “Fructificad y multiplicaos; llenad la tierra y sometedla; dominad sobre los peces del mar, sobre las aves de los cielos y sobre todo ser viviente que se mueve sobre la tierra”». (Génesis 1:27-28)

He estado administrando aquello que Él me ha mandado hacer durante toda mi vida adulta y, por Su gracia, continuaré haciéndolo hasta que Él llame a mi puerta.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de la aplicación práctica. Aquí tienes algunas ideas:

Realiza un estudio bíblico sobre las parábolas que Jesús relata acerca de la mayordomía (Mateo 25:14-30, Lucas 19:11-27, Lucas 16:1-13).

Haz una evaluación de cómo estás obedeciendo los tres Grandes Mandamientos en tu propia vida y en la vida de aquellos a quienes estás discipulando.

Formula preguntas a tus discípulos sobre qué cosas están administrando —y de qué manera lo hacen— de entre aquello que Dios les ha confiado.

Dios nos ha otorgado a todos una identidad y un propósito en esta vida. Jesús nos presenta tanto un desafío como la promesa de una recompensa, instándonos a mantenernos alertas y preparados para su regreso. Estar preparados implica, sencillamente, ser, conocer y hacer aquello que Él ha diseñado y nos ha ordenado realizar.

Escritura orgánica: sin inteligencia artificial ni edulcorantes añadidos.

Si ve un problema importante en la traducción, envíeme una corrección por correo electrónico a charleswood1@gmail.com

Kingdom Kernels Introduction – Why a Focus on the Kingdom of God – Acts 1:3,6

The gap between kingdom acknowledgement and kingdom understanding

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To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over [a period of] forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. …So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:3, 6)

Introduction

We often find ourselves living in the tension between simply acknowledging Jesus as King and deeply understanding—and applying—the realities of the Kingdom He modeled. In Acts 1:3, we find Jesus leading a remarkable forty-day intensive. He proved His resurrection and spoke directly about “the things concerning the kingdom of God.” This period served as a profound capstone to the previous three years, during which He relentlessly preached and demonstrated the Kingdom throughout His earthly ministry.

Yet, even after this post-resurrection masterclass, the first instinct of His closest followers was to pivot back to their own political comfort zones. They asked, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Their earthbound questions collided with a Risen King whose vision was infinitely broader than a national border.

Like those early followers, many of us struggle with that exact same gap: the space between acknowledging the Kingdom and actually understanding how it operates. We find it hard to trade our cultural scripts for Kingdom reality. To follow Jesus effectively—and to authentically guide those you are discipling into His way of life—we must move beyond seeking our own personal agendas and begin to grasp the radical, co-regent identity for which we were designed.

Key Words and Phrases

The kingdom of God –

βασιλεία (Strong’s G932 – basileia) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule, of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah, of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom, a kingdom, the territory subject to the rule of a king, used in the N.T. to refer to the reign of the Messiah.
Θεός (Strong’s G2316 – theos) a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities, the Godhead, trinity, spoken of the only and true God, refers to the things of God, His counsels, interests, things due to Him, whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble Him in any way, God’s representative or viceregent, of magistrates and judges.
Jesus went about Galilee preaching the kingdom of God.

Restoring the kingdom to Israel –

Ἀποκαθίστημι (Strong’s G600 – apokathistēmi) to restore to its former state, to be in its former state.
The Jewish people held prophetic expectations that the Messiah would restore the kingdom of Israel through military conquest. While they were correct that this restoration would eventually occur, it was first necessary for the suffering Servant King described in Isaiah 53:1 to come. This misunderstanding prompted the disciples to ask their question.

Messianic Model – Focus on Jesus’ Example

When we look at this interaction in Acts 1, we see a profound model in how Jesus approached, understood, and taught the Kingdom of God:

He learned about the Kingdom as a man. In His incarnation, Jesus emptied Himself (Philippians 2:7). During His earthly ministry, He did not rely on a “divine cheat code” to bypass human development. He had to learn about the Kingdom of God the exact same way we do—through deep submission to the Scriptures and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Kingdom was His absolute foundation. Because He had internalized the heart of the Father, Jesus lived and taught Kingdom values consistently and without error. This wasn’t a side-topic; it was the core of His three-year ministry, culminating in an intensive forty-day seminar strictly on this subject after His resurrection.
He was relentlessly patient. In Acts 1:6, we see that His closest followers still didn’t get it. After all that time with the Master Teacher, their default was still earthbound. Yet, Jesus doesn’t express frustration or rage-quit on them. He patiently redirects their focus from political timelines to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for global witness (Acts 1:7-8).

Key Theological Implications

The disciples’ question reveals a deep truth: understanding the kingdom of God isn’t an optional elective; it’s essential to understanding our true identity and purpose. Jesus taught that the Kingdom must be our absolute highest priority. He told us to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” and compared it to a hidden treasure worth selling everything to obtain. It was the very reason He was sent, and it is what defines us as a “royal priesthood.” (Matthew 6:33; Matthew 13:44; Luke 4:43; 1 Peter 2:9)

But knowing the Kingdom is not just an intellectual pursuit or a theological puzzle to solve. It requires spiritual re-orientation. Jesus said that “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Comprehension begins with a new birth, and it takes revelation from heaven, combined with modeling, assessment, relearning, and actually living it out. We don’t have to guess how to do this, because Jesus gave us the ultimate example. He did nothing of His own initiative, setting the standard so we could “walk in the same manner as He walked.” (John 3:3; Matthew 13:11; Matthew 16:17; John 13:13-15; John 5:19; 1 John 2:6)

When we truly understand the Kingdom, we understand the King. We see the Father through Him and realize we’ve been radically transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son. Because the earth and everything in it belongs to Him and He holds all authority in heaven and on earth, His ownership completely shapes how we steward our lives. The King’s authority defines the scope of the kingdom we represent. (John 14:9; Colossians 1:13; Psalm 24:1; Matthew 28:18)

This brings us to a massive, mind-blowing reality: co-regency. To make any coherent sense of the Kingdom, we must understand our calling as co-regents. This isn’t a new idea; it’s the original design established in the dominion mandate in Eden. Jesus has made us a “kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” This co-regency isn’t just present-tense—it is eschatological. It is the ultimate trajectory of our eternal lives. We are promised that if we endure, we will also reign with Him, sit with Him on His throne, and “reign forever and ever.” Our highest calling isn’t just surviving until we go to heaven; the final word of Scripture on human vocation is partnering with the King to reign over His creation. (Genesis 1:26-28; Revelation 5:10; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 22:5)

Contemporary Spiritual Significance

We live in an age—especially in a modern U.S. context—where the very idea of a “king” or a “kingdom” is frowned upon, if not completely odious. Authority in general is highly suspect because we have witnessed so many abuses of power, even by clergy. But it is not only unfair, it is profoundly unwise to project those human abuses onto God. Jesus is God, and God is love, which was perfectly displayed throughout His earthly life. (1 John 4:8-10; John 14:9; Acts 10:38)

While God is incredibly loving, He is also our Master and Creator, and He should be approached with profound reverence and awe. Furthermore, He is completely just and will eternally punish those who remain rebellious. It is foolish to trifle with, ignore, or challenge His absolute authority. (Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 12:28-29; Hebrews 10:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

Because of who He is, it is absolutely essential for all believers to understand and actively live out their identity and purpose within His kingdom. This Kingdom is radically different from the world’s culture. To actually swim against the prevailing cultural currents, Kingdom living must be rigorously studied and intentionally practiced alongside those you are discipling. (1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:13; Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 3:20; Matthew 7:13-14; 1 Peter 4:3-4; John 15:18-19; Philippians 2:15)

The Transformative Power of Kingdom Living

When we align ourselves with our Kingdom identity and purpose, we are ultimately aligning ourselves directly with the King. And when we align ourselves with Him, we begin to live out the exact design He created us for.

Think about it like a piece of high-performance machinery. When a machine is used for what it was specifically engineered to do, it runs powerfully and efficiently. But if you try to use it for something it wasn’t designed for—like trying to use a smartphone to hammer in a nail—the results are completely inadequate, incredibly frustrating, and ultimately destructive.

This is exactly why it is so crucial to read and submit to the “Owner’s Manual” (the Bible). Our Creator knows the proper functions of His creation and how we can best be used to experience true fulfillment and happiness. It is precisely because He knows our design that Jesus can extend the invitation: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me… for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)

When we stop fighting against our design and align ourselves with the King, the exhausting hustle stops. We begin to genuinely experience His peace, joy, and love, along with an unshakeable hope for the future. And as we experience this transformation, we get to model that same peace and hope to those we are discipling.

Conclusion

Ultimately, bridging the gap between simply acknowledging Jesus as King and truly understanding His Kingdom is the journey of a lifetime. As we see in Acts 1, it requires intentionally moving past our earthbound expectations to embrace a much grander reality. We are not just subjects waiting for an afterlife; we are invited into an active, co-regent partnership with the Creator right now. By choosing to “seek first His kingdom” (Matthew 6:33) and submitting to our original design, we shed the exhaustion of cultural striving and step into true identity and purpose. This radical shift doesn’t happen by accident. It demands that we immerse ourselves in the King’s teachings, rely on the Holy Spirit, and patiently walk out these truths. As we do, we won’t just experience the transformative power of His reign firsthand—we will become a living model of the Kingdom, brilliantly reflecting His hope and authority to those we are discipling.

Disciple-Maker’s Short Story

A True Story and the Reason for this Book

The house is silent, save for the rhythmic hiss of the gas fireplace to my left. At 7:30 am, the world is still holding its breath, and I am holding mine. I am tucked into the corner nook of my couch—my designated “station”—wearing nothing more formal than pajama bottoms and a well-loved t-shirt celebrating the Texas Rangers’ past World Series victory.

To my right, the built-in bookshelves glow under soft LED lighting, illuminating the faces of our sons, their wives, and our grandchildren. They are our heart’s legacy, framed in wood and glass, watching over me as I begin my morning ritual. My bare toes burrow into the intricate patterns of the Persian rug, the wool soft against my skin. There is a sense of groundedness here. Like Moses before the burning bush, I feel the weight of the moment. My feet are bare because this corner of the living room has become holy ground.

Resting on the seat of my rollator is a homemade platter, serving as a makeshift table for my mug of hot tea. In my lap lies one of my most prized possessions: a Bible so worn the leather feels like silk. It is a map of my life, crisscrossed with underlines, tear stains, and margins crowded with notes from decades of seeking.

The Hundredth Reading

I turned the page to the beginning of Acts. I’ve traveled these roads with Luke and Paul many times—at least a hundred, if I’m being honest. I expected the familiar comfort of a story well-known, but as I smoothed down the pages of Acts 1, something shifted.

I stared at the text, struck by a sudden, jarring realization. The men in these verses had spent three years in the shadow of the Master. They had heard the parables, seen the healings, and walked through the trauma of the crucifixion. They had even spent forty days with the resurrected Christ, receiving “intense teaching” on the Kingdom of God. Yet, in Acts 1:6, their first question was about a political restoration of Israel.

After all that time, they still understood so little about the Kingdom.

The Question in the Room

The steam from my tea rose in the morning light, but my focus was locked on the page. A quiet, persistent voice began to echo in the stillness of the room. It wasn’t an accusation; it was an invitation that felt like a piercing light.

“And how much DO YOU understand about My Kingdom?”

I realized then that I had often treated the Kingdom as a theological concept to be studied rather than a reality to be inhabited. I had gleaned the “information” of the book of Acts and the Gospels, but I had barely scratched the surface of the “reign” of the King. That morning, the tea grew cold as a new fire started. I decided that my usual devotional routine or even my study time in the afternoons wasn’t enough. I committed to spending the bulk of my time in the afternoon—an hour to an hour and a half—rediscovering what it actually means to live under the rule of God.

A Journey Shared

I knew I couldn’t do this alone. The Kingdom is not a solitary island; it’s a city, a body, a family. I reached out to a few close friends, inviting them to journey into the depths with me. I told them I wanted to move past the surface-level Sunday school answers and really grapple with the “marvelous Kingdom” Jesus spoke of.

I thought it might be a six-month deep dive. I was wrong.

Six months dissolved into a year of intense discovery. One year bled into two. The more we looked, the more we realized how vast the landscape truly is. We found that the Kingdom isn’t just about where we go when we die; it’s about the staggering reality of Christ’s authority here and now—in our families, our suffering, our joys, and even in the quiet corners of our living rooms.

Today, as I sit in my nook with my feet on the rug, I’m no longer looking for a finish line. I’ve surrendered to the fact that I will spend the rest of my life as a student. I am a lifelong traveler, seeking to understand our wonderful King and the breadth of His reach. The “deficit” I felt that morning was actually a gift—it was the hunger that led me to the feast.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33

How to Use This Book: The Format and Our Approach

If you are going to lead others in the ways of Jesus, you must have a roadmap for your own heart first. As you progress through this book, you will notice that every chapter follows the exact rhythm you just experienced. This isn’t by accident. It is designed to move you systematically from head knowledge to holistic living.

Introduction: We always start by establishing the primary tension in the text—the gap between what we know and what we actually live.
Key Words and Phrases: We live in a culture that loves to project its own definitions onto ancient texts. By briefly digging into the original Greek and Hebrew words, we bypass our cultural assumptions and anchor our understanding to what was actually being said.
Messianic Model: We always look to Jesus. He is not just our Savior; He is the ultimate example of Kingdom living. We cannot guide those we are discipling if we are not first tracing His footsteps.
Theological & Contemporary Significance: Here, we bridge the ancient text to our modern context, pulling out the massive implications for our daily lives.
Transformative Power & Conclusion: We wrap up the teaching by exploring how yielding to this specific Kingdom truth changes us from the inside out.
Disciple-Maker’s Short Story: After this first true chapter, every chapter will end with a fictionalized vignette. While the names and exact scenarios may be fictional, every single one of these stories is heavily drawn from over forty-five years of real-life experience walking with people. They are designed to show you what these truths look like in the beautiful messiness of real life and relationships with those you are discipling.

The Approach: Unhurried Meditation We live in an age of rapid-fire information, endless scrolling, and instant gratification. This book is an invitation to do the exact opposite.

The insights in these chapters weren’t born from simply skimming verses; they were forged during those hour-and-a-half afternoon blocks of dedicated quiet. To truly grasp the Kingdom, I encourage you to slow down. Don’t just read these chapters—marinate in them. Wrestle with the text. Pray over the implications. Let the Holy Spirit do the heavy lifting in your heart before you attempt to pass these truths on to anyone else. You will find that this framework of studying, meditating, and practically applying the text is a highly reproducible model you can use directly with those you are guiding.

The Power of Community Finally, you cannot learn Kingdom realities in isolation. Just as I invited my close friends to journey into the depths with me, I encourage you to read this alongside others. I cannot overstate how incredibly helpful it was to bounce these ideas off my friends. Their ongoing encouragement was the fuel that kept me going when the study felt overwhelming, and their thoughtful challenges sharpened my perspectives along the way. Just as “iron sharpens iron,” their input was an essential part of this process.

Do the same. Bring these chapters into your living room, your coffee shop meetings, and your intentional relationships. Ask the hard questions together. The Kingdom is a family, and we learn its ways best when we are walking side by side.

Surprise, Surprise! – #160

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