When it comes to governmental leadership, we often believe that most is accomplished through some type of conquering force. Jesus was a different type of King and setup a different kind of Kingdom.

The People’s Plan

John 6:1-15

• Since Jesus was able to meet the people’s needs in a miraculous way, they hoped He would bring about the restoration of the Jewish kingdom.
• They were eager to free themselves from a Roman ruler, and Jesus seemed to be the best candidate to lead a successful revolt.
• With a great number of people supporting Him, Jesus resisted their efforts because His plan wasn’t to win a political battle.

The Messiah’s Approach

John 12:9-19

• The opponents of God’s Kingdom wanted to silence the proof of Jesus’ life-changing power.
• The crowds believed Jesus to be the long-awaited Messiah and sought-after King.
• Kings do not typically take over land while mounted upon a young donkey.
• If He wanted to take over by might, Jesus would have come arrayed differently.
• For those transformed by Jesus’ humility, His lordship over their lives was a spiritual nature rather than a political one.

The Glorious Conclusion

Revelation 19:11-21

• Jesus rode on a donkey during His first visit, but the next time He will come on a white warhorse.
• At that future time, the opportunity to repent will be over.
• Jesus will come to conquer once and for all.
• Every person, government, and kingdom that opposes Him will be soundly defeated.

The Reasonable Application

• Those who align with the invisible Kingdom of God now will partake in the visible and victorious Kingdom of God later.
• Render to the government what is the government’s, but render to God what is God’s.
• Never settle for a lesser goal by focusing on minor legislative victories when Christ is after a worldwide transformation.