Main Thought
Have you ever traveled (or even moved) somewhere new and different? Different places are filled with different languages, expressions, customs, and more. It can take a while to get used to a new place after experiencing this “culture shock.” But that’s exactly what God wants us to do. He wants us to become accustomed to His Kingdom and its culture. Jesus often did things differently than culture expected; through Him, we get a glimpse of God’s desires. If we become accustomed to God’s Kingdom, then we can operate as agents of His Kingdom who accomplish HIs will on the earth.
Main Passages
9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
- Matthew 6:9-15
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. - Isaiah 55:8-9
7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. 9 You received without paying; give without pay.
- Matthew 10:7-9
Discussion Questions
In what ways did Jesus do things differently than mainstream society would do or expect? (“Love your enemies,” “Whoever desires to be first among you must be the servant of all,” “Leave the 99 to go after the one,” etc.)
In what ways are you personally challenged to adjust to God’s Kingdom and/or His way of doing things?
Is there a practical step of faith you can take this week to act as an agent of God’s Kingdom?