What if Jesus returned not yet for the final Rapture, but just to do a quick, interim inspection of His followers? What would He say?
“The Kingdom of God” is the first of an imagined series of ten speeches given in the first person by Jesus, focused on the efforts of modern-day Christians. Short excerpts found in the Bible concerning God’s Kingdom are expanded. Additional details are based on expert translations, authoritative Bible commentaries, and historical accounts. Although still closely adhering to the first-century Gospels, these lectures extrapolate Jesus' profound teachings into our modern-day, complex world.
If you are comfortable with your present understanding of Jesus or are fully satisfied with the doctrines taught by your particular Christian group, you may find parts of these fictional lectures uncomfortable or even offensive. However, if you have a deep love for the Biblical Jesus, wish to delve deeper into His thinking, and long to move ever closer to God, you may find these fictional lectures both intriguing and thought-provoking.
As with many other fictional depictions of Jesus found in books, music, and movies, “The Jesus Lectures-1” should be “taken with a grain of salt.” Rather than starting from a set of doctrines taught by some particular Christian group, lecture #1 instead focuses entirely on the time-honored, validated texts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. As such, descriptions and elaborations may differ from officially sanctioned interpretations. Readers are advised to discard what’s not useful for them, while treasuring any new “nuggets” of wisdom.
The author’s intent is not to create controversy, but to deepen our appreciation for Jesus’ transcendent first-century teachings. Rather than advocating a fresh list of rigid Rules, “The Jesus Lectures-1” explains dynamic Principles for transforming our minds into a modern-day Temple of God.
“The Jesus Lectures-1” challenges Christians’ present-day understanding of the following six topics: 1) the Kingdom and you; 2) the value of the Kingdom; 3) the comparative value of the world; 4) on entering the Kingdom; 5) on remaining in the Kingdom; and 6) resolving conflicting priorities. Although conversational and friendly, centered around “folksy” stories, this first-person lecture moves far beyond accepted traditions and standard sermons.
It is with great pleasure that I, Jesus of Nazareth, have the honor of speaking to you today. Thank you for inviting me here. This is the first of ten lectures. I hope you can attend all my talks. I have valuable information for you, provided from a higher perspective. I hope to assist you, my dear followers, in applying my first-century teachings to your current era. I am not here to bring the final Rapture. I’m simply delivering a brief series of lectures giving you feedback on how you are doing.
Please know that I’ve closely observed your efforts, which are often quite commendable. I know it’s been tough for you. Though you have many societal and technological advances, the same or similarly difficult problems persist from the first century. Also, you have new challenges that no one back then could have imagined. Rest assured that I’m not conducting this brief inspection visit to criticize you, rather to commend and encourage. Yet I’ll call it straight. Where you fall down, I’ll discuss it. But instead of condemning your inevitable stumbles, I’ll extend a helping hand to lift you back onto your feet. I’m on your side!
So, how are things going in your own life? I know you face many specific trials, tribulations, and heartaches. I feel your pain and will do everything I can to assist you. But be aware that the assistance I have to give may not be exactly what you want from me. If you’re expecting me to work a miracle to instantly solve all your problems, or give you lots of earthly goods, or to make your life comfortable—then you will be disappointed. But I have something far grander and wondrous to offer you: building the true KINGDOM OF GOD!
Let me put it bluntly: I did not come to Earth to make you comfortable. Instead...