So That I Can Give My Life as a Ransom

It's a performance-based world and love is often given when we perform. For many, this lesson was learned as kids when parents loved us when we got and A, but not so much when we brought home a C. The Bethlehem narrative runs counter to this philosophy. It is sweet and simple; but if Jesus is truly the ultimate king, the journey and story do not make sense. Great kings should be born in palaces, in the most important places. Being born in Bethlehem, laid in a manger, in the presence of animals actually gives a hint about the nature of His rule and reign. Other kings announce their greatness, and demand allegiance and service. You lay your life down for the king, and your place in the kingdom is defined by what you do for the king. Jesus, on the other hand, actually rebukes His disciples for thinking about His Kingdom in this way. Rather, Jesus tells us that the reason He came into the world was to serve us, to demonstrate His love for us, and lay His life down for us. The Kingdom of Jesus is an upside down kingdom that, when understood, starts a revolution of love.