Gospel Gathering: Part 1 with N.T. Wright, Jesus and the Powers
Feb 13, 2025
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N.T. Wright, a renowned theologian and author, shares his insights at a gathering of over 2,000 church leaders. He discusses the interplay between Jesus and worldly powers, while emphasizing the need for a theological lens on socio-political issues. A charming family interaction sparks a deep conversation on free will and responsibility in faith. Wright unpacks the kingdom of God, challenging traditional views and highlighting the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion as a victory in God's transformative plan.
N.T. Wright emphasizes that Jesus' message revolves around God's kingdom manifesting on earth rather than solely focusing on the afterlife.
The podcast reveals that the New Testament portrays God's kingdom as already present through Jesus' ministry, challenging believers to engage with this reality now.
Jesus radically redefines power and authority by encouraging a model of servitude and humility, uplifting the weak and marginalized in God's kingdom.
Deep dives
Jesus and the Kingdom of God
Jesus emphasizes the need for God's kingdom to manifest on earth just as it is in heaven, challenging the common perception that the kingdom primarily concerns the afterlife. He explains that many Christians misunderstand Jesus’ message as a means to reach heaven rather than seeing it as God establishing sovereignty on earth. This concept traces back to ancient Israelite scriptures, which repeatedly speak of God desiring to reclaim His rule over a world that has largely rejected Him. The kingdom is about God's authority being evident in earthly life, indicating that the teachings of Jesus are deeply rooted in a wider biblical narrative.
The Double Promise of God
Fundamentally, the vision of the kingdom pivots on two intertwined promises from the Old Testament: the reclamation of heaven and earth by God and the divine presence returning to His people. These promises assert that God's intention is not for humanity to escape to a distant heaven, but for Him to immerse Himself fully in creation, cultivating a relationship with humanity. Jesus embodies this fulfillment as His presence signifies the moment God returns to dwell among His people. As this narrative unfolds throughout the New Testament, the anticipation of God’s active involvement in the world reshapes early Christian thought and practice.
Affirmation of the Kingdom's Presence
The New Testament asserts that the kingdom of God is not merely a future expectation, but is already present through Jesus’ ministry, characterized by His miracles and signs of God’s active rule. Jesus demonstrates what it looks like when God's authority prevails by healing the sick and casting out demons, signifying the inauguration of God's reign. Contrary to views that suggest Jesus expected an immediate eschatological victory, the texts affirm that God's kingdom has been definitively established through His death, resurrection, and ascension. This articulation of the kingdom challenges believers to engage with the present reality of God's sovereign rule in the world.
Redefining Power and Authority
Jesus radically redefines the concept of power and authority, contrasting worldly models of domination and oppression with a paradigm of servitude and humility. His teachings encourage followers to embrace vulnerability, where greatness is measured by service to others rather than the exercise of authority through coercion. This inversion of societal norms reinforces the notion that in God’s kingdom, the weak and marginalized are uplifted rather than discarded. Through the examples of His own life and mission, Jesus exemplifies a new way to live that aligns with God's reign, marking a shift from traditional notions of power.
The Accomplishments of the Kingdom
The establishment of the kingdom is grounded in three significant accomplishments: the renewal of the covenant, the renewal of creation, and the enthronement of Jesus. Jesus’ death and resurrection function as the ultimate sacrificial act, renewing the covenant between God and humanity while simultaneously launching God’s new creation that overcomes death's power. This resurrection signifies a victory over the forces of chaos and darkness that mar creation, affirming the kingdom's active presence in the world. Furthermore, Jesus is proclaimed as king, establishing His authority and inviting His followers to participate in bringing the reality of the kingdom into the present world.
N.T. Wright joined more than 2,000 church leaders from the Portland, OR metro area in February 2025. This is part 1 of his talk, "Jesus and the Powers." Sponsored by the Murdock Charitable Trust and co-sponsored by George Fox University.
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