Jesus Did Not Transform Jerusalem
Jesus did not transform the city of Jerusalem, he prophesied its destruction. Yet there is a recurring tendency to drift from the core missionary task under the false assumption that it’s our mission to transform this world.
The place to begin is with the life and ministry of Jesus. What did he do, what did he train his disciples to do, what does the risen Lord continue to do through Paul and the early church?
One thing is clear, Jesus did not transform the city of Jerusalem or the nation of Israel. He prophesied the city’s destruction under the judgment of God. Jesus didn’t come to throw out the Romans, he came to call tax-collectors and soldiers to repent and believe and join with those who would follow him as Lord.
Jesus made disciples, he called sinners to repentance and faith in him. In the account of the woman who wept at his feet, he announced to a room filled with judgmental men that her sins were many, yet they were forgiven. That’s why her love for him was so strong.
When the crowds sought bread, and nothing more than bread he walked away. When the people wanted miracles and nothing more than miracles—Jesus handed them over to God’s judgment. Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! Woe to you Capernaum! Not much transformation there. When the devil offered Jesus political and cultural power he would not bow the knee. He chose the cross instead. He died for the sins of the world.
When Jesus rose from the dead he had 40 days to restore his disciples and prepare them for a world-wide mission. He took them from Genesis to Malachi and showed them why the messiah had to suffer and die, then rise from the dead. He explained God’s purposes throughout the whole of Scripture now culminating in the mission to go into the world and proclaim the message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. They are to make disciples of every people group by baptising them and teaching them to obey what he commanded—nothing about transforming this city or transforming the world. Instead Jesus promised his disciples persecution and hardship and promised his presence.
Jesus will return to judge the world. Transformation will come. There will be a new heaven and a new earth on the other side of God’s judgement. Until then we have a job to do.
But don’t rely on what I think. Take the 40-Day Challenge and journey from Genesis to Revelation expecting Jesus to open your mind to the purposes of God and the part you are to play.
