Understanding Jesus’ Message in Everyday Language
Faith: Getting the Basics Right
When most of us hear the word “faith,” we think of believing in something bigger than ourselves—something that gives meaning and hope. But faith isn’t always pointed in the right direction. Sometimes, we trust in things that don’t deserve it, or we chase ideas that lead us away from what Jesus actually taught. That’s what’s called “misguided faith.”
What Did Jesus Mean By “My Kingdom Is Not of This World”?
Let’s imagine a scene: Jesus is brought before Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate asks him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” If you’re thinking of kings like in ancient Rome, you picture armies, battles, leaders who get their way through force.
But Jesus gives a surprising answer: “My kingdom is not from this world” (John 18:36). He’s saying his kind of kingdom isn’t about ruling land or people through violence or power. He’s not interested in swords or control. Instead, Jesus points to a different kind of community—one built on love, not force; on truth, not intimidation.
So, if you’re looking for a kingdom that’s all about who’s “on top,” you’re looking in the wrong place. Jesus’ kingdom flips the whole idea upside down.
The Way of the World: Power, Force, and Control
Let’s talk about how things usually work. Every government, country, or system runs on “power over” people. There are rules, leaders, and punishments for those who break the law. You might not speed on the highway because you don’t want a ticket—not necessarily because you care deeply about the law. That’s how “power over” works; it keeps things in order, but often by making people afraid of the consequences.
The Bible calls this “the power of the sword”—not just a literal weapon, but the ability to enforce rules and keep order. It’s necessary, because without it, society could fall apart.
The Limits of Power
Here’s the catch: While these systems can make us behave on the outside, they can’t change what’s inside. Laws can stop someone from hurting others, but they can’t create real love or compassion. Threats and punishments can force people to act a certain way, but they can’t transform hearts. That’s something only deeper change can do.
God’s Role in Governments
Does that mean governments are bad? Not at all! The Bible says governments help keep peace and hold back evil (see Romans 13:1–4). God uses the systems in place—even the imperfect ones—to maintain order. Think of it like how a librarian organizes books—they may not agree with every book, but they put them in order for everyone’s benefit.
Christians are told to respect authorities, obey laws, and pray for leaders—unless those laws go against what God wants. Our ultimate loyalty, though, isn’t to any government, but to God’s way of life.
Misguided Faith: When the Church Uses Power Like the World
Sometimes, churches and believers get confused. They start thinking they need to defend their beliefs or spread their message using force or political power—just like the world does. They try to “win” by being in control, passing laws, or even supporting violence for religious reasons. This is misguided faith.
Jesus taught something radically different. His followers were called to “fight” with love and witness, not weapons or coercion. The church’s mission isn’t to make people obey by force, but to invite them into a new way of living—one marked by forgiveness, humility, and love.
Spotting Misguided Faith Today
Let’s bring it into real life. Misguided faith shows up when:
· We think God is automatically on our side just because our country is strong or “Christian.”
· We believe passing certain laws will make people truly good, forgetting that laws can’t change hearts.
· We support violence in the name of religion, assuming that’s how God’s will gets done.
· We measure church success by political influence, not by love for others.
Jesus said his followers would be known “by their love”—not their power, armies, or laws. When our faith is built on force or control, we’ve missed the point.
The Gospel’s Way: “Power Under” Through Service
God’s kingdom is about “power under”—serving others, loving even when it’s hard, forgiving those who hurt you. Jesus didn’t win by taking control; he won by giving up his life, showing what real love looks like. He changed the world not through force, but through sacrifice.
This is what makes his kingdom unique. It’s not about the sword, but about the cross. Not about dominating, but about serving.
Living Out True Faith
So what does this mean for us? Real faith trusts in Jesus’ way—even when it seems weak or unpopular. We don’t use worldly ways to achieve God’s goals. We obey laws and respect authorities, but our biggest loyalty is to a kingdom built on love, justice, and peace.
Misguided faith puts hope in the sword—in power and control. True faith puts hope in the cross—in sacrificial love.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Kind of Faith
There are lots of voices telling us what to believe and how to act. But Jesus makes it clear: his kingdom is different. It isn’t about force or violence. It isn’t just another version of worldly power with a religious twist.
Instead, his kingdom is a new way to live—a community shaped by love, forgiveness, and service. The greatest power in Jesus’ kingdom is found not in being in charge, but in laying down our lives for others.
Let’s make sure our faith is guided by Jesus—not by the world’s way of power, but by the way of love.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 