The kingdom that Jesus preached and lived was all about a glorious, uproarious, absurd generosity

The kingdom that Jesus preached and lived was all about a glorious, uproarious, absurd generosity

In the teachings of renowned theologian N.T. Wright, the concept of the kingdom that Jesus preached and lived is one of radical generosity and abundance. Wright emphasizes that Jesus' message was not one of scarcity or limitation, but rather one of overflowing grace and love.

Wright argues that the kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed was a complete reversal of the world's values and priorities. In a society that often values power, wealth, and status, Jesus preached a kingdom where the last would be first, the poor would be blessed, and the meek would inherit the earth. This upside-down kingdom challenged the prevailing social norms and called for a radical reorientation of values.

Central to Jesus' message of the kingdom was the idea of generosity. Jesus lived a life of extravagant giving, constantly reaching out to the marginalized, the outcasts, and the sinners. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and forgave the repentant. His actions were a demonstration of the abundant grace and love of God, a love that knows no bounds and extends to all.

Wright argues that this kind of generosity is absurd in the eyes of the world. It goes against the logic of self-preservation and self-promotion that often governs human behavior. Jesus' generosity was not calculated or strategic, but rather reckless and extravagant. It was a love that poured out without measure, without expecting anything in return.

This kind of generosity challenges us to rethink our own attitudes towards wealth, possessions, and power. It calls us to be open-handed and open-hearted, willing to give freely and generously to those in need. It invites us to trust in the abundance of God's provision and to live with a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving.