The Spectacle of Another Kingdom

Why didn’t the disciples understand what Jesus was doing?

Even after hearing his teaching, watching his miracles, and sitting with him at the Last Supper, they were still arguing about who would be the greatest.

In this message, we step into the world of the Roman Empire to understand why. The entire system of Rome was built on hierarchy—power, status, and honor flowing from the top down. It shaped how people saw the world, how they understood success, and even how they imagined God’s kingdom.

But Jesus was revealing something radically different.

The kingdom of God isn’t built on power over others. It’s a kingdom where the greatest becomes the servant and where the one with all authority kneels to wash feet.

On this third Sunday of Lent, the ancient prayer of the church is simple:

God, help me see.