Sermon Series Blog: Kingdom Culture Pt.5
Kingdom Culture, Pt. 5: King Jesus at the Center
Matthew 13:33
“He told them still another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.’”
Jesus once compared the Kingdom of Heaven to yeast—something small, hidden, almost unnoticed at first, but powerful enough to transform an entire batch of dough. Kingdom culture works the same way. It starts small in us…but if we let it, it spreads through every corner of our lives.
As we close our Kingdom Culture series, we’re not ending with what we do for the Kingdom. We’re ending with who stands at the center of the Kingdom: King Jesus.
When We Want the Spotlight
Growing up, I loved basketball—and I loved the attention even more. After a great game, I told my parents confidently, “You’ll see me on TV playing for the Raptors one day!” My dad responded with equal confidence: “Yes son… you are a star. And do you know what stars are? Giant balls of gas.”
A humbling moment, to say the least.
I’m grateful the Kingdom doesn’t run on my ego, my talent, or my performance. Revelation 1 reminds us: Jesus stands in the middle of His church. He is the focus. The Kingdom is about Him, built by Him, sustained by Him.
1. The King Stands Among His Church
Revelation 1:12–13
John turns to hear a voice and sees seven golden lampstands—symbolic of the churches—and Jesus standing right in the middle of them.
The Lampstands: A Picture of Presence and Purpose
In the Old Testament, the golden lampstand in the Tabernacle symbolized God’s presence and Israel’s calling to shine His light. Now, in Revelation, the lampstands represent the churches—chosen, set apart, meant to shine.
And where is Jesus?
Not distant. Not detached. Not watching from a throne far away.
He is walking among them, tending the flame, strengthening what burns bright, correcting what grows dim.
Before Revelation shows us anything about the future, it shows us the King who is here right now.
2. The King Holds His Messengers
John also sees seven stars in Jesus’ hand—symbolic of His messengers. The picture is powerful: the King holds His people securely.
Daniel 10 gives us a glimpse behind the scenes. Daniel prayed for 21 days with no answer—yet God had responded on day one. Spiritual resistance tried to delay the message, but heaven fought for Daniel until the answer broke through.
Just because you don’t see movement doesn’t mean God isn’t working.
Heaven moves for those who pray.
The King holds His people—and His plan—in His hand.
3. The King Speaks With Authority
Revelation 1:14–18
John describes Jesus with blazing eyes, a voice like rushing waters, and a face shining like the sun. When the King speaks, every other voice bows.
On the Mount of Transfiguration, the Father said of Jesus:
“This is My Son… listen to Him.”
When we see Jesus clearly—glorious, powerful, radiant—we can endure anything. Opposition cannot shake those who have seen the King.
Living as Kingdom People
If Jesus stands at the center of His church, then the call for us is simple:
Stay Lit. Keep your lamp burning.
Stay Rooted. Stay close to His presence.
Stay Ready. Resistance comes, but the King is greater.
The Kingdom is not built on our brilliance—it shines because the King walks among us.
So let’s be His lampstands.
Let’s burn bright.
Let’s build faithfully.
Because the King is here—and the world needs His light.
