THE UPSIDE-DOWN KINGDOM

Donald B. Kraybill shows how the kingdom of God announced by Jesus appeared upside-down in first-century Palestine. Jesus wins by serving and triumphs by losing. Today, God's way still looks upside-down as it breaks into diverse cultures around the world. According to Kraybill, worldly authorities seek power and prestige, but Jesus' counter-cultural message is a clear call to turn the social ladder upside-down. Jesus demonstrates radical opposition to the dominant culture by making friends with social outcasts and rebelling against authorities. This message calls Christians from many cultures to actively participate in God's upside-down kingdom.