Puzzle Piece 6: Leaders
The leaders in the Old Testament were judges and kings who were concerned with establishing an earthly kingdom, but the leaders in the New Testament are disciples whose mission was to lead people into the Heavenly Kingdom of God and Jesus.
Judges & Kings were leaders of an earthly kingdom
Key Bible Reference: Joshua-2 Kings 25; 1&2 Chronicles; Job-Song of Solomon
Moses was the leader of the Israelites for 40 years from the time they left Egypt until just before they entered the Promised Land. After Moses died, God told Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River into Israel, their Promised Land. After Joshua died, the Israelites had judges leading them, and later kings ruling them.
The leaders were concerned with establishing an earthly kingdom and leading people in battles against physical enemies. When the leaders obeyed God and eradicated false gods, God empowered them to defeat their enemies and He restored peace and protected them. However, without Godly leadership, the people were led into sin by those around them and oppressed by their enemies to the point that the kingdoms were destroyed.
JESUS’ Disciples are leaders of a Heavenly Kingdom
Key Bible Reference: Acts 3-Jude
When Jesus started his ministry, the Romans were ruling over the Israelites, but He didn’t come to conquer the Romans and establish an earthly kingdom. Instead, He chose the 12 disciples as the first leaders whose mission was to teach people, in word and deed, about Jesus and a Heavenly Kingdom.
All Christians are leaders who should spread the good news, that by the grace of God, through faith in Jesus, we can be saved from the punishment of our sins and have abundant life here on earth, as well as eternal life in God’s Kingdom. Jesus is the King of Kings whose Kingdom will never end. Those who believe in Jesus will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to defeat the evil spirits in this world. They will be blessed and will inherit the Kingdom of God. However, those who reject Jesus will be judged on their own merit and will suffer the consequences.
Connecting the Old & New Testament
| Old Testament | LIFE | New Testament |
| Judges & Kings | WHO | Disciples of Jesus |
| Earthly Kingdom | WHAT | Heavenly Kingdom |
| ~1487-586 BC | WHEN | AD 33-70 |
| Israel | WHERE | Israel, Turkey, Europe |
| Enforce Laws of God | HOW | Teach Gospel of Jesus |
| Love via Godly Leaders | WHY | Love via Holy Spirit |
Leaders of an Earthly Kingdom vs Leaders of a Heavenly Kingdom
The Old Testament leaders were judges and kings who were concerned with establishing an earthly kingdom and leading people in battles against physical enemies. When the leaders obeyed God and eradicated false gods, the people were blessed and God empowered them to defeat their enemies. However, without Godly leadership, the people were led into sin by those around them and eventually the kingdoms were destroyed.
The New Testament leaders were disciples whose mission was to teach people, in word and deed, about a Heavenly Kingdom. Jesus is the King of Kings whose Kingdom will never end. Those who believe in Jesus will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to defeat their spiritual enemies. They will be blessed and will inherit the Kingdom of God. However, those who reject Jesus will be judged on their own merit and will suffer the consequences of their choice.
Luke 1
Then the angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid!
God is pleased with you, and you will have a son.
His name will be Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High.
The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was.
He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end.”