I remember my mom sending me off to grade one as if I were a little missionary. She made it clear that my job wasn’t just to make friends, but to tell them about Jesus and invite them to church—to help them step out of whatever situation they were in and into a community where Jesus reigns.

I’ve been doing that ever since. At school, on sports teams, at work, I see people struggling to find love and purpose. Come with me! There’s a whole other kind of community you could be a part of, where Jesus reigns!

Lately, I’ve been reconsidering that message in light of what I read in the Bible. Jesus is already King of the whole earth, not just the church. There’s no special place where He reigns more fully—everywhere is where Jesus reigns.

That realization reframes everything. It’s not about escaping to a better “place” where Jesus reigns—it’s about seeing His authority right where we are. What’s that like? Let’s try some analogies.

Student

Imagine Jesus as your teacher. You’ve been chosen as one of His students—not because you’re perfect or particularly qualified, but because He wants you there. Being a good student isn’t just about paying attention, doing your homework, and passing the test. It’s also about helping to create an environment where others can learn, too.

If you’re focused on the lesson, but others are misbehaving or distracted, it affects everyone. You might still learn something, but not as much as you could if the whole class were engaged. Worse, it could leave others without a chance to grow at all.

Jesus talked this way. He told parables about responsibility and fruitfulness: the sheep and goats in Matthew 25, the unproductive fig tree in Luke 13, and the branches of the vine in John 15. The call is always the same: if you’re following Jesus, your life should bear fruit—not just for yourself, but for others.

Teammate

Now, picture Jesus as your coach. He’s put you on the team, and He expects you to play your best. But if you’re a strong player, it’s not enough to simply follow the rules and execute your role. A coach looks for leaders—those who will not only play well but also encourage others, call out plays, and strengthen the weaker players.

Why? Because teams don’t win through individual talent alone. Everyone needs to play their part. And for that to happen, strong players have to take responsibility for helping the whole team improve.

This isn’t an abstract concept—it’s deeply practical. Paul describes the Church as a body in 1 Corinthians 12. Each part has a role, but the stronger members help support the weaker ones. The goal isn’t just individual success but shared victory, because in Christ, we are all one.

Employee

In a workplace, it’s easy to think that doing your job well is enough. But if you’ve ever been part of a dysfunctional office, you know that even the best employees suffer when the culture is unhealthy. Good employees don’t just follow their job description; they contribute to an environment where everyone can succeed.

Jesus often spoke in terms of work and stewardship. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the focus isn’t just on doing the minimum to get by—it’s about multiplying what’s been entrusted to you. This includes helping others succeed and creating an environment that reflects the values of the Owner.

Child

Finally, imagine Jesus as your father. Being part of His family isn’t just about being a good child who follows the rules. It’s also about caring for your siblings. When you see a younger sibling struggling—or a visiting family comes over with kids—you don’t leave the responsibility to someone else. You have to help.

In Hebrew culture, family was the foundation of society, and older siblings were expected to play a significant role in guiding and supporting younger ones. This dynamic is reflected throughout Scripture. Paul calls believers to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and to “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).

Where Jesus Reigns

In each of these analogies, the focus is on how we reflect the heart of the one in charge. A teacher chooses students, a coach picks the team, an owner hires employees, and a father adopts children. But the best participants in each scenario are the ones who internalize the Spirit of the Leader.

At its core, this is about a better hope—not just for personal salvation for me and a few friends, but for a world transformed under His authority. It’s about creating an environment where all can flourish. This is the vision of God’s kingdom: a restored community where love, joy, and peace abound—not just for us, but for everyone around us….

Imagine your classroom transformed under the reign of Jesus. Picture your team united under Christ. Think about your workplace with Jesus as King. Envision your family all under His leadership. The brokenness and self-interest that define so many spaces are replaced by unity, hope, and restoration where Jesus reigns.