Luke 17:33 (ESV Strong's)
Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.
Subject: Life and the Kingdom of God
To understand the above verse you have to understand the context of what Jesus was talking about when He stated this truth. In fact, you have to go back and discover the question asked by the Pharisees of Jesus to fully understand the truth of losing your life to preserve it and losing your life to keep it. In this same chapter, verse twenty, the Pharisees asked Jesus about when the kingdom of God would come. Jesus' initial reply was, "The Kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say 'Look, here it is!' or 'There?!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you.". When the Pharisees (and most of human nature) think about a Kingdom we think about Kings, armies, citizens, castles, power, wealth, and position. So, don't be surprised when the Pharisees real heart's desire is, "What is my position in you God's future kingdom.". That was what the disciples will wonder, as well. Jesus tells them all that the Kingdom of God is not like our thoughts about the kingdom. The Kingdom of God in you midst and you can't recognize it by earthly terms. There is NO position in the Kingdom. In fact, trying to gain you life in the Kingdom of God (promote yourself) is contrary to the Kingdom culture. Kingdom culture is exemplified in Jesus. He came to give His life. Our constant pursuit to promote and to move up the ladder is not a Kingdom of God mindset. That is earthly. Life (with the Kingdom of God view) is not about seeking something for yourself, but about giving something to God and, therefore, others. Giving up you life secures a place in the Kingdom. The Pharisees (and most of us) have it backwards.
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