From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17, ESV)
One of the first things Jesus does is to proclaim a message of repentance because the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The kingdom! It is coming. It is here. It is a reality.
It is an important part of Jesus’ message. But what is the kingdom? Jesus has much to say about the Kingdom. I recently did a Bible search of the word “kingdom” in the four Gospels. The word “kingdom” is used 126 times. Compare that to the word “church” which is used two times in the Gospels.
Jesus talks about the kingdom more than he talks about anything else. What does that tell us? It means that the kingdom is incredibly important if we are to understand what Jesus does and why he came. If we fail to grasp the kingdom, we will fail to grasp Jesus.
Think about when Jesus is put on trial before Pontius Pilate. The point of contention in the trial is Jesus’ claim of being a king. Pilate asks him if he is a king. Jesus reply is that he is a king, but his kingdom is not of this world. His kingdom exists on a higher plain. Yet, he comes to bring the kingdom to reality.
Is the kingdom a reality in your life? I hope that it is. I pray that it is. Jesus wants you to experience the kingdom. This week we will be discussing what the kingdom is and how it comes into our lives.
Reflection
- What is the kingdom of God?
- How is the kingdom evident in your life?
Prayer
My Father who is in heaven, may your name be made holy through the life that I live. May your kingdom come in my life, in my church, and in my community. Use me to help make your kingdom a reality so that your good and perfect will is accomplished. Amen.
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