The Kingdom
Matthew 22:1-14, Mark 4:26-32, Luke 13:18-2, Luke 14:7-11
Jesus spoke more about the Kingdom of God than any other topic in the Gospels. The only thing mentioned more is God Himself; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In the beginning of Matthew, in chapter three, John the Baptist says, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven has come near.” Then just a chapter later, Jesus Himself began to preach, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven has come near.” What we have to dig into is why to the Jewish people at the time this would have been good news. What understanding did God's people already have of His Kingdom? Then, like with many other things of God, how did Jesus come to expand their idea of this Kingdom? What does that mean for us now?
In the Old Testament we watch as the Israelites are waiting for the promise of God's sovereign rule to come to fruition, then in 589 BC it seems all hope is lost. Their beloved city of Jerusalem where they believed God would return triumphantly was sieged and destroyed. Yet in Isaiah 52 they receive the promise that despite the destruction of Jerusalem, God still reigns as King and that God will return, take up his throne and usher in peace. “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, who says to Zion ‘Your God reigns!’” Isaiah 52:7. They are left waiting, but with a promise of a coming salvation, a coming Kingdom. Then Jesus arrives with, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven has come near.”
With the Roman empire in full swing, the common belief was that a strong Kingdom must have the most important people, able to enforce its ways, and defeat any adversaries. Yet Jesus teaches something quite upside down about the Kingdom of God. In all four passages of Scripture from today's reading we see this immediately. He chooses the least of these to fill His banquet, He compares them to the smallest of seeds who then grow at the right time. In Matthew 23:11-12 He says, “But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” Jesus teaches to love our enemies. He also announces Himself as King of this Kingdom. And He gave His life that we might be able to experience this Kingdom now and in eternity.
Jesus’ death and resurrection was His enthronement. He received a crown of thorns and He defeated death. He conquered sin. Jesus was the “lovely feet who brought good news of salvation.” Now we get to continue to bring the Gospel, the Good News of this Kingdom. “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Our seemingly small part in the continued coming of the Kingdom of God is that of the small seed which grows to become the largest plant where all can perch in its shade. Jesus has promised He will return to restore the fullness of His Kingdom on this Earth. A New Jerusalem with Him on the throne and us in perfect relationship, feasting with Him at His Great Banquet. Let us see the life of Jesus as both the promise that the Kingdom is coming and that it’s already come.
