When Jesus declared, “The kingdom of God is near,” He was ushering in a profound and transformative message that lies at the heart of His ministry. Far from being a distant or abstract idea, the kingdom was something His listeners were meant to recognize, respond to, and participate in. Jesus’ words were both an announcement and a call to action—a call to repent, believe, and align one’s life with God’s unfolding plan. His teachings, miracles, and presence revealed that God’s reign had already begun breaking into the world through Him.
Yet, the kingdom also carries a future promise. While Jesus inaugurated the kingdom during His time on earth, its fullness is something we still await. This “already but not yet” tension means we live in a world where the kingdom is present in glimpses—through love, justice, peace, and joy—but not yet fully realized. Jesus invites us to live in that tension with purpose, embodying kingdom values like mercy, service, and righteousness as we wait for its complete fulfillment.
Keep reading for a deeper dive into the meaning, character, and implications of the kingdom of God—and discover how you can live in its reality today.
Understanding what Jesus meant when He said, “The kingdom of God is near,” can feel a bit overwhelming at first. However, with a bit of guidance, you’ll see it’s a central theme in Jesus’ teachings and crucial to grasping His message.
The Announcement of the Kingdom
Jesus began His ministry with the proclamation, “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15). This declaration wasn’t just an announcement; it was a call to action. Jesus was telling people that a new era was dawning, one that required a change in both heart and behavior.
The Kingdom: A Present Reality
When Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God being near, He was indicating that it was breaking into the present world through His own ministry. The miracles He performed, His teachings, and His very presence were signs that God’s kingdom was starting to manifest on earth. It wasn’t some far-off, distant future; it was happening right then and there.
The Kingdom: A Future Hope
Though Jesus said the kingdom was near, He also taught that its fullness would come in the future. This dual aspect can be confusing, but it’s essential to understand. The kingdom is already here because Jesus inaugurated it, but it’s not yet complete. We live in an in-between time, experiencing the kingdom now while looking forward to its complete realization.
The Need for Repentance
Jesus’ call to “repent” in light of the kingdom’s nearness emphasizes a necessary response. Repentance means turning away from sin and towards God. It’s more than just feeling sorry; it’s about a complete transformation of mind and heart. Jesus was urging people to align their lives with God’s will, preparing them for the kingdom’s arrival.
Characteristics of the Kingdom
1. Righteousness
In the kingdom of God, righteousness reigns. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). The kingdom is a place where justice, peace, and goodness are pursued and valued above all else.
2. Peace
The kingdom is also characterized by peace. Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah, “He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus brought peace to those He met and promised a future where peace would prevail.
3. Joy
Joy is another hallmark of the kingdom. Romans 14:17 states, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Joy comes from living in harmony with God and others, experiencing the fullness of His love and grace.
Parables About the Kingdom
Jesus often used parables to describe the kingdom of God. These stories helped His listeners understand complex spiritual truths in relatable ways.
The Mustard Seed
In the parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4:30-32), Jesus compares the kingdom to a tiny seed that grows into a large tree. This illustrates how the kingdom starts small but grows immensely, impacting the world significantly.
The Yeast
Similarly, in the parable of the yeast (Matthew 13:33), Jesus describes the kingdom as yeast that a woman mixes into a large amount of flour until it works through the dough. This shows the transformative power of the kingdom, affecting everything it touches.
Living in the Kingdom
Living in the kingdom of God means adopting its values and allowing them to shape our lives. It means loving God and loving others, pursuing justice, showing mercy, and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8). It’s about embodying the principles Jesus taught and demonstrated.
Love Your Neighbor
Jesus emphasized love as the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength… Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31). This love is a defining trait of kingdom citizens.
Serve Others
Service is also central. Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Followers of Jesus are called to serve others, reflecting His selfless love.
The Kingdom in the Here and Now
While we wait for the kingdom’s full realization, we’re called to live as if it’s already here. This means working towards justice, peace, and love in our daily lives. We can bring a glimpse of the kingdom to earth by living out its values and sharing the good news of Jesus.
Conclusion
The kingdom of God being near is a powerful message that Jesus proclaimed to initiate a transformative era. It calls for repentance, a shift in our values, and a commitment to living out the principles of God’s reign. By understanding this, we can better align our lives with God’s will and anticipate the glorious future He promises.
As you reflect on what the kingdom of God means in your life, remember it’s both a present reality and a future hope. Embrace its values, live out its principles, and share the good news with others, bringing a bit of heaven to earth each day.
FAQs: What Does Jesus Mean by “The Kingdom of God is Near”?
1. What did Jesus mean by “the kingdom of God is near”?
When Jesus said, “the kingdom of God is near,” He was announcing that God’s reign was breaking into the present world through His ministry. It meant that the transformative power of God’s rule was starting to manifest on earth through Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and actions.
2. Is the kingdom of God a present reality or a future hope?
The kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. It began with Jesus’ ministry and continues to grow and influence the world today. However, its fullness will only be realized in the future when Jesus returns to establish His complete and perfect reign.
3. What is required to enter the kingdom of God?
Jesus emphasized repentance and belief in the good news as necessary steps to enter the kingdom of God. Repentance involves turning away from sin and aligning one’s life with God’s will. Belief means trusting in Jesus and His message.
4. What are the main characteristics of the kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy. It’s a realm where God’s justice, love, and truth prevail, and where people experience the fullness of life in harmony with God and each other.
5. How did Jesus illustrate the kingdom of God in His teachings?
Jesus often used parables to illustrate the kingdom of God. Examples include the parable of the mustard seed, which shows the kingdom’s growth from small beginnings, and the parable of the yeast, which demonstrates its transformative power.
6. How can we live in the kingdom of God today?
Living in the kingdom of God means adopting its values and letting them shape our lives. This involves loving God and others, pursuing justice, showing mercy, and serving others. It’s about embodying Jesus’ teachings and spreading His message.
7. What is the role of love in the kingdom of God?
Love is central to the kingdom of God. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor (Mark 12:30-31). This love is selfless, sacrificial, and reflective of God’s love for us.
8. How does service fit into the concept of the kingdom of God?
Service is a key aspect of living in the kingdom of God. Jesus modeled servanthood, stating that He came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Followers of Jesus are called to serve others, reflecting His love and humility.
9. What does it mean that the kingdom of God is “already but not yet”?
The phrase “already but not yet” captures the idea that the kingdom of God has begun with Jesus’ ministry but has not yet been fully realized. We experience its benefits now, but we also look forward to its complete fulfillment in the future.
10. How can we share the message of the kingdom of God with others?
We can share the message of the kingdom of God by living out its values, telling others about Jesus, and demonstrating His love through our actions. By embodying the principles of the kingdom, we bring a glimpse of heaven to earth and invite others to experience God’s reign.
