Daily Devotional: What Did Jesus Teach About The Kingdom of God?

Introduction:

In the heart of Jesus’ ministry lies a profound and transformative message—the Kingdom of God. For Jesus would make the statement that the kingdom of God was at hand or near.

Through parables, sermons, and personal interactions, Jesus provided invaluable insights into the nature and significance of this divine realm.

He would teach this idea of kingship so that there would be an expectation of who He was and why He came to the earth—to point others to our Heavenly Father.

Let’s explore key teachings, supported by scripture references, to unveil the essence of the Kingdom of God.

Proclaiming the Nearness of the Kingdom (Mark 1:15):

Jesus commenced His ministry with a powerful proclamation, “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

This set the tone, emphasizing the immediacy and accessibility of the Kingdom. To repent comes from the Greek word metanoia, which is where we get the English word metamorphosis from.

Essentially, when we are called to repent, this not only means to turn in a 180 degree direction from where you were going, but it’s Gods power to change you into a whole new person. For we are a new creation in Christ!

Parables as Windows into the Kingdom (Matthew 13):

Jesus frequently used parables to convey profound truths about the Kingdom. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9) illustrated different responses to the Kingdom message, emphasizing the importance of a receptive heart.

The thorns of life, the pleasures of this world, and our adversary the devil can snatch that seed from us. This is why it’s vital that our soil be rich with the nutrients of God—prayer, fellowship, and reading of His Word.

The Mustard Seed and Leaven Parables (Matthew 13:31-33):

In these parables, Jesus depicted the Kingdom’s growth. The mustard seed starts small but becomes a large tree, symbolizing the expansive nature of the Kingdom. The leaven hidden in the dough signifies the transformative influence of the Kingdom on individuals and society.

I love this analogy because it shows how Jesus started with just 12 disciples and now Christianity is one of the largest religions in the world, with over a billion followers. This is the epitome of a mustard seed turning into a large tree.

Furthermore, I believe it teaches never to give up. When you first begin your life, there are several obstacles. You must continue to strive and never give up. Whatever your passion is, do it with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and you will be successful.

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12):

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus outlined the characteristics of those who belong to the Kingdom. The Beatitudes reveal a counter-cultural mindset—embracing humility, compassion, and righteousness, all of which are valued in the Kingdom of God.