His faithful disciples would rule with him from heaven, and that rule would be exerted over all the earth (John 14:3 Luke 19:17). They thought it was only an earthly Kingdom, just as many today err in the opposite direction, thinking it is only heavenly. His answer clearly implied a future time for the establishment of his Kingdom.Īt first the disciples, in common with the entire Jewish nation, had an imperfect concept of the Kingdom. When Jesus was about to ascend back to heaven, with hopes revived, the apostles enquired, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” The Lord did not respond, “Israel?-they just crucified me!” Instead Jesus’ answer did not contradict their hopes but simply said, “It is not for you to know the times and seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power” (Acts 1:6,7). For man to receive everlasting life, he must be first legally redeemed from the penalty of death. “The Most High ruleth the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he ” (Daniel 4:32), but in that case any blessings for the world would be temporary. God could have given Jesus the dominion of earth without redeeming man. Then Jesus opened their eyes by explaining from the Scriptures that first his sacrifice was necessary before his Kingdom could be established. How saddened and disappointed they were that, instead of being enthroned as king, Jesus was crucified! As the two on the road to Emmaus said to him, whom they supposed was a stranger, we had “trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel” (Luke 24:21, 25-27). sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:29,30). He specifically promised his disciples, “I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me that ye may. Jesus encouraged his followers, “Fear not, little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
The Apostles were then sent forth to preach the same message (Matthew 10:7 Luke 9:2). His lessons included the need of entire consecration to God, in order to share with Jesus in administering the Kingdom (Matthew 19:27,28 Luke 14:27-35 Matthew 22:37). All his parables taught the Kingdom theme from various standpoints. Jesus himself “went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God” (Luke 8:1). John the Baptist, forerunner of our Lord Jesus, announced to Israel, “Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Because of all the promises and prophecies pointing toward the exaltation of their nation under Messiah, the Kingdom was the hope and “expectation” of every Israelite (Luke 3:15). The prominent theme woven throughout the Old and New Testament is the Kingdom of God and its ruler, Messiah.