“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” -John the Baptist, Matthew 3:2
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” -Jesus, Matthew 4:17
As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
-Jesus to Disciples, Matthew 10:7
What if there is a way of living that is not in vain? What if we could build a life for ourselves and our loved ones that will “shine like the sun”?1 What if that way of life is right in front of us?
This kingdom, or way of life, announced by John and Jesus is a gift.2 Jesus describes it in more detail. Rather than pointing to specific blueprints of the kingdom, he sketches different aspects of it. He tells us that some will understand it and others will not; that it grows as evil and chaos continue around us;3 that it is small and often fails to take root, so you have to look for it. But when found, it has a massive impact.
Those who experience this way of life reject the adult approach to life and become like little children:
Instead of meeting their own needs, they depend on God to meet their needs.4 They struggle to focus more and more of their energy, not on what they desire, but on everything that God puts in front of them to do.
Rather than defending themselves, they seek healthy and peaceful relationships. They prioritize restoring broken relationships over protecting their own hearts. They forgive quickly,5 only too aware of their own need to be forgiven.
They refuse to use others to meet their needs, working instead for the furtherance of others. Though they may climb the ladder of personal success, it is not their goal. They value others more than themselves and are gratified by helping their neighbors do better than themselves.
Repentance is hard work, but those already excluded by the world find it easier to do. Jesus tells us to expect to build community with the kind of people who are invited to dinner parties as an afterthought.6 We will be a ragtag bunch of people, poor in spirit, from cultures around the world. Those around us will no longer give credence to what they have accumulated. Table discussion will focus on developing habits which bear fruit for God.
This way of life has many powerful opponents. Some are willing to use violence to try and stop it.7 But those persecuted for choosing this way of life will be blessed in the kingdom. As Jesus said, the last will be first, and the first will be last.
Those who choose to live in this world by participating in the kingdom of God are called to tell others about it, just like John and Jesus did.8 They should be ready to teach those who accept the invitation, helping them live into this new way of life as well.
A good place for all of us to begin is the prayer that Jesus taught his followers to pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’
-Matthew 6:9b-13
In the end, this way of life will come in its fullness. Its leaders will be united in a commitment to lasting justice.9 This way of life will never be threatened, deconstructed, or overthrown. All those who live in the kingdom will experience the joy of knowing that the life that has so greatly benefited them will benefit their children and their children’s children as well.10
This way of life will last forever.11
Matthew 13
Matthew 13:11.
Matthew 13:24.
Matthew 6:33.
Matthew 5:21-31.
Matthew 22:2.
Matthew 11:12.
Matthew 10:7.
Daniel 7:27, Psalm 45:6.
Daniel 4:34.
Daniel 2:44, 6:26; Psalm 103:19.