Speaking of the Kingdom

Poor Theology of the Kingdom causes the Church to:

• Wait for a King who already reigns.
• Wait for a Kingdom they’re already in
• Wait to become what they already are.
• Wait for an age that has already come.
• Wait for a victory that’s already been won.
• Wait to do what they should already be doing.

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The Kingdom of God is not just a spiritual concept or an abstract idea. It is a kingdom; a realm ruled by a King, with a mission and a calling for all who belong to it. Throughout this series, we’ve explored what it means to see the Kingdom of God as a Kingdom, to understand Jesus as the Messiah, God’s chosen King, and to embrace our role as His witnesses and representatives.

As we bring this series to a close, let’s reflect together on Luke 24:46-49 (NASB):

“And He said to them, ‘So it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.’”

Let’s take a closer look at this passage, now illuminated by the conversations we’ve had over the past twenty posts:

• The Christ—God’s King
  Jesus reminds His disciples that His suffering and resurrection were part of God’s plan all along. The Messiah wasn’t just a religious figure or a spiritual savior detached from the realities of life. He is the King anointed by God to bring about His reign on earth as it is in heaven. This King’s path to the throne wasn’t marked by conquest or domination but by humility, suffering, and sacrifice. His victory over sin and death wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was the inauguration of God’s Kingdom. When we proclaim Jesus as the Christ, we are proclaiming Him as the King who rules with justice, mercy, and steadfast love.
• Proclaiming Repentance and Forgiveness to the Nations
  The proclamation Jesus describes isn’t just about offering individual salvation; it’s the announcement of a new Kingdom breaking into the world. When we call people to repentance, we’re inviting them to turn from their old allegiances and step into the reign of God’s King. Forgiveness isn’t just a personal gift; it’s a declaration that the King’s justice and mercy are now in effect. To proclaim this message to the nations is to act as ambassadors of the Kingdom, bearing witness to the hope, peace, and transformation that come through Jesus’ reign.
• You Are Witnesses of These Things
  Jesus reminds His disciples that they aren’t just messengers. They’re witnesses. They’ve seen the power of the Kingdom in action. They’ve watched the blind receive sight, the oppressed set free, and the dead raised to life. Being a witness means more than just retelling the story; it means living in such a way that the reality of the Kingdom is visible in us. Our lives both as individuals and as the church should reflect the hope, healing, and restoration of the Kingdom we proclaim.
• Power from On High
  Finally, Jesus speaks of the “power from on high” that He will send upon His followers. This isn’t just spiritual energy or inspiration; it’s the authority of the King Himself, empowering His people to represent Him in the world. This power is the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live as citizens of the Kingdom and ambassadors of the King. It’s not a power for domination or self-promotion but for serving others, proclaiming the message, and embodying the reign of God in every aspect of life.

This passage is more than a reflection on what Jesus has done; it’s a call to action. The Kingdom didn’t end with Jesus’ resurrection; it continues through His followers. We are called to live as representatives of the King, proclaiming His message to the nations and trusting in the power and authority He gives us.

So as we close this series, I encourage you to read Luke 24:46-49 again in light of what we’ve explored together. Let the themes of the Kingdom of God as a Kingdom, Messiah as God’s chosen King, proclaiming a message to the nations, living as witnesses, and receiving power from the throne shape how you see this passage. May it inspire you to live fully as a citizen of God’s Kingdom and a representative of King Jesus.

Thank you for journeying through this series with me. The Kingdom of God is here; let’s live like it.

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Additional Scriptures and Discussion Questions

General Reflection

1. How has this series changed your understanding of the Kingdom of God?
2. Before reading this series, how did you perceive the role of Jesus as the Messiah? How has that perception evolved?
3. What new insights have you gained about the relationship between earthly kingdoms and the Kingdom of God?
4. Which post or concept from the series challenged you the most, and why?
5. How do you now see your role as a citizen of the Kingdom of God in your daily life?

The Kingdom of God as a Kingdom

1. What distinguishes the Kingdom of God from earthly kingdoms?
2. How does the reality of God’s Kingdom impact how we view power, authority, and leadership in the world?
3. Why is it important to understand the Kingdom of God in its historical and cultural context?

Messiah as God’s King

1. How does seeing Jesus as King, not just Savior, shape your faith?
2. What does Jesus’ path to kingship—marked by humility, suffering, and sacrifice—teach us about God’s values and priorities?
3. How do you personally proclaim Jesus as King in your actions and words?

Proclaiming the Message to the Nations

1. What does it mean to you to proclaim repentance and forgiveness as a Kingdom representative?
2. How can we faithfully share the message of the Kingdom while respecting different cultures and beliefs?
3. In what ways can the church today better reflect the mission of proclaiming the Kingdom to all nations?

Witnesses of the Kingdom

1. How would you describe the difference between being a messenger and a witness?
2. What are some ways you can bear witness to the Kingdom in your community?
3. How has the Kingdom of God been made visible in your own life or the lives of others around you?

Power from On High

1. What does it mean to you to be “clothed with power from on high”?
2. How does the authority given by the Holy Spirit empower us to live out the values of the Kingdom?
3. How can reliance on the Holy Spirit help us represent the Kingdom in our words and actions?

Personal Application

1. What is one action step you feel called to take as a result of what you’ve learned from this series?
2. How can understanding the Kingdom of God reshape how you interact with the world around you?
3. In what ways can this series help you lead others to a better understanding of the Kingdom of God?

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To start from the the first post in this series, click here:

Speaking of the Kingdom #1: Intro

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