3 - LORD'S PRAYER - the Lord´s RequirementsSample

12 – Your Kingdom!

The Kingdom of God—a message of joy and hope proclaimed by Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament rarely uses this expression, it became central to Jesus’ preaching.

This Kingdom is not defined by geographical borders but by divine power and authority. It is at work in the world, transforming the old into new, the unjust into just, and the sick into whole.

Jesus never gave a formal definition of “Kingdom,” but He used parables that make its meaning clear:

• The Kingdom is both ancient and hidden, yet desirable—it is a treasure. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13:44, NIV).
• It is like a precious pearl worth giving up everything to obtain. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45–46, NIV).
• It is like a small seed that grows into a tree where birds can find rest. “He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches’” (Matthew 13:31–32, NIV).
• In the Kingdom, there are many dwelling places. “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2, NIV).
• The Kingdom is like leaven that transforms everything. “He told them still another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough’” (Matthew 13:33, NIV).
• It is a feast where all are invited—masters and servants, the poor, the disabled, and the marginalized. “Jesus replied: ‘A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, “Come, for everything is now ready”’” (Luke 14:16–17, NIV).

The Kingdom is a future hope, but it is also already present among us. “Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, “Here it is,” or “There it is,” because the kingdom of God is in your midst’” (Luke 17:20–21, NIV).

It came with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet the world still carries contradictions and remains under the influence of evil.

It is both “already” and “not yet.” The hope of those who believe is that this Kingdom will one day come in fullness—with a new heaven and a new earth.