Gospel of the Kingdom pt. 2 (The Prevailing Message)

“He (Jesus) said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.” Luke 4:43 (NASB)

I’ve heard it asked before, “What is the most important message one should be preaching?” Although I’ve responded in different ways (probably with the topic I was most focused on in that season), I’ve come to realize that the most important message should be the one that Jesus preached—the Kingdom of God.

The word “Kingdom” is mentioned over 160 times and appears over and over in all four gospels. Furthermore, the Kingdom is likened to eight different things such as wheat and tares, a mustard seed, leaven, hidden treasure, pearl of great price, a dragnet, vineyard workers, and talents. Obviously, the declaration of the realm of God’s rule is a big deal.

COMMON THEME IN SCRIPTURE

Before Christ stepped onto the ministry stage, forerunner and wilderness wild man John the Baptist came saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2).

This message soon became the very one that Christ would declare:

“From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 (NASB)

During the early ministry days, Jesus instructed His disciples to preach the Kingdom:

“As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 10:7 (NASB)

After His resurrection and before His ascension, Christ preached the Kingdom realm:

“After the sufferings of his cross, Jesus appeared alive many times to these same apostles over a forty-day period. Jesus proved to them with many convincing signs that he had been resurrected. During these encounters, he taught them the truths of God’s kingdom realm…” Acts 1:3  (TPT)

Before Christ ascended and was enthroned, He further instructed His disciples to preach the Kingdom:

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel (of the Kingdom) to all creation.” Mark 16:15 (NASB)

The good news of the Kingdom became Paul’s message. 

“And he (Paul) stayed two full years in his own rented quarters… welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.” Acts 28:30-31  (NASB)

As you can see, the gospel message (good news) of the Kingdom preceded the coming of Jesus, became the prevailing message of Jesus, and was passed down to be the central message of the apostles. May this gospel of the Kingdom be preached in all the world!

-RA