What Jesus calls "the kingdom of God" (in NT Greek, basiliea: realm or dominion) is also referred to in Matthew's gospel as "the kingdom of the heavens." This is a realm that can be seen and entered into, according to Jesus.
What were some of our understandings of what the "kingdom of God" is?
--"us"
--"God-with-us"
--anywhere, everywhere where God is ("There is nowhere where God is not")
--everyplace where God's will is being done
--after death
--"My Father's House" (with lots of room!)
--the kin-dom
--Fulfillment
--all-encompassing
--community of God ; com (with) -unity (together)
At the outset of his ministry, Jesus announces: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent, and believe the good news." Jesus statement is not future-tense: the kingdom has already come. Those who believe that will live their lives differently.
We reflected on the substance of Jesus' interaction with the Pharisee Nicodemus in John Chapter 3. where he says that "no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." Later, he says that "no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the spirit." He adds that " the wind (of the spirit) blows where it will." It is God's initiative.
What might the kingdom of God look like to us?
--"like the Shared Table"
--neighborliness
--inclusivity (when you can see the realm you are then able to do it!)
To see and enter the kingdom profoundly impacts how we see and experience life right now.
When we see and enter God's realm we are also freed to "receive" it and offer hospitality. We begin to see and perceive others in our lives as bearers of God's gifts.
We are constantly being taught.
We meet death in different way.
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