Deeper Reflection
The Christian Gospel is not just the Gospel of God, but the Gospel of His Kingdom! In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) the proclamation of the kingdom of God was central to Jesus’ mission. The Greek word basileia (“kingdom, rule and domain”) is used a whopping 121 times in these books (Matthew 55 times; Mark 20 times; Luke 46 times).⁸It can be difficult for us to relate to the idea of a kingdom. After all, Singapore does not have its own king! In the Scriptures, the “kingdom of God” refers to God’s sovereign rule and the blessings that we enjoy when we live under it.⁹ Citizenship in God’s kingdom has its benefits!Matthew the Evangelist points out some of these benefits. As Jesus went through Galilee, he healed every disease and affliction (v.23). Those oppressed by demons were delivered (v.24). Wherever there was death and darkness, Jesus ushered in the life and light that accompany God’s rightful reign!All of us love God’s blessings and benefits – emotional and psychological well-being, flourishing relationships and so on. However, isn’t it often the case that we want Kingdom blessings without the rule of the King? We want God to fill our fuel tank while keeping our own hands on the steering wheel of our lives! When God’s Kingdom makes demands on us, when obedience is painful or costly, and when the King calls us to surrender control and let Him lead, we often resist or turn away. May we choose to bow the knee before our King today, fully delighting in Him and His gracious care for us.

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⁸ J. B. Green, J. K. Brown, & N. Perrin (Eds.), Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Second Edition (p. 468). Nottingham, England: IVP Academic ⁹ 9 G. E. Ladd, The Presence of the Future [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974]