This past Sunday’s sermon from Matthew 18:1-10 on the kingdom of heaven got me to thinking about the kingdom of heaven itself. In fact, the teaching on the kingdom is very central to Jesus’ ministry, and he has much to say about it in the book of Matthew. But what does it all mean for us?

First, we must understand that the kingdom of heaven, as it exists today, was ushered in by King Jesus. Jesus’ positive responses to Pilate’s questions about Jesus’ kingship (which appear in all four gospel accounts) indicate that the kingdom doesn’t exist simply by itself; it has a King, who is currently enthroned in heaven.
Secondly, the kingdom also has subjects: those who are disciples of the King. Our king has used his infinite power for not just any good, but for our good. However, we can only come into the benefits of Jesus’ work by allowing ourselves to be his subjects and, thus, entering his kingdom.

Thirdly, the kingdom encompasses both the present and the future. We certainly live under the rule of King Jesus right now: roughly speaking, we have a “code of kingdom ethics” by which we govern our lives, with principles on how we are to relate with others, how we are to live as inhabitants of earthly kingdoms, and how we are to relate with our King in heaven. Additionally, however, the kingdom is also part of our inheritance when Christ comes. While we live in it now, we do not
experience its full worth until that time.

These things considered, then, we may ask ourselves some corresponding questions: “How often do we bow before and
acknowledge our King? Are we living according to kingdom ethics?” and, perhaps the most important question, “Are we actually subjects of the King?”

Enjoy your week living in the kingdom and for the King!