THE KINGDOM OF GODIntroducing the Sermon on the Mount

THE KINGDOM OF GOD Jesus had a strong vision of an ideal future;

he dedicated his life to making that future a reality.

Jesus referred to this vision as the Kingdom of God. His teachings and stories reveal His

understandings of the Kingdom. His miracles were expressions of the fact that

God was starting the Kingdom through Jesus.

THE KINGDOM...CONTINUED...

The word “kingdom” for usimplies a place.

When discussing Jesus’teachings, use “reign” or “rule” in its place.

The synoptic gospels providethe information about theKingdom.

The gospel of John suggests that Jesus already embodies this kingdom that the other evangelists (gospel writers) describe as a future kingdom.

THE JEWISH NOTION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

God is King over all creation and kingship is recognized through this.

Kingdom was present in the Torah (God’s instrument for ruling people).

Kingdom not fully established because of all the evil in the world; a result of their own failure to follow God.

Kingdom would be established through a saviour. Notion of a new national and political kingship. Would begin with a military takeover of the

country and the expulsion of the Romans. Overthrow led by the Messiah.

IDEAS OF THE KINGDOM REJECTED BY JESUS

Political reign

Violent, military takeover

Geographical state or nation

New philosophy or new plan for social reform

JESUS’ VISION OF THE KINGDOM

Tied to His understanding of God (different than other Jewish people) For Jesus, God was “Father” – Jews could never

refer to God this way because the name of God was held in such awe and reverence.

Jesus referred to God as “Abba” (term of endearment, like “Daddy”).

God is loving and personal. Jewish people knew God was loving, but distant

and removed (due to strong reverence). Sometimes referred to God as the heavens.

JESUS’ VISION OF THE KINGDOM...CONT’D

Intimate relationship with God. This is a primary part of Jesus’ vision of the

Kingdom of God. Jesus sees God as a passionately caring parent, whose

love is tireless, healing, unlimited and unreserved.

God loves sinners as well as the just; women and men; rich and poor; slaves and free.

New understanding of the relationship that God had always offered. Jesus offered new insights into the nature of God.

KINGDOM OF GOD: RIGHT NOW, BUT NOT YET

There is tension, even contradiction, between the evangelists’ notions of the Kingdom of God.

“the kingdom of God is among you” (Lk 17:21)

“your kingdom come” (Mt 6:10)

As a result of these contradictions, we learn:

KINGDOM OF GOD: RIGHT NOW, BUT NOT YET

1. Jesus embodied the Kingdom of God. Jesus believed that the Kingdom was being revealed

in his words, deeds and actions. He became increasingly aware that his own death would be central in

bringing about the Kingdom.

2. Jesus’ followers fully recognized the Kingdom only after His Resurrection.

God’s reign was only fully recognized after the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

The full meaning of Jesus’ words became clear; they began to understand His message in a different light with the guidance of the Spirit.

3. We must respond to Jesus’ invitation to enter the Kingdom. How can the kingdom be “right now” but “not yet”? Jesus compares the Kingdom to various things: a dinner party, a pearl

– in these symbols, the Kingdom is already present but the people must respond to it (ie. Only those who said yes to the invitation were able to enjoy the party).

God fully established the kingdom through Jesus’ death and resurrection; it is present among us through the Holy Spirit but we must accept the invitation.

When we love as Jesus’ did, we are

fully present in God’s reign.

METAPHORS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Create 10 metaphorical statements of your own that complete the line, “The Kingdom of God is...”.(one page)

Then, choose ONE and create a visual image of it – drawing, collage, computer generated (one page).

After creating a visual image, write a paragraph that: explains the thought behind your image and statement. demonstrates how this image is ideal for our society today in

understanding the Kingdom of God.(one page)

This is to be submitted to your portfolio!