What Jesus talked about (Week 4:1)

Topic: Week 4- Jesus and the kingdom of God
Theme for 6 Weeks- Who is Jesus and what difference does it make?

Read Mark 1:14-15

Here’s an answer to a Bible trivia question that someone throws out there at a party/summer cookout/bar: “What topic did Jesus talk about more than any other?” If you answered: Heaven and hell- wrong. Salvation- wrong. Belief in God- wrong. Faith- wrong. Eternal life-wrong. Sin-wrong.

Answer: The kingdom of God.

If Jesus says something, those who are followers of him pay attention. If Jesus says something frequently, we pay even more attention. If Jesus talked about something a lot, it must matter and be something he wants us to hear.

When asking the question of “Who is Jesus and what difference does that make?” the kingdom of God comes into the picture. You can’t talk about Jesus and not talk about the kingdom of God; it’s everywhere in the Gospel accounts of Jesus.

Jesus says, “The time is fulfilled; and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:15) If Jesus speaks so much about it, what does he want us to hear?

Question: Does this surprise you that this is the topic Jesus spoke most often about? What is it about the kingdom of God that Jesus wants me to learn about, experience, and live?

Prayer: Lord God, these words feel pregnant with meaning- the time is fulfilled…the kingdom of God has come near…repent and believe the good news. May you continue to open up to me what you would want me to know and experience about the kingdom of God. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.