The Kingdom of Heaven or the Kingdom of God
The Bible uses "the Kingdom of Heaven" and "the Kingdom of God" interchangeably. Therefore, it can be assumed that the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God are one and the same.
In the KJV version of the Bible, "the Kingdom of God" is mentioned 69 times, while "the Kingdom of Heaven" is mentioned 31 times, with Matthew being the only one who uses "the Kingdom of Heaven."
The following verses show that where Matthew uses "the Kingdom of Heaven," Mark and Luke use "the Kingdom of God":
Matthew 11:11-12 and Luke 7:28; Matthew 13:11 and Mark 4:11 and Luke 8:10; Matthew 13:24 and Mark 4:26; Matthew 13:31 and Mark 4:30 and Luke 13:18; Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:20; Matthew 18:3 and Mark 10:14 and Luke 18:16; Matthew 22:2 and Luke 13:29.
Why do the Pharisees want to know when the kingdom of God will be established? Where will that kingdom be established? The kingdom of God is an eternal reality in heaven. Therefore, what the Pharisees are asking about regarding the kingdom of God refers to something that will be established in this world. Since the Pharisees are those who strive for the truth, they probably think that they will certainly enter into the kingdom of God.
John the Baptist Preaches the Kingdom
At that time, John the Baptist said: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Matthew 3:1-2) John preached that people needed to repent in order to enter the kingdom of heaven and to live righteously.
“What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” (Luke 3:10-14)
The Kingdom of Heaven Preached by Jesus
From that time on, Jesus began to preach, saying: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (Matthew 4:17) The kingdom of heaven preached by Jesus seems similar to what John the Baptist proclaimed. For the reason is that he told people to repent in order to enter that kingdom.
Jesus sent out the twelve disciples with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:5-8)
According to these verses, the Kingdom of Heaven is not for all nations but only for the people of Israel. Hence, they were instructed not to go among the Gentiles or Samaritans. In that kingdom, there will be no sick, no weak, and no demon-possessed.
A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” (Matthew 15:22-24)
Why didn't Jesus talk to the Canaanite woman? Why did He compare her to a dog when He finally responded? The reason is that the kingdom of heaven belongs not to her but only to the people of Israel.
A King Is Needed to Establish the Kingdom
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:1-9)
This took place when Jesus went up to Jerusalem to receive the anointing as the Messiah. However, when He arrived at the temple in Jerusalem, the religious leaders did not accept Him as the King. Therefore, the kingdom could not be established.
"And then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. (Matthew 27:29)
They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (Matthew 27:37)
Because they killed the King, the kingdom could not be established.
The Kingdom Will Be Established
Although Jesus did not establish the kingdom as He originally intended, He will establish it in the future.
This is what the criminal who was crucified with Him said: "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." (Luke 23:42) Jesus did not reject this statement.
Even at the Last Supper, He said, "I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom." (Matthew 26:29)
Just before ascending to heaven, the disciples gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. (Acts 1:6-7)
Jesus did not say that there was no plan for establishing the kingdom. Therefore, the kingdom will still be established in this world.
As an Individual or Corporately
Although the Kingdom of God will be established in the future, believers can establish the Kingdom of God in their lives, in their families, or in the church. How can they establish it? They can accept Jesus Christ not only as their Savior but also as their King. That is the reason why Jesus said the Kingdom of God is within you. To receive Jesus Christ as your King means living according to His will.
The people of a nation fear, respect, and obey their king most. If you fear, love, and respect Jesus Christ in your life, then the Kingdom of God is within you. Even if others do not pay attention to Jesus Christ, you can accept Him as your King and be obedient to Him. Within your family, if you place Jesus Christ at the center, you can experience heaven on earth. In the church as well, by following the will of Jesus Christ, you can experience the Kingdom of Heaven.
If others do not pay attention to your spouse or partner, but you love them very much, it is not difficult for you to follow their desires and wishes. Following the desires of the one you love most brings the greatest joy and satisfaction. You don't need to persuade anyone else.
You Can Accept Him as Your King Right Now
It is not necessary to wait until you reach heaven to honor and obey Jesus Christ. It is not essential to accept Him as King only when the thousand-year reign arrives. From this very instant, you should receive and submit yourself to Him. If you do so, He will guide your life and shower blessings upon you. If He is your King, you will never be weighed down or troubled. You will never experience sorrow. Even though you may encounter life's challenges, you will live a triumphant life.
May the Lord Jesus rule over you, your family, and your church.
