OTKC 24: Preach the Kingdom of Heaven

Proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’  Matthew 10:7 (ESVUK)

What Did Jesus Mean?

With this command, Jesus summons His disciples to announce God’s royal rule breaking into the present through His own person and work. The “kingdom of heaven” is not merely a place we go when we die; it is God’s reign established on earth as His will is done, centred in Christ the King and manifested in repentant lives, restored relationships, and Spirit-empowered mission (Matthew 6:10; 12:28). This proclamation carries an urgent call to repentance and faith: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17), and it heralds good news to the poor, freedom to the captive, and sight to the blind (Luke 4:18–19).

To “preach” in this sense is to herald the royal announcement with clarity and courage, bearing witness to Jesus’ identity and His saving reign (Acts 2:36). It is proclamation with demonstration—word and deed together—because the kingdom’s nearness is displayed through compassionate acts, healings, deliverances, and justice (Matthew 10:8; 11:5). The message is simple but not shallow: God’s long-promised reign has arrived in Jesus the Messiah, is advancing by the Spirit through the Church, and will be consummated at His return (Mark 1:14–15; Revelation 11:15).

Furthermore, this command demonstrates that effective ministry flows from compassionate observation of human need. Jesus didn’t issue this instruction from a position of detached observation, but from a heart moved with compassion for the spiritual destitution He witnessed.

Proclaiming the Kingdom from the Old Testament to Jesus and the Early Church

The Old Testament foundations give this proclamation its depth. The prophets foresaw a day when God’s reign would bring justice and peace: “How beautiful… are the feet of him who brings good news… who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns’” (Isaiah 52:7). The Servant of the Lord brings the kingdom’s healing and righteousness (Isaiah 61:1–3), fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry (Luke 4:21). The Psalms celebrate the Lord as King who judges with equity and cares for the poor (Psalm 96:10; 72:12–14). Daniel foresees a kingdom that will never be destroyed, given to the Son of Man—language Jesus adopts for Himself (Daniel 7:13–14; Mark 14:62). Thus, preaching the kingdom stands on the bedrock of God’s covenant promises and the prophetic hope now realised in Christ.

Jesus embodies this command. He preaches “the gospel of the kingdom” and heals “every disease and every affliction” (Matthew 9:35). His Sermon on the Mount outlines kingdom ethics, including humility, mercy, purity, peacemaking, enemy love, and secret righteousness (Matthew 5–7). His parables unveil the kingdom’s hidden yet powerful growth, its inestimable worth, and its final separation of true and false (Matthew 13:31–33, 44–50). He declares that His mighty works verify the kingdom’s arrival: “If it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matthew 12:28).

The early church continues the same pattern. Empowered at Pentecost, they boldly proclaim Jesus as crucified and risen Lord, calling for repentance and baptism (Acts 2:32–39). Philip preaches “good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ,” with many baptised and healed (Acts 8:12–13, 6–8). Paul’s ministry is consistently kingdom-shaped: he argues “about the kingdom of God” in synagogues and public halls, and ends his life in Rome “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness” (Acts 19:8; 28:30–31). Their preaching is Scripture-saturated, Christ-centred, Spirit-empowered, and compassion-driven (Luke 24:46–49; Acts 10:36–43).

Importance of the Command in the Believer’s Life

First, preaching the kingdom aligns believers with Jesus’ own mission. He came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10) and sends His followers with the same purpose: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). Evangelism is not an optional hobby; it is a covenant vocation—royal heralds serving the King.

Second, it shapes holy living. The kingdom is received by the poor in spirit, the childlike, and the obedient (Matthew 5:3; 18:3; 7:21). To preach the kingdom with integrity requires embodying its values: truth-telling, generosity, sexual purity, forgiveness, peacemaking, and justice (Romans 14:17; Ephesians 4:25–32; Matthew 6:14–15). The gospel is adorned when our conduct matches our confession (Titus 2:10).

Third, it anchors hope. In a world of anxiety and upheaval, kingdom proclamation promises a sure future when Christ will reign openly and wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:3–5). This hope fuels perseverance and courage under pressure (1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Timothy 4:17–18).

Fourth, it activates spiritual gifts. The Spirit distributes gifts “for the common good,” empowering witness with love, wisdom, and power (1 Corinthians 12:4–7; Acts 1:8). As the church preaches the kingdom, the Spirit confirms the word with His presence and fruit (Hebrews 2:3–4; Galatians 5:22–23).

Finally, it keeps the church outward-facing. The Great Commission is kingdom mission in motion: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:18–20). We preach, baptise, teach, and disciple under Jesus’ royal authority, expecting His abiding presence.

Practical Steps to Follow the Command

• Soak in the Scriptures of the Kingdom. Read and pray through the Gospels, especially Matthew 5–7 and 13, to absorb Jesus’ kingdom vision. Trace the kingdom theme in Acts and the Epistles to see how the early church preached and planted
• Simplify the message: announce the King and His reign. Share the essentials: Jesus is Lord; He died for our sins, rose again, and now calls everyone to repent and believe the good news. Explain the implications: forgiveness, new life, and a new way of living under His rule.
• Combine proclamation with demonstration: Pray for the sick and the struggling, expecting God’s compassionate action. Practise mercy and justice in tangible ways—hospitality, advocacy, generosity—so the kingdom’s character is visible
• Depend on the Holy Spirit: Ask daily for the Spirit’s filling and boldness to witness with wisdom and love. Listen for the Spirit’s leading in conversations, trusting Him to open doors and supply words.
• Live an integrated life of kingdom integrity: Seek first the kingdom in priorities, finances, and time. Practise reconciled relationships—quick confession, eager forgiveness, and peacemaking.
• Start local; think global. Share Christ in ordinary rhythms—family, neighbours, colleagues, community spaces. Partner in mission beyond one’s locality through prayer, giving, and going, with a heart for all nations.
• Anchor in prayer and fasting. Pray “Your kingdom come, your will be done” over people and places, inviting God’s reign to transform hearts and systems. Fast to cultivate hunger for God and clarity in mission.
• Persevere with hope. Expect both receptivity and resistance; sow faithfully and trust God for growth. Keep the end in view: the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.

In the end, to “preach the kingdom of heaven” is to announce the Kingship of Jesus with words that explain, lives that exemplify, and works that embody His saving reign. It is as simple as telling the truth about Jesus and as profound as living every day under His authority. Receive the King, carry His message, and trust the Spirit—because the kingdom truly is at hand (Matthew 10:7; Romans 14:17).

For His Name’s Sake

C. L. J. Dryden

Shalom

Questions for Reflection

• Preaching is often thought to be something that only preachers do. Understanding what it is to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven, how can you see yourself doing that in your everyday life?
• How often do you consider the nature of the rule of God and its application to all areas of your life? Note your reflections as time allows on your thoughts on the rule of God.
• What can you do with a trusted friend in the faith this week to prepare for and make the most of opportunities to declare and demonstrate the Kingdom of heaven?