Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom.
Matt 4:23
Because the term "gospel of the kingdom" has been used so frequently and in such a flippant manner, we run the risk of reducing it to an empty platitude.
From a first century Jewish perspective, the kingdom of God was very real and tangible - rooted in hundreds of statements made throughout Scripture. On several occasions, the Jews of His day would ask:
“Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Acts 1:6
They were so certain of these promises, that on occasion they were prepared to take matters into their own hands:
When the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed, they began to say, “Truly this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
Then Jesus, realizing that they were about to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.
John 6:14-15
It wasn't that their expectations of His kingdom were wrong. It was a matter of timing!
In hindsight, it's easy to see now that His first coming was a fulfillment of His promise to restore our relationship with the Creator:
Surely He took on our infirmities
and carried our sorrows;
yet we considered Him stricken by God,
struck down and afflicted.
But He was pierced for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,
and by His stripes we are healed.
We all like sheep have gone astray,
each one has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid upon Him
the iniquity of us all.Isaiah 53:4-6
But Isaiah also records (repeatedly) His coming again to establish His kingdom - on earth.
In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD
will be established as the chief of the mountains;
it will be raised above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.Isaiah 2:2
And
“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold,
My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights.
I will put My Spirit on Him,
and He will bring justice to the nations.
He will not cry out or raise His voice,
nor make His voice heard in the streets.
A bruised reed He will not break
and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish;
He will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow weak or discouraged
before He has established justice on the earth.
In His law the islands will put their hope.”Isaiah 42:1-4
So when the gospel accounts record statements about Jesus preaching the gospel of the kingdom, they are referring to the same kingdom described in Isaiah and elswhere.
In light of this, consider the statements from Jesus below. Not as "nice thoughts" or "platitudes" for this present age - as they are so often portrayed. But as promises in the age to come.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of God."Matt 5:3-10
