“When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God” (Luke 22:14-16, NLT).

The Passover meal had as its ultimate goal the messianic banquet (see Revelation 19:7).

Jesus’ death as the true Passover lamb (1 Cor 5:7) inaugurated the Kingdom of God that will be completed at Jesus’ second coming!

When God came to Earth as the Man, Jesus Christ, the future age broke into this present age. The Kingdom of God has entered into this present age and is at work in this world to bring about its future consummation.

Although this world of human beings has not completely submitted to the rule and reign of God, one day in the future God’s Kingdom will reign supreme on the Earth.

Dallas Willard says that the rule and reign of God has entered into the present age largely unseen, but is nevertheless actively at work occupying the human race!

Jesus Christ is the undisputed King and His Kingdom rules and reigns over the universe forever. King Jesus has come to earth to proclaim and secure our redemption and He is coming again one day with formidable power to reconstitute the universe.

So, God’s Kingdom is not something to die for, but something to live for!

Jesus came to this world not only to die for our sins, but also to teach us how to live in His present and future Kingdom.

This same Jesus, who will reign over God’s future Kingdom, will also rule and reign over your present life if you will only swear allegiance to Him as your Savior and King for all eternity.

“My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10, NLT).

Related articles

• The Kingdom Journey – Luke 4:43 (stevesbiblemeditations.com)