Why Did Jesus Say, “The Kingdom Is at Hand”?
When John the Baptist began preaching, his message was simple:
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:2)
Soon afterward, Jesus began His own ministry with the very same announcement:
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15)
The disciples later preached the same message (Matthew 10:7).
What did they mean when they said the Kingdom was "at hand"?
The expression simply means near, approaching, or about to arrive. It describes something that is close—not something thousands of years away.
This fits perfectly with the message of Jesus.
He was announcing that God's long-promised reign was about to be revealed through His own ministry. The King had come. The promises were reaching their fulfillment.
Jesus also taught that some of those listening to Him would live to see the Kingdom come.
"Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power." (Mark 9:1)
Whatever Jesus meant, it was something that would happen within the lifetime of some of His hearers.
After His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days speaking to His apostles about the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Even then, they still had questions about God's plan.
Rather than giving them dates or political predictions, Jesus told them to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
"You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me..."(Acts 1:8)
Notice the connection.
Jesus had promised that the Kingdom would come with power.
Now He tells His apostles they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes.
The next chapter records exactly that event.
The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles.
Peter proclaimed the risen Christ.
Thousands responded to the gospel.
From that day forward, the New Testament speaks of Christ as reigning and of believers as citizens of His Kingdom.
The announcement that the Kingdom was "at hand" was not simply a call to prepare for something far in the future.
It was God's invitation to prepare for the arrival of His promised King and the beginning of His reign through Jesus Christ.
Continue Your Study
When Did Christ Begin to Reign?
The prophets promised the Kingdom.
Jesus announced that it was near.
When did He actually receive His Kingdom and begin His reign?
We'll examine the Scriptures and follow the events from the resurrection to the ascension and beyond.
Related Bible Studies
What Did the Old Testament Promise About the Kingdom?
When Did the Church Begin?
Why Does the Bible Call the Church the Kingdom of God?
Companion Video
Why Did Jesus Say, "The Kingdom Is at Hand?"
Read First. Conclude Later.