Have you noticed that Jesus often starts preaching the Gospel with the Kingdom? The Gospel starts with, “The Kingdom is near” (Mk 1:15). Even when Jesus is talking to a Gentile, he begins with the Kingdom, as he did with Pilate. He tells Pilate he is a king and that his Kingdom is not of this world.

Why does Jesus start with this?

Firstly, it builds the bigger picture

People want to know where Jesus is from. The teachers of the law often asked this and Jesus replied, “I am from above….I am not of this world” (Jn 8:23).This immediately suggests that Jesus knows more than us.

Secondly, a king requires honour and recognition

This should immediately get our attention. It also shows that Jesus has authority over us. He has a right to our allegiance.

Thirdly, it shows He can call us

A king has servants, so he has a right to call us to his service, which he immediately does in Mark after preaching the Gospel, “Come follow me” (Mk 1:17). This only makes real sense in the context of the Kingdom.

Fourthly, it speaks of our immediate authority

As servants of the Kingdom, we who follow the King immediately have all the authority of the King to grow it. This is very powerful, because as soon as we come to know Jesus we do so running. New believers can often become lukewarm quickly because they are not taught this.

Fifthly, it motivates us to do something now

The King is returning for his servants and he will punish those who have rejected him. Kingdom preaching leads naturally to the Second Coming and living day to day in the light of this.

Today we are called to repent and believe to become friends with Jesus but this lacks all the context and explanation above.

We need to return to preaching a Gospel that starts with Kingdom context.