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The Kingdom and the Ministry of Jesus

• “Blessed are the meek” (5:5).
• “Blessed are those who are persecuted” (5:10).
• “Blessed are you when people insult you” (5:11).
• “Blessed are you when people…falsely say all kinds of evil against
you” (5:11).
• “If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other
also” (5:39).
• “If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have
your cloak as well” (5:40).
• “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two” (5:41).
• “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one
who wants to borrow from you” (5:42).
• “Love your enemies” (5:44).
• “Pray for those who persecute you” (5:44).

(Note: We will discuss the Sermon on the Mount more in Chapter 10.)

The nature of all worldly kingdoms is for kings to exploit their subjects
and the kingdoms around them. They seek to use them for the benefit of
their leaders and their prominent citizens. The nature of the kingdom of
God, however, is to bless its subjects and ultimately to bless all nations
of the earth.

The Great Reversal

Jesus also taught about what has been called the great reversal. It is a
time in the future when things will be reversed and wrong will be made
right. Then the proud and mighty will be put down and the humble of
heart will be exalted. Jesus said:

The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out
of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.
They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be
weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like
the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him
hear. (Matthew 13:41–43)

Many who have been called great in this world will be small in the
kingdom of God. And those who were small in this world’s eyes will be
become great in the Kingdom.

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