The Kingdom of God The Mediatorial Kingdom in the Four Gospels Part II

The Kingdom of GodThe Kingdom of God

The Mediatorial Kingdom in The Mediatorial Kingdom in the Four Gospelsthe Four Gospels

Part IIPart II

The Rejection of the King and His The Rejection of the King and His KingdomKingdom

1.1. The Kingdom is near because the king is nearThe Kingdom is near because the king is near• David/Solomon’s kingdom established in accord with David/Solomon’s kingdom established in accord with

God’s covenant promises (2 Sam 5:12; 1 Kings 9:4-5; cf. God’s covenant promises (2 Sam 5:12; 1 Kings 9:4-5; cf. 1 Sam 12:13-15, 22)1 Sam 12:13-15, 22)

• Israelite monarchy falls because of God’s refusal to Israelite monarchy falls because of God’s refusal to show further mercy (Hos 1:6; 2 Chr 36:15-16)show further mercy (Hos 1:6; 2 Chr 36:15-16)

• Prophets (even Moses!) declare a more glorious Prophets (even Moses!) declare a more glorious restoration in association with a new Davidic king (Ezek restoration in association with a new Davidic king (Ezek 34:23ff; 37:24ff; Jer 33:14ff; Hos 3:4-5; cf. Deut 30).34:23ff; 37:24ff; Jer 33:14ff; Hos 3:4-5; cf. Deut 30).

• This restoration was the hope of those who survived the This restoration was the hope of those who survived the exile (Psa 89; Dan 9; Zech 1:12ff; 10:6ff)exile (Psa 89; Dan 9; Zech 1:12ff; 10:6ff)

• This restoration was not forgotten at Christ’s coming This restoration was not forgotten at Christ’s coming (Luke 1:67ff; 2:25ff; cf. post-exilic history). The hearers (Luke 1:67ff; 2:25ff; cf. post-exilic history). The hearers of John the Baptist and Christ understood what it meant of John the Baptist and Christ understood what it meant for the “kingdom” to be near and would certainly have for the “kingdom” to be near and would certainly have expected a Davidic king in association with such an expected a Davidic king in association with such an announcement.announcement.


2.2. The Kingdom was Israel’sThe Kingdom was Israel’s• The history just chronicled was the hope of The history just chronicled was the hope of

IsraelIsrael. The glory and the covenants belonged . The glory and the covenants belonged to Israel (Rom 9:4; cf. Jer 31:31)to Israel (Rom 9:4; cf. Jer 31:31)

• All other nations were “strangers to the All other nations were “strangers to the covenants of promise” (Eph 2:12)covenants of promise” (Eph 2:12)

• Thus, it makes perfect sense (though it would Thus, it makes perfect sense (though it would certainly be hard to understand apart from certainly be hard to understand apart from this consideration) that Christ restricts his this consideration) that Christ restricts his ministry to the nation of Israel (Matt 10:5-6; ministry to the nation of Israel (Matt 10:5-6; 15:24)15:24)

3.3. Israel was called upon to make a choiceIsrael was called upon to make a choice


4.4. Israel’s initial choice was clear enoughIsrael’s initial choice was clear enough• The leaders openly, though indirectly (mainly The leaders openly, though indirectly (mainly

questions), opposed Him (Mark 2:16, 24; John questions), opposed Him (Mark 2:16, 24; John 1:19-24; 2:18)1:19-24; 2:18)

• The populace excitedly, though faithlessly, The populace excitedly, though faithlessly, embraced Him (John 2:24-25; John 6:26, 36, embraced Him (John 2:24-25; John 6:26, 36, 66; Luke 4:16-30)66; Luke 4:16-30)

5.5. ““Is that your final answer?”…Yes.Is that your final answer?”…Yes.• The opposition to Jesus eventually becomes The opposition to Jesus eventually becomes

more direct and definitivemore direct and definitive His family concludes He is mad (Mark 3:21)His family concludes He is mad (Mark 3:21) The people decide He merits no response (Matt 11:20)The people decide He merits no response (Matt 11:20) The leaders The leaders declaredeclare (no more questioning) that He is in (no more questioning) that He is in

league with Satan (Matt 12:24) [note that Matt 9:34 and league with Satan (Matt 12:24) [note that Matt 9:34 and 10:25 come chronologically 10:25 come chronologically afterafter Matt 12:24] Matt 12:24]


6.6. Blasphemy against the Holy SpiritBlasphemy against the Holy Spirit• Relates to the Kingdom of God (see esp. Matt 12:23, 28)Relates to the Kingdom of God (see esp. Matt 12:23, 28)• Leaders declare Him an imposter king and answer questions like Leaders declare Him an imposter king and answer questions like

John 9:22-23 by attributing the power to Satan.John 9:22-23 by attributing the power to Satan.• Blasphemy is against the Spirit because His works were done by Blasphemy is against the Spirit because His works were done by

the Spirit’s power (the Spirit’s power (Matt 12:18Matt 12:18, 28; Luke 3:22; 4:1, 14, 18; 10:21; , 28; Luke 3:22; 4:1, 14, 18; 10:21; cf. Acts 10:38) cf. Acts 10:38) [|| Heb 6:4-6???][|| Heb 6:4-6???]

• Such sin is unforgivable because it is the Spirit’s role to draw Such sin is unforgivable because it is the Spirit’s role to draw people to Christ. I.e., the distinction in Matt 12:32 is based on the people to Christ. I.e., the distinction in Matt 12:32 is based on the distinct roles of Christ and the Spiritdistinct roles of Christ and the Spirit

• The leaders were those guilty of this sin (Matt 12:38)The leaders were those guilty of this sin (Matt 12:38)• However, the nation as a whole would bear the judgment (cf. However, the nation as a whole would bear the judgment (cf.

“generation” in Matt 12:39ff)“generation” in Matt 12:39ff)• A significant event, evidenced by significant judgment:A significant event, evidenced by significant judgment:

No forgiveness, ever (Matt 12:32)No forgiveness, ever (Matt 12:32) No signs; only the death of the King (Matt 12:40)No signs; only the death of the King (Matt 12:40) Unfavorable testimony on the day of judgment (Matt 12:41-42)Unfavorable testimony on the day of judgment (Matt 12:41-42) A giving over to demonic influence (Matt 12:43-45)A giving over to demonic influence (Matt 12:43-45) A horrific judgment in their “generation” (more to come…)A horrific judgment in their “generation” (more to come…)

7.7. The matter of contingencyThe matter of contingency

Christ’s Ministry in Preparation for Christ’s Ministry in Preparation for the Interregnumthe Interregnum

1.1. ““Mystery of the kingdom” parablesMystery of the kingdom” parables• Addressed to the general public (Matt 13:10 – Addressed to the general public (Matt 13:10 –

“Why do you speak “Why do you speak to themto them in parables?”) in parables?”)• Purpose was judgmental…Hearers would hear Purpose was judgmental…Hearers would hear

but not hear and therefore not repent (Matt but not hear and therefore not repent (Matt 13:14-15; contrast with Matt 4:17).13:14-15; contrast with Matt 4:17).

• With explanation, they would, however, With explanation, they would, however, benefit Jesus’ disciples (Matt 13:11-12, 16ff)benefit Jesus’ disciples (Matt 13:11-12, 16ff)

• Content regards the mysteries (something Content regards the mysteries (something heretofore unrevealed) of the kingdom (refer heretofore unrevealed) of the kingdom (refer to McClain, Frank for Matt 13; note that Paul to McClain, Frank for Matt 13; note that Paul sees as a mystery the temporary hardening sees as a mystery the temporary hardening of Israel and the inclusion of the Gentiles in of Israel and the inclusion of the Gentiles in the church through union with Christ [Rom the church through union with Christ [Rom 11:25-27; Eph 3:1-12; Col 1:25-27])11:25-27; Eph 3:1-12; Col 1:25-27])


2.2. The establishment of the churchThe establishment of the church• Background is Israel’s ho-hum attitude about Jesus as Background is Israel’s ho-hum attitude about Jesus as

the Son of Man (Matt 16:13-14)the Son of Man (Matt 16:13-14)• In contrast, Peter, speaking for the disciples, declares In contrast, Peter, speaking for the disciples, declares

the true identiry of Christ (Matt 16:15-16)the true identiry of Christ (Matt 16:15-16)• a. Church is future (cf. Acts 2 as a beginning)a. Church is future (cf. Acts 2 as a beginning)• b. Church has authority, but is not merely an extension b. Church has authority, but is not merely an extension

of OT assembly (of OT assembly (evkklhsi,a))• c. Church is founded on apostles and prophets (Eph c. Church is founded on apostles and prophets (Eph

2:20)2:20)• d. Church authority given to Peter (and others?)d. Church authority given to Peter (and others?)

Keys speak of authorityKeys speak of authority Given to whole church (note this is not a grammatical Given to whole church (note this is not a grammatical

argument; singular, unlike Matt 18:18)argument; singular, unlike Matt 18:18) Will be exercised in the kingdom (cf. Matt 19:28; 1 Cor Will be exercised in the kingdom (cf. Matt 19:28; 1 Cor

6:2-3)!6:2-3)!


3.3. Christ clearly teaches about His impending Christ clearly teaches about His impending deathdeath

• Before Israel’s outright rejection, Christ’s Before Israel’s outright rejection, Christ’s teaching about His death was somewhat veiledteaching about His death was somewhat veiled

John 1:29 – “Lamb of God” language (John the Baptist)John 1:29 – “Lamb of God” language (John the Baptist) John 2:19 – “Destroy this temple”John 2:19 – “Destroy this temple” John 3:14 – “As Moses lifted up the serpent…”John 3:14 – “As Moses lifted up the serpent…” Mark 2:20 – “The bridegroom is taken away”Mark 2:20 – “The bridegroom is taken away” Matt 12:39 – “The sign of Jonah”Matt 12:39 – “The sign of Jonah”

• After Israel’s outright rejection, Christ clearly After Israel’s outright rejection, Christ clearly teaches His disciples about His deathteaches His disciples about His death

Mark 8:31-32 – “He was stating the matter plainly”Mark 8:31-32 – “He was stating the matter plainly” See other references in McClain, p. 331See other references in McClain, p. 331 Again, the matter of contingency (cf. Acts 2:23)Again, the matter of contingency (cf. Acts 2:23) Note the interesting matter of the disciples difficulty Note the interesting matter of the disciples difficulty

in understanding (Mark 9:32; Luke 9:45; 18:34)in understanding (Mark 9:32; Luke 9:45; 18:34)


4.4. Christ’s death is not an Christ’s death is not an abandonmentabandonment of of the kingdom but a the kingdom but a postponementpostponement

• OT knew of the suffering and glory of the OT knew of the suffering and glory of the MessiahMessiah

• Gospels reveal the separation in time between Gospels reveal the separation in time between these two realitiesthese two realities

• Transfiguration as a foretaste to quell any fear Transfiguration as a foretaste to quell any fear that the kingdom was no longer to be that the kingdom was no longer to be expected.expected.

A “tangibly evident to sense experience”A “tangibly evident to sense experience” An event attended with supernatural eventsAn event attended with supernatural events Moses: Brings to mind kingdom establishmentMoses: Brings to mind kingdom establishment Elijah: Kingdom forerunnerElijah: Kingdom forerunner God’s voice: Christ as kingdom authorityGod’s voice: Christ as kingdom authority

5.5. Christ’s death does not mean the disciples’ Christ’s death does not mean the disciples’ sacrifice has been in vain (Matt 19:27-29)sacrifice has been in vain (Matt 19:27-29)


6.6. However, the kingdom will only come after an However, the kingdom will only come after an interregnum, so one must remain faithful until the interregnum, so one must remain faithful until the coming of the kingdom in order to enjoy the coming of the kingdom in order to enjoy the kingdom (Luke 19:11-28)kingdom (Luke 19:11-28)

• Circumstances: Kingdom miraclesCircumstances: Kingdom miracles• Audience: Multitude and disciplesAudience: Multitude and disciples• Imagery: Roman princes (esp. Archelaus)Imagery: Roman princes (esp. Archelaus)• Purpose: Patiently and faithfully wait; the kingdom is Purpose: Patiently and faithfully wait; the kingdom is notnot

at hand!at hand!• ContentContent

Nobleman = Christ, Far country = heavenNobleman = Christ, Far country = heaven Purpose of trip: Receive a kingdom then returnPurpose of trip: Receive a kingdom then return Two classes of people: Servants, citizensTwo classes of people: Servants, citizens Servants receive money and summons to “trade”Servants receive money and summons to “trade” Citizens send delegation to foil reception of kingdomCitizens send delegation to foil reception of kingdom Nevertheless, returns as king and rewards/judgesNevertheless, returns as king and rewards/judges Length of time gone is left indeterminateLength of time gone is left indeterminate Parable of kingdom delay only given after outright rejectionParable of kingdom delay only given after outright rejection

Next Week: The Mediatorial Next Week: The Mediatorial Kingdom in the Four Kingdom in the Four

GospelsGospelsPart IIIPart III

Christ’s Final Week in Christ’s Final Week in JerusalemJerusalem

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The Kingdom of God The Mediatorial Kingdom in the Four Gospels Part II