In his teaching, John the baptizer firmly stated that the “kingdom of heaven” was “at hand”.

The use of the phrase “at hand” established the understanding that the kingdom of heaven would soon be established. This coincides with the teachings of Daniel that the kingdom of God would be established in the time of the Roman Empire.

When an individual takes in context the entire teaching of God’s inspired word, it becomes evident that Jesus’ entire ministry centered on the establishment of his kingdom. The establishment of the long prophesied kingdom was a primary reason for him to spend some 30 years on earth.

With Jesus fulfilling all the Old Testament prophesies concerning the Messiah, it is evident within the word that he also fulfilled the establishment of God’s kingdom. As he traveled through Galilee he proclaimed the kingdom:

Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people (Matthew 4:23).

Jesus proclaimed the same message as John, “the kingdom of God is at hand”:

Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15).

The phrase “at hand” used by Jesus is the same as the one used by John. Jesus is teaching that the kingdom will come soon. He also noted that some who were hearing his voice would live to see the establishment of his kingdom”:

Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom (Matthew 16:28; See vs. 24-28; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27).

In his discussion with the Pharisees concerning the coming of the kingdom, Jesus noted two important things. One, that the kingdom will not come with signs to be observed, and two, that it was in their midst.

Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:20-21).

Jesus’ teaching concerning the coming kingdom was that it would be established in a short time. This coincides with the teaching of John, Daniel and the rest of the Prophets.

Why would anyone question the words of our Lord and Savior?

— by John E. Werhan