Understanding the Kingdom: Clearing Up the Most Misunderstood Teaching of Jesus

[MatthewG]

Introduction​

When Jesus stood before Pilate, He made one of the clearest statements about His mission and identity:

“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight.” — John 18:36

This single sentence should settle many debates about the nature of Christ’s kingdom. Yet Christians continue to argue, divide, and even become hostile over the idea of a future earthly kingdom. Why does this happen? And what did Jesus actually teach?

This lesson explores the biblical meaning of the kingdom, why confusion persists, and how Jesus redirects His followers away from earthly expectations and toward spiritual reality.

1. Jesus Declared the Nature of His Kingdom​

Jesus did not simply say His kingdom was “not here yet.” He said it was not of this world — not earthly, not political, not national, not territorial.

He explained the consequence of this truth:

• If His kingdom were earthly, His followers would fight.
• Because it is not earthly, His followers do not fight for it.

This means:

• No political takeover
• No earthly throne
• No military defense
• No national empire
• No visible kingdom you can point to

Jesus removes the entire category of “earthly kingdom” from the conversation.

2. The Kingdom Is Present, Spiritual, and Internal​

Jesus taught that the kingdom is already active:

“The kingdom of God does not come with observation… the kingdom of God is within you.” — Luke 17:20–21

Paul reinforces this:

• The kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)
• Believers are already transferred into Christ’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13)
• Flesh and blood cannot inherit it (1 Corinthians 15:50)

The kingdom is:

• Heavenly in origin
• Spiritual in nature
• Present in the believer
• Growing like leaven in the world
• Unseen by natural eyes

This is the opposite of a political or national kingdom.

3. Why Christians Still Fight About a Future Earthly Kingdom​

If Jesus was clear, why is the church confused? There are several reasons.

A. Many Christians inherited a system, not a scripture​

Most believers learned their eschatology from:

• Denominations
• Pastors
• Movies
• Popular prophecy teachers

Not from Jesus’ own words.

Once a system becomes tradition, people defend it emotionally.

B. People confuse “kingdom” with “government”​

Jesus never promised:

• A Christian nation
• A political takeover
• A throne in earthly Jerusalem
• A visible empire

But many Christians imagine the kingdom like Rome — only with Jesus as emperor. This is the same mistake the disciples made before Pentecost.

C. An earthly kingdom feels more concrete​

A spiritual kingdom requires:

• Faith
• Surrender
• Transformation
• Humility

An earthly kingdom offers:

• Timelines
• Charts
• Predictions
• A sense of control
• “Our side wins”

People cling to what feels predictable.

D. The apostles themselves struggled with this at first​

Even after the resurrection, the disciples asked:

“Will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” — Acts 1:6

Jesus did not affirm their expectation. He redirected them:

“It is not for you to know…” — Acts 1:7 “You will receive power…” — Acts 1:8

He shifted them from political expectation to spiritual mission.

E. A spiritual kingdom threatens man‑made systems​

If the kingdom is:

• Invisible
• Internal
• Heavenly
• Already present

Then:

• No denomination owns it
• No prophecy chart controls it
• No pastor can claim exclusive insight
• No political movement can hijack it

A spiritual kingdom decentralizes power. People fight because they want a kingdom they can manage.

4. What Jesus Actually Taught About the Kingdom​

Jesus consistently described the kingdom in ways that contradict earthly expectations.

A. It is not political​

“Not of this world” (John 18:36)

B. It is not visible​

“Does not come with observation” (Luke 17:20)

C. It is internal​

“Within you” (Luke 17:21)

D. It is present​

“If I cast out demons… the kingdom has come upon you” (Matthew 12:28)

E. It grows quietly​

Like:

• Leaven in dough
• A mustard seed
• A hidden treasure

F. It is entered through new birth​

“Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom” (John 3:3)

G. It is heavenly​

“My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36)

Jesus never once described a future earthly government.

5. The Real Issue: Two Competing Kingdom Models​

The debate in Christianity exists because there are two competing visions:

A. The Earthly Kingdom Model​

• Visible
• Political
• National
• Territorial
• Future
• Based on human expectations

This is the kingdom the disciples expected before the resurrection.

B. The Kingdom Jesus Described​

• Spiritual
• Present
• Internal
• Heavenly
• Transformational
• Unseen

This is the kingdom Jesus preached.

The conflict in Christianity is not about Scripture — it is about which model people choose to believe.

6. Why This Matters​

If believers misunderstand the kingdom, they will:

• Fight over prophecy
• Argue about timelines
• Divide over interpretations
• Miss the kingdom that is already here
• Focus on earthly power instead of spiritual transformation

Jesus warned that His kingdom does not operate like earthly kingdoms:

“The rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… but it shall not be so among you.” — Matthew 20:25–26

The kingdom is not about domination. It is about transformation.

7. A Call Back to Jesus’ Words​

The solution to the debate is simple:

Return to what Jesus actually said.

He never told His followers to:

• predict political events
• fight for a nation
• build an earthly kingdom
• wait for a visible empire

He told them to:

• preach the gospel
• make disciples
• love their enemies
• live by the Spirit
• seek the kingdom within

When Christians argue about a future earthly kingdom, they are arguing about something Jesus never promised.

Conclusion​

Christians fight about a coming kingdom because many are still expecting the very thing Jesus said His kingdom is not. The kingdom Jesus described is not political, not national, not territorial, and not earthly. It is spiritual, present, internal, and heavenly.

When believers return to Jesus’ own teaching, the debate loses its power. The kingdom is not something we wait for — it is something we live in, walk in, and reveal through the life of Christ within us.

 

[WalterandDebbie]

Introduction​

When Jesus stood before Pilate, He made one of the clearest statements about His mission and identity:


This single sentence should settle many debates about the nature of Christ’s kingdom. Yet Christians continue to argue, divide, and even become hostile over the idea of a future earthly kingdom. Why does this happen? And what did Jesus actually teach?

This lesson explores the biblical meaning of the kingdom, why confusion persists, and how Jesus redirects His followers away from earthly expectations and toward spiritual reality.

1. Jesus Declared the Nature of His Kingdom​

Jesus did not simply say His kingdom was “not here yet.” He said it was not of this world — not earthly, not political, not national, not territorial.

He explained the consequence of this truth:

• If His kingdom were earthly, His followers would fight.
• Because it is not earthly, His followers do not fight for it.

This means:

• No political takeover
• No earthly throne
• No military defense
• No national empire
• No visible kingdom you can point to

Jesus removes the entire category of “earthly kingdom” from the conversation.

2. The Kingdom Is Present, Spiritual, and Internal​

Jesus taught that the kingdom is already active:


Paul reinforces this:

• The kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)
• Believers are already transferred into Christ’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13)
• Flesh and blood cannot inherit it (1 Corinthians 15:50)

The kingdom is:

• Heavenly in origin
• Spiritual in nature
• Present in the believer
• Growing like leaven in the world
• Unseen by natural eyes

This is the opposite of a political or national kingdom.

3. Why Christians Still Fight About a Future Earthly Kingdom​

If Jesus was clear, why is the church confused? There are several reasons.

A. Many Christians inherited a system, not a scripture​

Most believers learned their eschatology from:

• Denominations
• Pastors
• Movies
• Popular prophecy teachers

Not from Jesus’ own words.

Once a system becomes tradition, people defend it emotionally.

B. People confuse “kingdom” with “government”​

Jesus never promised:

• A Christian nation
• A political takeover
• A throne in earthly Jerusalem
• A visible empire

But many Christians imagine the kingdom like Rome — only with Jesus as emperor. This is the same mistake the disciples made before Pentecost.

C. An earthly kingdom feels more concrete​

A spiritual kingdom requires:

• Faith
• Surrender
• Transformation
• Humility

An earthly kingdom offers:

• Timelines
• Charts
• Predictions
• A sense of control
• “Our side wins”

People cling to what feels predictable.

D. The apostles themselves struggled with this at first​

Even after the resurrection, the disciples asked:


Jesus did not affirm their expectation. He redirected them:


He shifted them from political expectation to spiritual mission.

E. A spiritual kingdom threatens man‑made systems​

If the kingdom is:

• Invisible
• Internal
• Heavenly
• Already present

Then:

• No denomination owns it
• No prophecy chart controls it
• No pastor can claim exclusive insight
• No political movement can hijack it

A spiritual kingdom decentralizes power. People fight because they want a kingdom they can manage.

4. What Jesus Actually Taught About the Kingdom​

Jesus consistently described the kingdom in ways that contradict earthly expectations.

A. It is not political​

“Not of this world” (John 18:36)

B. It is not visible​

“Does not come with observation” (Luke 17:20)

C. It is internal​

“Within you” (Luke 17:21)

D. It is present​

“If I cast out demons… the kingdom has come upon you” (Matthew 12:28)

E. It grows quietly​

Like:

• Leaven in dough
• A mustard seed
• A hidden treasure

F. It is entered through new birth​

“Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom” (John 3:3)

G. It is heavenly​

“My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36)

Jesus never once described a future earthly government.

5. The Real Issue: Two Competing Kingdom Models​

The debate in Christianity exists because there are two competing visions:

A. The Earthly Kingdom Model​

• Visible
• Political
• National
• Territorial
• Future
• Based on human expectations

This is the kingdom the disciples expected before the resurrection.

B. The Kingdom Jesus Described​

• Spiritual
• Present
• Internal
• Heavenly
• Transformational
• Unseen

This is the kingdom Jesus preached.

The conflict in Christianity is not about Scripture — it is about which model people choose to believe.

6. Why This Matters​

If believers misunderstand the kingdom, they will:

• Fight over prophecy
• Argue about timelines
• Divide over interpretations
• Miss the kingdom that is already here
• Focus on earthly power instead of spiritual transformation

Jesus warned that His kingdom does not operate like earthly kingdoms:


The kingdom is not about domination. It is about transformation.

7. A Call Back to Jesus’ Words​

The solution to the debate is simple:

Return to what Jesus actually said.

He never told His followers to:

• predict political events
• fight for a nation
• build an earthly kingdom
• wait for a visible empire

He told them to:

• preach the gospel
• make disciples
• love their enemies
• live by the Spirit
• seek the kingdom within

When Christians argue about a future earthly kingdom, they are arguing about something Jesus never promised.

Conclusion​

Christians fight about a coming kingdom because many are still expecting the very thing Jesus said His kingdom is not. The kingdom Jesus described is not political, not national, not territorial, and not earthly. It is spiritual, present, internal, and heavenly.

When believers return to Jesus’ own teaching, the debate loses its power. The kingdom is not something we wait for — it is something we live in, walk in, and reveal through the life of Christ within us.

Hello Brother MatthewG, How are you all? We are well,

Love always, Walter

 

[TrevorHL]

Greetings MatthewG,

The kingdom is not something we wait for

Jesus will soon return to set up his Kingdom on earth when he will then reign from the Temple Throne of David in Jerusalem for the 1000 years Isaiah 2:1-4, Daniel 2:35,44.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[MatthewG]

Greetings MatthewG,

Jesus will soon return to set up his Kingdom on earth when he will then reign from the Temple Throne of David in Jerusalem for the 1000 years Isaiah 2:1-4, Daniel 2:35,44.

Kind regards
Trevor

Greetings Trevor,

I appreciate your message. I hold a different understanding of the Kingdom based on Jesus’ own words and the timeline He gave to His disciples.

Jesus taught that the Kingdom would not be something people could point to physically — “the kingdom of God does not come with observation… the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20–21). He also said His Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), which makes it difficult for me to place it in a future geopolitical setting with a physical throne in earthly Jerusalem.

Jesus repeatedly told His disciples that His coming and the fulfillment of the Kingdom would happen in their generation, not thousands of years later. He said:

• “There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” (Matthew 16:28)
• “This generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” (Matthew 24:34)


The apostles preached the same timeline. Peter said they were already living in the “last days” (Acts 2:16–17), and the early church expected the fulfillment soon, not in a distant age.

Because of this, I understand the Kingdom as something Jesus already established — a spiritual reign, not a future earthly monarchy. The throne He sits on is the throne of God, not a rebuilt throne of David in a physical temple.

I respect your view, but this is why I see the Kingdom as already present rather than awaiting a future 1000‑year earthly rule.

Kind regards,
Matthew

 

[TrevorHL]

Greetings again MatthewG,

I respect your view, but this is why I see the Kingdom as already present rather than awaiting a future 1000‑year earthly rule.

I can appreciate your position, but you misuse the Scriptures that you are quoting and ignore the prophecies of the future Kingdom.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[MatthewG]

Jesus said His Kingdom is not of this world, that it is present among you, and that it is tied to the heavenly Jerusalem, not an earthly one.

He told the Pharisees:

“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation… for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20–21)

He told Pilate:

“My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)

And the writer of Hebrews says believers have already come to:

“Mount Sion… the heavenly Jerusalem.” (Hebrews 12:22)

So when I speak of the Kingdom, I’m simply repeating what Jesus Himself said about its nature and location — spiritual, present, and heavenly, not earthly, political, or future.

 

[MatthewG]

@TrevorHL I would be careful making statements like that. If you tell people a literal future kingdom is coming on earth soon, and they take your message seriously, but it never happens, then what position does that put you in?

Scripture warns about this very thing:

“When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken.” (Deuteronomy 18:22)

Jesus also warned His followers not to be led astray by dramatic predictions:

“Take heed that no man deceive you… many shall come in my name.” (Matthew 24:4–5)

So my concern isn’t to attack you — it’s simply that repeating predictions that don’t come true ends up hurting people’s faith and puts the speaker in a position Scripture tells us to avoid.

 

[TrevorHL]

Greetings again MatthewG,

it’s simply that repeating predictions that don’t come true

Sounds like a mediocre excuse. God's prophetic word does come true. Consider how many prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus' ministry.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[MatthewG]

Trevor, I’ve said what I needed to say. This isn’t a debate thread, and I’m not interested in going in circles. If you want to debate, there are sections on the forum for that. I’m not spending more time on this back‑and‑forth.

 

[TrevorHL]

Greetings again MatthewG,

I’ve said what I needed to say. This isn’t a debate thread, and I’m not interested in going in circles. If you want to debate, there are sections on the forum for that. I’m not spending more time on this back‑and‑forth.

That;s fine. I was simply objecting to your statements dismissing the future Kingdom of God on earth and your supposed dismissal of this by your ambiguous verses. I also responded to your title, as if what you have presented is the real answer. You have also overlooked much of what Jesus teaches about the future Kingdom, e.g. Matthew 19:28.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[MatthewG]

Greetings again MatthewG,

That;s fine. I was simply objecting to your statements dismissing the future Kingdom of God on earth and your supposed dismissal of this by your ambiguous verses. I also responded to your title, as if what you have presented is the real answer. You have also overlooked much of what Jesus teaches about the future Kingdom, e.g. Matthew 19:28.

Kind regards
Trevor

Thank you for telling me whatever you believe I need to hear, sir. I am not hear to debate and I am not gonna change my mind on what I have already shared.

Im someone who openly confesses and believes that Jesus has already came and gathered the bride as well, and today we live in the kingdom by spiritually by the Lord Yeshua and becoming sons and daughters of God today, through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Yeshua.

You may be older than me, and trying to encourage me, but I just am gullible enough to fall for anyone trying to decieve me what I am already convinced of.

Thank you, for your objections but again this is not a debate thread.

Appericate it,
Matthew

 

[MatthewG]

Age has never been the standard for spiritual authority, and it doesn’t determine who has the right to interpret Scripture. No one stands as an authority over the Bible.

The purpose of my original post is simple: to focus on what Jesus actually said—not on assumptions, traditions, or interpretations added later.

It’s about learning what He did say versus what He did not say.

There are many voices out there, and some will mislead others—intentionally or not. And often, people assume that being older automatically gives them the right to correct you. Scripture shows that this is not always the case. Paul reminded Timothy of this very thing:

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers…” — 1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)

People may look down on someone younger, or simply because their own agendas aren’t being met. That doesn’t make them right.

At the end of the day, each of us must decide whether we will listen to Jesus or to people.

And once again, this is not a debate thread. If someone wants to debate, they are free to start a separate topic in the Christian Debate Forum for that purpose.

 

[TrevorHL]

Greetings again MatthewG,

Age has never been the standard for spiritual authority

I was not proving my case on the basis of my age. Many older than me would most probably endorse much of what you say. This episode seems to have upset you and you have now sent a personal Message stating much the same thing.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[MatthewG]

Greetings again MatthewG,

I was not proving my case on the basis of my age. Many older than me would most probably endorse much of what you say. This episode seems to have upset you and you have now sent a personal Message stating much the same thing.

Kind regards
Trevor

Hey, I just felt it was unnecessary, man. You didn’t have to jump in just to disagree—it came across a bit rude. That’s why I got frustrated. It feels like the thread is getting derailed when you could easily start your own discussion if you want to go a different direction in a forum where you can debate it in properly cause this is not a debate forum...

So... Yeah. You come off as a bit rude to me. Im sure I do too, to countless of people on here.

I probably do it too and people just don't respond like I will cause idk its the rawness of the flesh if anything.
But then again their is countless fighting on this website.

 

[MatthewG]

@TrevorHL, do you just want me to give you teh co-pilot edition of that text you want.

You could have just asked for that instead.

What Matthew 19:28 Is Actually About​

Matthew 19:28 says:

“In the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

The key question is: Is Jesus talking about a future earthly kingdom, or about entering the heavenly Kingdom?

Here’s the breakdown.

1. The Context Is First‑Century Israel, Not a Future Earthly Government​

Jesus is speaking directly to the twelve apostles, not to all believers of all ages.

He tells them:

• you will sit on twelve thrones
• you will judge the twelve tribes of Israel
• this will happen “in the regeneration”

This is covenantal language, not political language.

Jesus is describing the transition from:

• the old covenant age (centered on Israel, the temple, and the twelve tribes) to
• the new covenant age (centered on Christ, the apostles, and the heavenly Kingdom)

This is why He ties it to the twelve tribes of Israel, not to the nations of the world.

If this were about a future earthly kingdom, Jesus would have said something like:

• “You will rule the nations”
• “You will govern the world”
• “You will sit on thrones over the earth”

But He didn’t.

He said Israel—because the judgment He is describing is the judgment Jesus repeatedly said would fall on that generation (Matthew 23:36; Matthew 24:34).

2. “The Regeneration” Is Not a Future Earthly Millennium​

The Greek word palingenesia (regeneration) means:

• renewal
• rebirth
• the beginning of a new order

It is used only twice in the New Testament:

1. Titus 3:5 — the new birth of believers
2. Matthew 19:28 — the new birth of the covenant order

Jesus is describing the birth of the new covenant world, not a future political kingdom on earth.

This happened when:

• Christ ascended
• the Spirit was poured out
• the apostles took their seats as foundational judges/teachers of the new covenant (Ephesians 2:20)
• the old covenant system was judged and removed (Hebrews 8:13)

This is why Jesus says the apostles will judge Israel, not the world.

3. The Apostles’ “Thrones” Are Their Apostolic Authority​

The apostles’ thrones are not literal chairs in a future earthly palace.

Their “judging” is:

• their apostolic authority
• their foundational role in the Church
• their role in declaring the terms of the new covenant
• their role in condemning old covenant unbelief

This is exactly how the New Testament describes them:

• “built on the foundation of the apostles” (Ephesians 2:20)
• “the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:14)
• their teaching judges Israel (Acts 2–7)

Their thrones are heavenly, not earthly.

4. So Is Matthew 19:28 About a Future Earthly Kingdom?​

No.

It is about:

• the enthronement of Jesus
• the enthronement of the apostles
• the judgment of old covenant Israel
• the arrival of the new covenant Kingdom

This is not describing a future earthly government. It is describing the transition into the heavenly Kingdom that believers now live in.

5. So What Does This Mean for Us Today?​

Matthew 19:28 is not about:

• a future earthly kingdom
• a political reign of Jesus from Jerusalem
• a future resurrection event

It is about:

• the apostles’ unique role
• the establishment of the new covenant
• the heavenly Kingdom believers now enter through Christ

We are not waiting for the Kingdom. We are living in it.

 

[TrevorHL]

Greetings again MatthewG,

We are not waiting for the Kingdom. We are living in it.

I find your explanation of Matthew 19:28 unconvincing.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[MatthewG]

Greetings again MatthewG,

I find your explanation of Matthew 19:28 unconvincing.

Kind regards
Trevor

Okay. Do you got anything else to add or share?

Cause if you don’t I’m gonna stop responding to you.

I can add some ending and say something nice but on the internet it’s just words to me half the time…

They don’t mean anything significant or that you mean any well towards me.

 

[MatthewG]

Well there you have it.

Just two different views.

I don’t believe in an earthly kingdom here on earth that is perfect…

It’s impossible. However in heavenly Jerusalem having peace between yourself and Yahavah is available through faith in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus…


I don’t mind what this guy says, you can go and see if what is saying is true or not for yourselves.

No one should ever believe anything I put out either.
But check it out for yourself.

 

[TrevorHL]

Greetings again MatthewG,

It feels like the thread is getting derailed when you could easily start your own discussion if you want to go a different direction

I started a thread about two years ago and it was slightly contested by a member who agrees with you. I suggest that that thread is sufficient to unravel the reasoning of this thread.

Psalm 72 - The Kingdom of God Soon to be Established on Earth

Psalm 72 - The Kingdom of God Soon to be Established on Earth Psalm 72 (KJV - with headings added) A Psalm for Solomon The King's Son 1 Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son. 2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. 3...

www.christianityboard.com

This is another example of Prophecy, something that you seem to dismiss or avoid. One example of fulfilled prophecy was the prediction that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem as mentioned in Micah 5. It is remarkable how this was fulfilled, and who witnessed this event, but the rulers in Jerusalem did not doubt the veracity of this prophecy when they trembled at the possibility of the event having occurred with the visit of the men from the East and they informed Herod of the prophecy.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[MatthewG]

Greetings again MatthewG,

I started a thread about two years ago and it was slightly contested by a member who agrees with you. I suggest that that thread is sufficient to unravel the reasoning of this thread.

Psalm 72 - The Kingdom of God Soon to be Established on Earth

Psalm 72 - The Kingdom of God Soon to be Established on Earth Psalm 72 (KJV - with headings added) A Psalm for Solomon The King's Son 1 Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son. 2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. 3...

www.christianityboard.com

This is another example of Prophecy, something that you seem to dismiss or avoid. One example of fulfilled prophecy was the prediction that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem as mentioned in Micah 5. It is remarkable how this was fulfilled, and who witnessed this event, but the rulers in Jerusalem did not doubt the veracity of this prophecy when they trembled at the possibility of the event having occurred with the visit of the men from the East and they informed Herod of the prophecy.

Kind regards
Trevor

Hey Trevor,

I just believe all prophecy has been fulfilled. Like I said, prior I believe Jesus sits on the throne with God, and all things were placed beneath his feet.

That's the main difference we have between each other. Thank you for sharing your thread from two years ago and people will be able to see it if they find this thread and thumb through it.

I have already made my decision for myself; I see no reason to be combative with you. You can believe whatever you want. That is your right.