Gospel of Mark Part 5: Jesus' Preaching Ministry I [Small Group Discussion]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- Feb 2
- 3 min read
Title: The Kingdom of God – Present and Future
Scripture Focus: Mark 1:14–15 – “Now after John had been delivered up 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.’”
OPENING QUESTION
When you hear the phrase “The Kingdom of God,” do you think of something happening now, something in the future, or both? Why?
BACKGROUND
After His baptism and forty days of testing in the wilderness, Jesus began His public preaching ministry in Galilee. Mark tells us His first message was simple but powerful: “Repent and believe in the gospel.” This message centered on the Kingdom of God—something foretold by the prophets, promised by God, and fulfilled in Jesus.
Understanding what the Kingdom of God means helps us see not only what Jesus was teaching but also what our message must be today.
KEY POINTS
1. What Is the Kingdom of God?
Foretold in Daniel 2:44 as a kingdom that will never be destroyed and in Daniel 7:13–14 as a kingdom given to the Son of Man.
Not a physical territory but God’s rule and reign in the hearts of people.
Spiritual in nature (John 18:36; Romans 14:17).
Presently manifested through the church—the body of believers who submit to God’s authority (Matthew 16:16–19; Colossians 1:12–14).
Has both a present reality (God’s reign now) and a future fulfillment (God’s complete reign in the new heaven and earth – 2 Peter 3:10–13; Revelation 21–22).
2. The Kingdom Now and Coming
Present – Found wherever people submit to God’s authority. Began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
Future – Fully realized at Jesus’ return, when righteousness will dwell in the new creation (Matthew 25:34; 1 Corinthians 15:50; 2 Timothy 4:18).
3. The Message Then vs. Now
Then – John the Baptist, Jesus, and the disciples preached the Kingdom as “at hand” (near) because the rule of God through Christ was about to be manifested (Daniel 2:44; Mark 1:14–15).
Now – We proclaim the Kingdom as both present and future:
Present: Jesus has all authority now (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:20–22).
Present: Those who believe are added to His Kingdom—the church (Acts 2:36–41,47; Colossians 1:13).
Future: Those who persevere will inherit the everlasting Kingdom (Acts 14:22; 2 Peter 1:10–11).
4. Our Part
The message of the Kingdom still includes repentance—turning from sin—and trust in the gospel.
The Kingdom is not just something we wait for; it is something we live in now if we submit to Jesus’ lordship.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why do you think Jesus began His public ministry by preaching about the Kingdom of God?
How does understanding the Kingdom as both “now” and “coming” affect the way we live today?
What does it mean to you personally to “submit to the rule of God” in your life?
How can the church better reflect the present reality of the Kingdom of God?
In what ways does our hope for the future Kingdom encourage us to remain faithful now?
APPLICATION
The Kingdom of God is not only a future hope—it’s a present reality for all who have placed their trust in Christ and submitted to His authority. Like Jesus, we are called to proclaim this Kingdom, urging people to repent and trust in the gospel. Our role is to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom today while looking forward to its full realization when Christ returns.
MEMORY VERSE
Colossians 1:13–14 – “He rescued us from the authority of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
PRAYER FOCUS
Thank God for bringing you into His Kingdom now through Jesus Christ. Pray for the strength to live under His rule daily and for boldness to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom to others.
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