Have you ever witnessed a historic moment—something so significant you thought, “I can’t believe I was there to see that!” Was it the birth of a child or the death of a loved one? Maybe you survived a natural disaster or witnessed a global event.
My husband and I had just started our life together when we found ourselves in the middle of a historic transition of power. Our quiet Capitol Hill neighborhood transformed into the spectacular backdrop of a presidential inauguration. We watched as helicopters left the White House lawn and flew directly over our heads, whisking the former president away. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Bearing witness is a powerful thing. Witnesses testify to truth and reality. The authors of today’s readings—and the people featured in them—were eyewitnesses to some of the most important events in human history.
What they witnessed was so much more than a political event—it was the inauguration of a long-awaited kingdom. Synagogue-goers watched as Jesus, God in the flesh, unrolled the scroll and declared that Old Testament promises were fulfilled in their very presence (Luke 4:16–21). A scribe heard the true law-giver praise his grasp of the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28–34). Pilate listened as the forever King explained that He came to bear witness to the truth (John 18:36–37).
The moment all creation was pining for since the fall of man had finally arrived. The prophesied Son was here, freeing captives, healing the brokenhearted, and shedding light on those trapped in darkness. And He extends an open invitation to His kingdom, saying, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17).
Entry into this kingdom isn’t earned. It comes by God’s grace, through the gifts of repentance and faith. Repentance is turning from the kingdom of darkness we’ve been born into; faith is trusting that Jesus has done everything necessary to make us citizens of His kingdom.
In God’s kindness, we who were far off were brought near into His glorious kingdom. Though we haven’t seen Him with physical eyes, we love Him, believe in Him, and rejoice with inexpressible joy (1Peter 1:8).
As those who have seen and tasted the goodness of this King, it’s our privilege to invite others into the fellowship we’ve enjoyed with the Father and the Son (1John 1:3). For our God is patient, not wanting people to perish but to come to repentance (2Peter 3:9).
Take time today to reflect on how God has kept His promises of old and how His faithfulness extends to you today. Rejoice—our King has come, He will come again, and His kingdom will never end.
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87 thoughts on "Jesus Reveals His Kingdom"
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Amen!
It is wonderous to me how many times throughout the old testament, Jesus declares who He is and what his purpose is on earth.
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The Shema as Jesus spoke in Mark 12 is one of my favorite passages….”Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is,Love your neighbor as yourself.There is no other command greater than these.” These are words to pattern our lives after and strive to be faithful in living this out. Its so others can see the example of Christ’s love in our lives and as we read in the devotional, “it’s our privilege to invite others into the fellowship we’ve enjoyed with the Father and the Son”. I am reminded today of the both the privilege and responsibility to have a kingdom focus. Quite the challenge as i fall short on this many times but intentionally seeing to live this out if my hearts desire. Lord, show every part of my heart, soul and mind your ways❤️
Amen
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Amen ❤️
I feel so hopeful and renewed. Through His grace I am enough and I am perfect with purpose. Today’s message lit the lantern inside me. Thank you. This is a new day. Shortly a new year. Glorious God. Rejoice.
Today reminded me that Jesus’ kingdom isn’t loud or forceful, but near, healing, and rooted in love and truth. It makes me reflect on how I’m living under His reign now, not just waiting for His return.
Amen! We await a never ending Kingdom, we await seeing our Savior face to face and as we wait we have the joy of declaring to others “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” what a priviledge to share the gospel and bring the love and light of our Savior to others!
Amen! His kingdom will never end! ❤️
We rejoice! Our King already came & is coming again! Hallelujah!!!
Really appreciate all of the prayers. Yesterday the doctor decided to bring Andrew out of the coma and not wait until he’s home from FL, and back in L.A.
This morning’s update:
“It was a rough night and it’s been a rough morning so far, too. Coming off the drugs and the ventilator were difficult for Andrew and difficult to watch. He is very agitated by all the cords and not being able to get up out of bed.
It’s hard to watch him be so uncomfortable.
He’s exhausted but able to respond to us verbally or with a thumbs up. He now has some different drugs to help him get over all the sedation drug withdrawal. He’s still on sodium and steroid for the swelling.
No word on insurance stuff. I recently asked them to check the status.”
I have been behind on the readings and just seeing the comments about Andrew. Praying!!
Thank you! ❤️
Continuing to pray for precious Andrew…
Continued prayers for Andrew and family. ❤
Tuesday evening update:
“Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers and moving mountains. We just heard they are approving his transport at no cost. Unfortunately not tomorrow; but probably flying on the 1st. Please pray for sweet Andrew especially. It was a really hard day for him. There were tears and anger and frustration and tiredness.
It’s the worst seeing your child hurting and not being able to fix it . :(“
Andrew is God’s child and God sees,hears and knows. Thank you God for having the answers and caring for this family. Bring peace and comfort Andrew.
Amen! Praying with everyone
Thank you! Agree!
Praying❤️
It kind of lands differently with me today, the part where Jesus is talking with Pilate and stating his purpose for existing on the earth those 33 years–to testify to the truth. And that is our purpose, MY purpose, as well, though I think I muddy it up a lot. But it goes along the lines of the Shema that Jesus quotes. Everything I think, speak, act, etc should testify to the truth of God’s Kingdom. It is the greatest thing I can do, the greatest path I can follow and leads to the greatest witness I can ever have. What is true and right and good? How often am I representing the fullness of the goodness and kindness and mercy of God in my words and overall countenance? I’ve failed on that front already 4x today and it’s barely even 11:am!! I’m praying his truth to testify in my heart, filter into my mind and motivate my full existence to reflect and glorify his truth. To actually be a living example of the GOOD news. If what I’m living isn’t life-giving and good to those around me, then it’s not the truth God sent into my heart…
Amen–Good Word! This is what I want to stress in my life and the groups I teach, and the people I interact with!! It’s not about perfection and striving to DO for God—But to be so grateful for what he has done for us and given us that leads us to want to GLORIFY Him!
Thank you for sharing. The Shema stood out to me as well
Amen
My kingdom is not of this world stood C out to me today! We are in this world but not of this world because of our relationship with Jesus! We have hope in eternity, but we have hope here and now! Jesus’ kingdom is truly upside down from our world. We love Him with all our heart and soul and mind and strength! We love others even those who mistreat us, we are generous because God blesses us to bless others! We are servants even in positions of leadership because He set the example.
Do I do this all the time? No, but as I study His word, pray, go to church, serve at church and have community with other believers, He is transforming me!
Help me Jesus to walk closer to you this new year, love others well, share my faith, pray more, show more gratitude, and follow your example of denying my self and taking up my cross daily and follow you!
Praying for all!
Yes! “TRANSFORMATION” was my “word” last year! All Christ-followers should be transforming. To be holy as he is holy…learning and growing through the things you listed! It astounds me how much I have grown since I started reading/studying/meditating on the word a decade ago! My growth was happening before then of course, but when the word is on your heart and mind, it leads to such wisdom! We know God and Jesus and Holy Spirit intimately as we seek Him! I can’t help but to sing of his love, mercy, and grace!
He WILL come again! Happy Tuesday sweet She’s. Heading out here shortly to meet my friend Gretchen for coffee. She’s the one that introduced me to SRT! Because of today’s technology, we’ve been able to share (pics) of what we are writing on our devo books. TODAY is my son’s last day at the coffee shop. It’s going to be a very sad (it’s been) for our community. Please pray for all baristas losing their job today. I mentioned this more detailed yesterday.
Hpy Tues Friend!
I am certain God has something good for your son! Maybe he wouldn’t have stepped forward? Tell Gretchen she did a such a service by bringing you here..and thus becoming one of my friends!! (Gretchen needs to comment ;))
After reading the comments and seeing prompts to read HRT, I hopped over. This stood out to me.
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His first coming unveiled the character and quality of that kingdom. For those who obey His gospel to repent, His second coming will be the day He unveils the experience of that kingdom.
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Those who obey to repent.
Yes! I think we are soft on repentance and unforgiveness. And obedience for that matter.
” He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea…”
Matthew 4:13
I don’t know I thought this but I wondered if Jesus ever just went swimming in the sea after a hard day of building things.He was a carpenter and He worked.
I saw an episode of the Chosen where He and the disciples were splashing in the water.
This is not a deep theological thought.
Katy Nichole O What a King lyrics
Lyrics
Who am I that you would choose me?
Just a lowly girl from a simple family
Who am I that angels speak my name?
Called to be the mother of the one who comes to save
O what a king
Emmanuel, God with us
The world will call you Jesus
I will call you son
O what a king
Heaven bows before you
Your mother, she adores you
Long awaited one
O what a king
Born into a world of suffering
They don’t know the gift I know you’re gonna be
I wish I could protect you from the pain
But something’s telling me that’s the reason why you came
O what a king
Emmanuel, God with us
The world will call you Jesus
I will call you son
O what a king
Heaven bows before you
Your mother, she adores you
Long awaited one
O what a king
Holy, holy, lying in the manger
Holy, holy is the son of God
Hallelujah, hear the angels singing
Hallelujah, heaven’s light has come
O what a king
Emmanuel, God with us
The world will call you Jesus
I will call you son
O what a king
Heaven bows before you
Your mother, she adores you
Long awaited one
O what a king
O what a king
Just listened! Great song; thank you! ❤
So thankful that God’s faithfulness to His promises extended to me. That He drew me to Himself when I was in a state of rebellion and sin. O for His long arms of grace and mercy that reached out from Eternity!
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Praying our loved ones would turn and fll into those same outstretched arms!
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Traveling back home after being my mom for a few days. She is wading through her grief and paperwork.
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Praying for your requets
Praying for your mom, May God comfort her in her loss and give her wisdom with all the paper work.
Yes, praying for your mom. I remember after my mom died, my dad was so numb, but everything needed tending too. I would go once a month to pay the bills, and my brother got all the stuff for the funeral in order. It is sad how you have to pay for all that right away when the one left is still in shock and grief.
thankful you were able to spend time with your mom. Praying as she works through paperwork while grieving.
Thankful for your safe travels and that your were there for your mom. Continued prayers for both of you as you manage the aftermath. Joining you in the prayer for loved ones. ❤
We are blessed to have the written Word.
Hi friends.
It’s been a long time!
I am struggling today. I caught a bug on the way to visiting family for Christmas and it has taken a lot out of me, really hard to see any good right now throught this grumpy lense of being sick. I have to work so really need prayers just to get me through the next two days so I can rest more on Thursday. Thank you so much for reading! Love you ladies!
Lexi I am so sorry to hear you are not feeling well, and yet still have to go to work. Praying God gives you the strength to get through there’s next few days and for a quick recovery.
Hello Lexi B, you HAVE been missed! Sorry you are sick, and the worst when you still have to work, or a mom and still have to tend to the house and kids. Prayers you can do it!
so good to see you, Lexi! Praying for the energy and endurance needed, and for a quick recovery!
I love this. At my job we are meeting 1 hour before we see clients for worship and prayer. May we all shine with the light of our Savior ❤️
That is amazing! My husband has been wanting to start prayer at work for his team, but gets intimidated by the ones that would find it strange!
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I love that so many are praying at work! Praying the prayer circles will grow!
Jesus, light of the world, shines truth in the darkness and sets the captives free. Jesus came to save. He is truth. He is love and he commands us to love the Lord our God with all our hearts and love others as ourselves. He has given us the example to follow. May we proclaim the gospel by speaking truth and loving others!
One significant historical moment comes to mind: The images of the first man to walk on the moon. How many families sat around their black and white tv and watched in either awe or disbelief?! There is still debate about it being real or fake.
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People questioned the validity of Christ’s ministry/claims of messiahship. Unlike the moonwalk, however, Christ had OT prophecies to substantiate and validate His words!
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This verse wasn’t part of our reading, but it is one of my absolute favorites!
Hebrews 1:3-
The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
From John MacArthur:
The term is used only here in the NT. It expresses the concept of sending forth light or shining (cf. John 8:12; 2 Cor. 4:4, 6). The meaning of “reflection” is not appropriate here. The Son is not just reflecting God’s glory; He is God and radiates His own essential glory. express image of His person. The term translated “express image” is used only here in the NT. In extrabiblical literature, it was employed for an engraving on wood, an etching in metal, a brand on animal hide, an impression in clay, and a stamped image on coins. “Person” is a word expressing nature, being, or essence. The Son is the perfect imprint, the exact representation of the nature and essence of God in time and space (cf. John 14:9; Col. 1:15; 2:9)
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Hebrews 1:2 also-
And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.
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The song running through my head this morning (as so often lately) is:
Holy Forever by Chris Tomlin
A thousand generations falling down in worship
To sing the song of ages to the Lamb
And all who’ve gone before us and all who will believe
Will sing the song of ages to the Lamb
Your name is the highest
Your name is the greatest
Your name stands above them all
All thrones and dominions
All powers and positions
Your name stands above them all
And the angels cry, Holy
All creation cries, Holy
You are lifted high, Holy
Holy forever
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Always a good song, I loved that there is now a Christmas version! I am playing that tomorrow!
Love the notes!
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Chris Tomlin – Holy Forever (Christmas ) (Lyric Video)
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Thanks, Rhonda for mentioning! I somehow missed seeing/hearing this Christmas version! Just beautiful!!! ❤
Thank you for the insights! Love this song!
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The Hebrews 1:3 reference reminded me of a praise hymn I’m memorizing. I like the upbeat ones!
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“Rejoice the Lord is King” vs 2
Jesus, the Savior, reigns,
The God of truth and love;
When He has purged our stains,
He took his seat above;
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
I guess it’s more of a “rejoicing” hymn. :)
Thanks, B! I will try to find that and listen! A quick search shows that it’s a Charles Wesley hymn and hopefully in my Baptist Hymnal! ❤
I really really love this song.✨✨✨
For those interested— the He Reads Truth devotional today is SO GOOD! I was going to share my favorite parts, but honestly, the entire devotion was really good and insightful.
His kingdom will never end ❤️
I am so glad today focuses on the witnesses in Jesus’ life. Whenever I read Scripture about those key moments in Jesus’ life, I wonder if the people who witnessed them—Pilate, his wife, the scribe, Nicodemus, and so many others—especially those who condemned Him or stood by as He was killed on the Cross, later looked back and realized they had been in the presence of the Son of God. I don’t know the physics of what happens to the soul on its way to meet our Maker, but I especially wonder if there is a spark of realization as they are dying, or after they die, when God shows them that they were in the presence of His Son. And then I also wonder if there is a sense of heartbreak for them. Even though those events had to happen for prophecy to be fulfilled, it would still be devastating to realize that I had stood in the presence of Jesus and was responsible for, or an accomplice in, His death.
Yes, the Roman soldier at the cross always grabs my heart when he realized the truth.
Matthew 27:54-
The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”
I’m not sure what happens once we get there but I have a friend who’s husband passed away and she said right before he did, his expression was one of pure joy!
Thank you She’s for your prayers. I’m breathing better and coughing less so I can rest more praise Jesus!
Continuing prayers
Bearing witness is something that has been on my heart lately. I pray that His light would shine through each of us! I can’t outwardly express my faith at work, so I’ve taken to praying over our office and patients a couple days a week before I open up the doors. I think it’s a blessing to be able to pray for others even when they don’t know it!
That’s a great thing! ❤
Yes, and it makes a difference!
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“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5 ESV
Have you ever been introduced to someone or been around someone you didn’t know, yet you knew immediately they were a person of authority? That’s what comes to mind when I read Jesus’ actions before and after His reading from Isaiah – seemingly no fanfare, no attitude of just wait til you hear this, just reading God’s word and stating the fact of prophetic fulfillment. Verse 22 follows “So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. ”
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After they marveled, they soon became angry and rebellious against Jesus and His teaching, and I think Jeremy Writebol (HRT) sums it up for all of us: “He (Jesus) called for the one thing that is the most difficult for us. He called for repentance. To prepare for the kingdom, we have to repent of living for the glory of other kingdoms. We have to live renouncing and forsaking all others while anticipating and holding on to Jesus’s kingdom. Repentance is the call over everything in our lives here and now.”
And he asks, “Will you be ready?” for the second coming of Jesus?
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Praying for the lost, for one family in particular where things are falling apart all around them – praying each member will seek God – really, truly, sincerely seek Him – in the midst of the ongoing crises.
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MIA FAITH ❤️
MERCY ❤️ praying as the visit winds down, that all will be at peace and feel appreciative of your amazing hospitality. Praying as you take a deep breath and begin to reset your home life to normal after their departure. We do love our routines! And yes, we watched The First Christmas also – showing more reality than the picture perfect nativity scenes we all have. Thank you, sister, for sharing your heart and insights with us.
LISA H continuing to pray for Andrew’s healing, praying for insurance approval to get him home.
KIMBERLY Z ❤️
MARI V – praying as you continue to go through the process needed for the May 1 court date, and praying for Caleb as he seeks his next step. Little stores and shops are closing down all around us as well. :/
CEE GEE ❤️I’ll check out that song!
MARIA J ❤️ thank you for highlighting the challenge of leaving Bethlehem!
ADRIENNE ❤️ praying for you, and for your husband’s ongoing eye treatment
TANYA ❤️ thank you “Sometimes we have to go a different direction or take a different route.”
TAMI ❤️ “falling down in worship”
B ❤️ amen and amen. “That 2026 would be the year of their salvation.”
Yes, Jeremy’s focus on repentance was so good!
Wondering about the teens on your prayer list. Update or continuation of prayers?
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no updates, just continuing, ongoing requests for wisdom, guidance, salvation.
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Praying over all the requests!
Thank you sister ❤️. What kind heart. Love you so much.
Amen ❤️
A brief list of the attributes of the Kingdom: light, good news, healing – physical & spiritual, freedom, the Lord’s favor, loving God & neighbor, truth, justice, righteousness and joy!!
It’s our privilege to invite other in and share the good news!!
Amen ❤️
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Amen