Jesus came to announce the kingdom of God. It’s how he starts his ministry in Matthew and Mark, and he calls it his purpose early in Luke. He is inviting people into a completely different way of looking at reality.

Mark and Luke were writing for Gentiles, so they contrasted worldly kingdoms with the kingdom of God. Matthew was writing to Jews, who were used to thinking the kingdom of God was the kingdom of Israel, so Matthew calls it the kingdom of heaven.

We get used to the idea of heaven, but there might be only half a dozen verses referring to the hope of an afterlife in the Old Testament, and very scant allusions to heaven. When the ruler asked “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” we focus on the what must I do part. But maybe he was shocked at the concept that he could inherit eternal life. 

For the people of that time, almost everything was about life here on the planet. The chosen people of Israel inheriting their promised land, setting up a kingdom and worshipping at the temple. Long-term thinking was having your family going on for many generations, or never failing to have one of your descendants on the throne.

Jesus spoke about heaven. He might not have had to elaborate too much on his message. Heaven changes everything. Everything. Like, the response to the Roman occupation, and the reason to be righteous, even in secret. It changes how they view Gentiles, and religious leaders, and poor people. This is the mystery that was hidden for ages past. It’s not just about the here and now of earth.

God’s kingdom is eternal, so it is also present now wherever he rules and reigns. The charismatics have helped us experience his kingdom here and now. But the New Testament primarily talks about the coming fulfilment of the kingdom of heaven.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. – 2 Peter 3:9-13