The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news! – Mark 1:15

The Jews didn’t recognize the Messiah had come. They were still waiting for their Savior.

“you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you” – Luke 19:44

We’re often the in the same situation today, still waiting for Jesus to come and save us. We long for his return, but sometimes it seems that’s because we think nothing really changed last time he came. Of course he promised us some wonderful things, but we’re here just waiting for him to come back and fulfill them.

Are we the same as the Jews?

1. Sovereignty

The Jews believed in God’s sovereignty but saw it as a distant reality, waiting for Him to act through the Messiah. Similarly, we often say, “God is in control,” as an excuse for inaction. But Jesus reigns now, and His followers are given authority to act in His name.

2. Nationalism

The Jews placed hope in national restoration, expecting the Messiah to overthrow Roman rule and re-establish Israel’s sovereignty. Many Christians still prioritize national or political systems. But now Jesus’ kingdom transcends all earthly powers. Our allegiance is not to a nation or system but to the King of kings, whose reign includes all people and nations.

3. Success

Jewish leaders like the Herodians sought influence and power by aligning with Rome, prioritizing success and position over faithfulness to God. We too often measure authority by worldly success, respecting celebrity pastors or churches with large platforms. Jesus overturned the worldly model of power, establishing a kingdom where greatness is measured by humility and faithfulness.

4. Bible

The Jews revered the Torah but often treated it as an end in itself. The Pharisees’ strict adherence to the law blinded them to the Messiah it pointed to. Many Christians treat the Bible as the ultimate authority, replacing a living relationship with Jesus with Bible study. But Jesus fulfilled the law and the prophets and He’s here right now.

5. Traditions

The Pharisees clung to traditions and oral laws, often elevating them above God’s commands. This rigidity blinded them to Jesus’ kingdom. Similarly, many churches cling to the past, resisting the Spirit’s fresh movements and Jesus’ living leadership. But Jesus reigns now and leads His people dynamically through the Spirit. His kingdom is alive and active today.

6. Leaders

The Sanhedrin controlled access to God’s worship and law, often prioritizing institutional control over God’s will. Today, church boards or elders sometimes prioritize organizational stability over Spirit-led mission. But Jesus is now the head of the church, and His authority flows freely through His Spirit-filled body.

7. Prophecies

The Jews revered the prophets but failed to recognize their fulfillment in Jesus. They lived in the past rather than responding to God’s present work. We too tend to cling to old revelations or prophetic words without remaining open to Jesus’ ongoing leadership. But Jesus now reigns as the living King, continually guiding His people. His kingdom is not static but active and present.

8. Religions

The Jews recognized other nations’ gods but viewed them as inferior to Yahweh. Many feared or appeased these powers, rather than proclaiming God’s supremacy. In a pluralistic society, Christians often over-respect other religious systems, avoiding bold proclamations of Jesus’ authority. But Jesus disarmed spiritual powers and established His kingdom as the only legitimate rule. His authority is exclusive and universal.

9. Clergy

The temple system concentrated authority in priests, creating a hierarchy where only a select few mediated between God and His people. Many churches perpetuate a clergy-laity divide, with pastors seen as the primary spiritual leaders while ordinary believers remain passive. But Jesus abolished the old priesthood and made every believer a co-laborer in His kingdom, empowered by the Spirit.

10. Satan

The Jews lived with the oppression of Satan and evil spirits. They missed that Jesus dethroned the devil and is above every power. We tend to live as if Satan’s authority is still intact and we’re still under siege, rather than standing in the authority Jesus has now given us.

11. Belonging

The Jews relied on ethnicity, the law, and the covenant to define themselves as God’s people. We tend to create us-them scenarios over denominations, doctrines or worship styles. But Jesus destroyed all the barriers and is now the one King of us all.

12. Authority

The Jews expected the Messiah’s authority to be fully realized in the future, through political liberation and the restoration of Israel. Many Christians still view Jesus’ authority as something that will manifest fully only at His second coming, neglecting His present reign. But God’s kingdom is fully here now, even as rival kingdoms temporarily resist the good news.