A Unifying Thread

“The Kingdom of God is the central theme of Jesus’s preaching, and,

by implication, of the preaching and teaching of the apostles.”^[1]

In the narthex of The Church, there are some beautiful works of art. I particularly love the large tapestry of Saint Martin. If you haven’t seen it, it depicts him cutting his cloak with a sword to give it to a poor beggar. It’s a beautiful and touching image. Equally impressive, though, is the skill, artistry and craftsmanship required to create such an ornate tapestry. Designed by Jacques Lany, the tapestry was created in the Aubusson region of France by the centuries-old company, R. Pinton. I find it interesting that tapestries like this often have a unique thread that runs throughout the work, tying various parts together. This unifying thread binds the cloth both structurally and thematically.

The Bible also has a unifying thread that connects the various parts together. Most scholars will tell you that the unifying thread is the “Kingdom of God.” We get a glimpse of this from the very outset of Jesus’ ministry. Mark tells us that the Kingdom of God was central to Jesus’ teaching: “Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mark 1:14-15)

This passage tells us that the content of Jesus’s preaching had to do with the Kingdom of God, and its arrival was good news (“the gospel”). So, what exactly is the Kingdom of God? Perhaps the simplest definition of the kingdom of God is God’s rule (or reign). We might think of it as God’s powerful, righteous and restorative rule. Not only is it central to Jesus’ teaching and ministry, but it’s also the unifying thread of the Biblical story. As the Dutch theologian Herman Ridderbos explains,

• “The kingdom of God, or the Kingdom of Heaven, is one of the most central concepts in the history of revelation…It constitutes the nucleus of Christ’s parables, indeed of His entire mission and message.”^[2]
• Understanding the central place of the Kingdom of God can aid in our understanding of the Bible. So, here’s a practical tip: The next time you read the Gospels (whether it’s Jesus’ teaching, a parable or a miracle), ask yourself: How does this manifest the Kingdom of God? How does it showcase God’s righteous and restorative rule?
• Reading the Gospels, indeed all of Scripture, through this interpretive lens, can, with the help of God, open new vistas of understanding and perhaps give us a fresh appreciation of God’s Word.

[1] Anthony Hoekema, The Bible and the Future, p.41.

[2] Herman Ridderbos, When the Time Had Fully Come, p.9.