The Kingdom of God was one of Yeshua’s central messages.

What Is the Kingdom of God?

“The Kingdom of God is within you.” These words from Yeshua (Luke 17:21) are both profound and puzzling. What exactly did he mean? Was he speaking of a physical kingdom, a spiritual realm, or something else entirely?

The Kingdom of God is one of the most frequently mentioned themes in the teachings of Yeshua. It is not just an abstract spiritual concept or a future hope. It’s at the very heart of his message. When Yeshua walked the earth, he wasn’t merely preparing people for heaven; he was announcing the arrival of a new way of living right here and now.

In the Hebrew mindset, a kingdom is not just a place. It’s the rule and reign of a king. So, the Kingdom of God means the active, dynamic reign of YHVH over His creation. Wherever God’s will is done, His kingdom is present. This includes hearts, homes, communities, and ultimately, the world.

Yeshua’s Parables About the Kingdom

Yeshua used parables in his teachings. Parables are simple stories with deep spiritual meaning. He used these parables to teach his listeners what the kingdom of God looks like. These parables were meant to reveal truth to those ready to hear. They concealed it from those who resisted (Matthew 13:10–17).

One of the most famous parables is the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30–32). Yeshua compares the Kingdom of God to a tiny seed that grows into the largest garden plant. This parable teaches that the kingdom may begin small. It might start as a whisper in a heart. Yet, it grows to impact entire families, communities, and generations.

In the Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44), Yeshua describes the Kingdom of God as immensely valuable. It is worth selling everything to obtain. Likewise, the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price shows that once someone truly grasps the value of the kingdom, they realize nothing else compares.

Yeshua also spoke of the kingdom of God as something that requires patience and discernment. The Parable of the Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13:24–30) reminds us that both good and evil will grow side by side until the final harvest. This challenges the belief that the kingdom will immediately bring visible perfection. It starts as a spiritual reality and unfolds over time.

All these parables point to one conclusion: the Kingdom of God is not just a far-off future event. It’s a present reality that grows in the lives of those who surrender to YHVH’s rule.

How to Seek First the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)

In His famous Sermon on the Mount, Yeshua offers clear instruction: “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

This verse isn’t just advice. It speaks to priority! Yeshua didn’t say to seek the kingdom second after we meet our needs. He didn’t say to seek it only on Shabbat or when life is calm. He said to seek it first, above every concern about food, clothing, status, or security.

So how do we seek the Kingdom of God first?

1. Pursue righteousness over recognition. The kingdom isn’t about external appearances but internal alignment with YHVH’s will.

2. Trust in provision. Yeshua taught that worry has no place when we trust in the King of the kingdom. YHVH knows what we need before we ask.

3. Live by the King’s values. Forgiveness, mercy, humility, peacemaking—these aren’t optional extras; they are the currency of the kingdom.

4. Let go of self-rule. Seeking the kingdom means surrendering control. We must let God’s will override our own.

When we seek the Kingdom of God with this kind of focus, we receive a promise. “All these things”—our daily needs—will be provided. It’s a divine reversal of how the world operates.

Practical Ways to Live the Kingdom Now

Many people think the Kingdom of God is only about the future, after Yeshua returns. But Yeshua taught that the kingdom is already among us. So how do we live it out today?

1. Practice Radical Generosity

Yeshua said, “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). The Kingdom of God flips the script on scarcity. When we offer our time, we show where our trust is placed. By giving money, we put our trust in the Provider. Offering compassion demonstrates reliance on God’s provision.

2. Be Peacemakers

In Matthew 5:9, Yeshua says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” In a world of division, anger, and fear, peacemakers reflect the values of the Kingdom of God. This includes resolving conflicts gently, listening deeply, and loving our enemies, including those who disrespect us and treat us poorly.

3. Honor Sabbath and Simplicity

The Sabbath isn’t just a day off. It’s a Kingdom act. It says, “I trust God to provide even when I rest.” Keeping Shabbat reminds us that we are not slaves to productivity. Simplicity in our schedules, homes, and habits allows us to focus on what truly matters.

4. Live with Kingdom Identity

When we understand that we are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, it changes how we show up in the world. We’re not here to blend in! We’re here to represent the King. That means integrity in our work, love in our relationships, and courage in our convictions.

5. Use Kingdom Language

What we say shapes what we see. Speaking the truth of the kingdom: words of life, hope, and faith helps us and others stay aligned with YHVH’s reality. Avoid gossip, cynicism, and fear. Speak blessings. Declare truth.

6. Disciple Others

The Kingdom of God multiplies through relationships. Yeshua didn’t build buildings. He built people. Living the kingdom means investing in others, encouraging growth, and teaching truth. This starts in our families and extends outward.

Is the Kingdom of God a Return to Eden?

There’s a growing perspective among believers that the Kingdom of God is not only about the future or the present. It’s also a restoration of what was lost in Eden. In Genesis, humanity walked with God in perfect harmony, free from shame, division, and death. That picture of divine connection, peace, and purpose offers a powerful clue to what Yeshua meant by “kingdom.”

Yeshua’s miracles of healing the sick, restoring sight, and calming storms weren’t just proofs of power. They were signs of Eden being restored. Each act reversed the curse. Every step he took brought heaven closer to earth. In that light, the Kingdom of God can be understood as a return to Edenic ideals. Ideals of wholeness, holiness, and harmony with our Creator and with each other—with all of YHVH’s creation.

This Edenic vision redefines our goal. We’re not simply trying to “go to heaven.” We’re participating in heaven’s return to earth. The final chapters of Revelation illustrate a new creation. This is not an escape from the world. But it shows a new creation where YHVH once again walks with His people.

So, when we live with compassion, choose righteousness, and care for YHVH’s creation, we echo Eden and proclaim the Kingdom of God on earth.

Living as Citizens of the Kingdom

The Kingdom of God is not a theory to be studied but a reality to be lived. It is present now, advancing through the lives of those who submit to YHVH’s rule and reflect His character. Yeshua didn’t just preach about the kingdom, he embodied it. Every healing, every meal shared, every word of forgiveness was a glimpse of what the world looks like when God reigns.

To follow Yeshua is to join that movement. It’s to declare with our lives, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

So, seek first the Kingdom of God. Let it shape your values, habits, relationships, and daily choices. Don’t wait for the clouds to part or a trumpet to sound. The kingdom is here. The question is: are we living it?

Reflect and Apply: Living the Kingdom of God Journal Worksheet

Ready to take what you’ve learned to heart? Download the Living the Kingdom of God: Reflection & Application Journal to go deeper. This printable worksheet will help you explore what the kingdom means in your life, identify areas for growth, and take practical steps to seek it first every day. It is located at the bottom of this article for your convenience.

Keep Exploring the Kingdom

The Moses Scroll by Ross K. Nichols is one invaluable resource. It helps me understand YHVH’s priorities. It guides me on how to live out His kingdom. This remarkable work sheds light on ancient Torah principles. It provides fresh insight into what it means to walk in covenant. It also reflects the values of the kingdom of God today.

Feel inspired to live more fully in alignment with Edenic ideals. These ideals include wholeness, simplicity, and sacred purpose. I invite you to explore my other articles and recipes. You’ll find tools through faith-based reflections. There are nourishing, whole food meals to help you embody the Kingdom of God in your daily life.

YHVH’s Ideal Diet: A Return to Edenic Foods(Opens in a new browser tab)

Are You Still Hungry and Thirsty?(Opens in a new browser tab)

Yeshua: Not Abolishing the Law but Magnifying It(Opens in a new browser tab)

Sabbath Loving Ants: A Kitchen Mystery Unfolds(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Meaning of YHVH and Its Divine Significance(Opens in a new browser tab)

Teshuva Repentance: Steps for True Transformation(Opens in a new browser tab)