Read Luke 9:1-11
When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.
Luke 9:10-11
Bethsaida was a fishing village at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee and it was also the town of origin of Peter, Andrew and Philip (John 1:44). What was intended as retreat in private soon became known, and the crowds followed Jesus and his apostles. Jesus welcomes them and proceeds to minister to them. With Jesus we don’t need to have an appointment. He is always on call, never distracted and always there to meet with us.
The announcement of God’s Kingdom is the actual core of Jesus’ words and works. The Greek word for kingdom “Basileia” means “the active lordship of the king”. Indeed, throughout His ministry it will become evident that the “foreign occupation of sin”, Satan, disease, and death is being overthrown, showing that the kingdom is already present.
The prayer Jesus taught his disciples provides the most concise interpretation of the meaning of the kingdom of God. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is heaven” (Matt 6:10). The kingdom of God is wherever God’s will is done, which already takes place fully in heaven but begins on earth in every heart that surrenders to him.
Lord, I ask you for the strength and grace to first and foremost always seek your kingdom in every aspect of my life.