Jesus was performing miracles, healing and setting people free, but some failed to recognise where that power came from, and that freedom was only available by the Spirit of God. Jesus’ triumph over darkness happens as we unlock the power of the Kingdom here on earth.

Jesus invites us to respond to the truth of the Kingdom, not what we want it to be. Are we listening, are we letting his word take root in our lives? Are we open to the challenge that comes when we live fully for the upside-down, unexpected Kingdom

Mustard Seed: In the Kingdom of God, even the small things you might offer and the seeds of prayer and good news that you plant can make a huge impact

The Kingdom is growing, it’s advancing and the world is standing forcefully against it. Jesus is telling us that this won’t be easy, there’s a battle ahead and not everyone will see and hear the good news and join in. But as Jesus says ‘wisdom is proved right by its deeds’ so we too, as we stick with it and join in the work of the Kingdom, will see the Kingdom come in power.

Jesus sends the disciples out, a bunch of ordinary people whom he has called, with huge power and authority that is gained from, and demonstrates, the Kingdom that is here. They are called to declare it and to show it, and we have that same power now.

When we have the keys to the Kingdom it produces good fruit in our lives. Being religious, just coming to church doesn’t mean anything until we unlock the goodness of God and see it flow in our lives.

If our ambition is for worldly things, then the concern and worry over those will consume our first thoughts and stop us from living in the fullness of what God has for us in the Kingdom. So Jesus calls people into seeking first the Kingdom, then getting to everything else afterwards! When we reorder our priorities we are given the key of freedom and provision!

Kingdom culture is one that is paradoxical in relation to the world’s power, so as we enter into the Kingdom, Matthew 5: 1-12 explores the ways we are to be as citizens and holders of the keys that wield great power.

Here we see the announcement, the heralding of something new that is to be unpacked over the coming chapters; namely the Kingdom. Here its key markers are a call for a decisive response in repentance, the call to follow Jesus, and the breakthrough of healing (wholeness/completion/salvation).

The journey ends in God’s dwelling among His people. When Solomon dedicates the temple, the cloud fills it; a picture of God’s permanent dwelling. Revelation shows the ultimate fulfilment: 'Now the dwelling of God is with men.' The goal of following the cloud is not endless movement but eternal communion.