The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 6: Your Kingdom Come

The Lord’s Prayer

Lesson 6: Your Kingdom Come

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be your name;

Your kingdom come;

Your will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors;

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil.

For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen.

Matthew 6:10a Let your Kingdom come.

Matthew 6:10a [ASV] Thy kingdom come.

KINGDOM

KING'DOM, n. [king and dom, jurisdiction.]

1. The territory or country subject to a king; an undivided territory under the dominion of a king or monarch.

2. The inhabitants or population subject to a king. The whole kingdom was alarmed.

"kingdom." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2014. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/kingdom (13 August 2014).

The Main Points for This Lesson:

A kingdom is a country and a people subject to (that obey) a king. God's kingdom is a heavenly kingdom. Jesus is the king of this kingdom. He rules over all those who love and obey him. The laws of his kingdom are good and true. They teach us to love the king and the citizens of the kingdom, by doing what is good and right in the sight of God.

Today, God's kingdom is within the hearts of his people. It does not have earthly boundaries, but exists wherever men love and obey the king and his laws. This kingdom today is in the midst of the kingdom of this world, where Satan has dominion, and the subjects of that (the world’s) kingdom are all those who do not obey God. God's kingdom today exists in meekness and humility.

One day, Jesus Christ, the king, will come again with the kingdom in power and great glory. In that day, the king will separate the bad from the good, the disobedient from the obedient. Those who would not be part of his kingdom on earth will be cast out at the judgment day. Those who turned from sin to serve and obey the living God, will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. We must watch and pray today, we must walk as good citizens of God’s kingdom today, if we desire to enter the kingdom in that day.

The Lord's Prayer teaches us both how to pray and how to live.

When we pray, “Your kingdom come,” we are asking for two things.

We are asking that God's kingdom would come into this dark and sinful world today through the changed hearts and lives of men. This includes praying that the ungodly would repent of their sin and turn to serve and obey Jesus Christ. It also includes praying that the children of God (the citizens of God’s kingdom today) would grow unto salvation, that our (my and their) love for and obedience to the great king would increase and abound more and more.

We are also asking that the kingdom of our Father in heaven would come soon in power and great glory. We are asking that Jesus would return so that we can live with him in his kingdom; that what we now see dimly, or in a riddle, we would soon see face to face.

How does “Your kingdom come” teach us to live? It teaches us that we should obey, and desire to obey the king and his laws. Would it not be absurd to pray for God's kingdom to come while we, through our disobedience to him and his laws, served and strengthened the kingdom of his enemy? It teaches us to store up our treasure in God's heavenly kingdom, and not to store up treasure on earth. It teaches us to watch and pray, that we may be ready for the return of the king, that he may find us obedient and faithful to him when he comes.

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Begin by reminding the children that we are learning about the Lord's Prayer, and that this lesson is about the second petition (or request) in the Lord's Prayer - “Your kingdom come.”

Give a simple explanation of what a kingdom is. It is the country and people over which a king rules.

Talk about God's kingdom. You can ask the children who is the king of God's kingdom (Jesus). You can ask who are the people in God's kingdom (ie. Christians, those who love and obey the king and his laws). If you have a map or globe available, ask the children to show you where is the land or country where Jesus rules over his kingdom. You can explain that Jesus' kingdom is different from earthly kingdoms. Now at this time, God’s kingdom is in the hearts and lives of those who love and obey him in any country or land. One day, Jesus will come again and rule over all.

You can use the three stories below (John 18:33-37; Matthew 13:24-30,36-43; Matthew 25:1-13) to teach the children about God's kingdom. They can help to teach what it means to pray for God's kingdom to come, and also how we should live as those who desire God's kingdom to come.

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

John 18:33-37 [33] Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” [34] Jesus answered him, “Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?” [35] Pilate answered, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?” [36] Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here.” [37] Pilate therefore said to him, “Are you a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

This story shows that Jesus is a king. He is the king of a different sort of kingdom. If he was king of an earthly kingdom, he and his subjects would have fought with earthly weapons. However, his kingdom is not of this world. His kingdom is the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven. At this time, his kingdom conquers with love, humility and meekness. This king and his kingdom conquers others not by killing others, but by dying on behalf of others, by blessing those who curse you, and by praying for those who persecute you. Those who repent of their sin, and obey the king, they will be received by the king into his kingdom when it comes in power and great glory.

Matthew 13:24-30 [24] He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field, [25] but while people slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel weeds also among the wheat, and went away. [26] But when the blade sprang up and produced fruit, then the darnel weeds appeared also. [27] The servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did this darnel come from?’ [28] “He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them up?’ [29] “But he said, ‘No, lest perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them. [30] Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First, gather up the darnel weeds, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

Matthew 13:36-43 [36] Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the darnel weeds of the field.” [37] He answered them, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, [38] the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the children of the Kingdom; and the darnel weeds are the children of the evil one. [39] The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. [40] As therefore the darnel weeds are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of this age. [41] The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity, [42] and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth. [43] Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

The kingdom of God is both now and yet to come. Now, it is within the hearts of those who love and obey the king. Now, mixed in with the children of the kingdom are children of the evil one. One day, the king will come in power. Those who did not turn from their sin in this life, will be cast out then. Those who humbly obeyed the king now, will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father then.

Matthew 25:1-13 [1] “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, [4] but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [5] Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. [6] But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’ [7] Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. [8] The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ [9] But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ [10] While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. [11] Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ [12] But he answered, ‘Most certainly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ [13] Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

This story of the ten virgins again reminds us that the kingdom of God is both now and coming. We must watch and pray now if we desire to be received into his kingdom then.

More Stories and Examples:

Matthew 13:1-53 – All but the first parable in this chapter begin with (or include; v52) the phrase, “the kingdom of heaven is like.” Jesus explains the first parable by saying the seed is “the word of the kingdom.” All of these give some idea of what God's kingdom is like, and our relation to that kingdom.

3-9,18-23 – Parable of the sower/farmer

24-30,36-43 – Parable of the darnel weeds of the field

31-32 – The mustard seed

33 – Yeast/leaven

44 – The treasure in a field

45-46 – The pearl of great price

47-50 – The fishing dragnet

52 – The scribe who is a disciple of the kingdom of heaven

Matthew 22:1-14 [1] Jesus answered and spoke again in parables to them, saying, [2] “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son, [3] and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast, but they would not come. [4] Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast!”’ [5] But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise, [6] and the rest grabbed his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them. [7] When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. [8] “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren’t worthy. [9] Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the marriage feast.’ [10] Those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding was filled with guests. [11] But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who didn’t have on wedding clothing, [12] and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here not wearing wedding clothing?’ He was speechless. [13] Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and throw him into the outer darkness; there is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.’ [14] For many are called, but few chosen.”

Luke 9:51-56 [51] It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem, [52] and sent messengers before his face. They went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for him. [53] They didn’t receive him, because he was traveling with his face set towards Jerusalem. [54] When his disciples, James and John, saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky, and destroy them, just as Elijah did?” [55] But he turned and rebuked them, “You don’t know of what kind of spirit you are. [56] For the Son of Man didn’t come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” They went to another village.

Other Verses:

ENTERING THE KINGDOM

Mark 1:14-15 [14] Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God, [15] and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”

Colossians 1:12-13 [12] giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; [13] who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love;

Mathew 5:19-20 [19] Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. [20] For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 7:21-23 [21] Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ [23] Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’

Mark 8:38-9:1 [8:38] For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” [9:1] He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see the Kingdom of God come with power.”

In one sense, the kingdom of God is within us. It is here now. In another sense, the kingdom of God is yet to come, or yet to come in the fullness of power. This will happen with the return of Jesus Christ. If we are unwilling to die to self in this life, unwilling to deny ourselves, taking up our cross daily, then, at Christ's return in power, we will be cast out and find the second death a terrible end to a life of no self-denial.

SEEKING FIRST THE KINGDOM

Matthew 6:31-33 [31] “Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. [33] But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 [7] I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. [8] From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

Hebrews 13:12-14 [12] Therefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered outside of the gate. [13] Let us therefore go out to him outside of the camp, bearing his reproach. [14] For we don’t have here an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come.

ABOUT THE KINGDOM

Matthew 18:1-4 [1] In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” [2] Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in their midst, [3] and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. [4] Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Luke 17:20-21 [20] Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The Kingdom of God doesn’t come with observation; [21] neither will they say, ‘Look, here!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.”

Romans 14:17 for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

COMPARE GOD'S KINGDOM WITH SERVING OTHER KINGS AND THEIR KINGDOMS

Deuteronomy 28:45-48 [45] All these curses will come on you, and will pursue you, and overtake you, until you are destroyed; because you didn’t listen to Yahweh your God’s voice, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded you. [46] They will be for a sign and for a wonder to you and to your seed forever. [47] Because you didn’t serve Yahweh your God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of all things; [48] therefore you will serve your enemies whom Yahweh sends against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in lack of all things. He will put an iron yoke on your neck, until he has destroyed you.

We can choose to serve God in his kingdom with all the blessings of his kingdom. Or we can serve the enemies of the Lord without the blessings of God, and find instead hunger, thirst, nakedness, and lack of all things.

Isaiah 8:5-7 [5] Yahweh spoke to me yet again, saying, [6] “Because this people have refused the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son; [7] now therefore, behold, the Lord brings upon them the mighty flood waters of the River: the king of Assyria and all his glory. It will come up over all its channels, and go over all its banks.

Here is an example of God's people rejecting God's kingdom and it wonderful goodness. Instead, they chose to serve God's enemies. In the end they found not freedom, but slavery and death at the hands of the merciless enemies of God.