What does the term 'Kingdom of God' mean in Jesus' teaching?

• A. A future political empire.
• B. A ritual practice.
• C. The reign of God characterized by justice, love, and peace, already breaking into history but not yet fully realized.
• D. A private reward after death.

Answer: (C)

The term Kingdom of God in Jesus' teaching refers to God's reign or rule, not a place or political power. It is characterized by justice, love, and peace, and it is understood as already breaking into history through Jesus’ ministry and actions while still waiting for its full realization in the future. Jesus proclaims the Kingdom as good news and embodies it—through healing, release to the marginalized, inclusive fellowship, and calls to repentance and trust in God—showing how life looks when God’s rule governs the world. This isn’t about a future human empire or a private reward after death, but about a transformative reign that begins now and will be fully completed at the end of the age.