that the kingdom has come and will continue to grow, the establishment of the kingdom in all its fullness and glory will take place in the future. For this reason, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10). Undoubtedly, all four Gospels encourage their readers to become members of this kingdom and submit to the authority of its King, Jesus Christ. Underlying the story of Jesus is a fundamental recognition that his coming provokes hostility from others, especially