The Kingdom of God and God's Call to Discipleship

Jesus announces that the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near, which is not solely about the afterlife but the renewal of creation. The Old Testament context, particularly in Daniel and the Psalms, informs the meaning of God becoming king. The purpose of Jesus' call to discipleship is to restore Israel and, through transformed human lives, renew the world. This call is inclusive, as seen when Jesus chose Matthew, a tax collector, but it is also demanding, requiring radical transformation and sacrificial service. Jesus' call to discipleship is an outward-moving, mission-oriented work that aims to bring about God's kingdom and transform lives.