Ed, you said, "The fact that Jesus spent His final 40 days on earth with His disciples focused on the kingdom should tell you just how significant this is." That is a very profound insight. Thanks so much for sharing.

As I see more and more how God's kingdom (or reign) is central to Jesus' teaching, it makes me think how much I should go back and reread the entire New Testament with this in mind. Or even better, the entire Bible. Usually I read Scripture with an eye toward salvation, knowing that salvation brings about God's purpose for His people. But I have never really given any thought about reading Scripture from the viewpoint of God's reign. Every comment here reinforces the need for me to build on top of what I already know about God's sovereign grace and to begin thinking about how God's reign comes to fruition. Thank you all!