When Jesus was born, and then again when He began His ministry (at about age 30), many recognized Him as the Messiah and that He would soon bring in His kingdom; for they had been waiting for Him and were anticipating His coming—as was predicted by the prophets.

John the Baptist and Christ himself preached that the kingdom was “at hand”—meaning that it was to be expected immediately. The twelve disciples, being commissioned and sent out by Jesus, also preached that the kingdom of God was “at hand.”  They believed that the kingdom, which was offered by Jesus, was the same kingdom that was anticipated by the prophets—which we know as the millennial kingdom.  Moreover, Jesus’ many works and miracles were their evidence that He was beginning to bring in the long awaited kingdom of God.  In fact, as Jesus did His works He Himself was constantly pointing back to…