How did Israel respond when the Kingdom came into its midst?
Israel as a nation for the most part rejected the Kingdom in its midst; though a little flock accepted it, the majority rejected the King and said, “Away with him, crucify him.” This rejection led to the crucifixion of the King, and after His resurrection He went to Heaven.
Les explains that the Kingdom was in the midst of Israel, and for the most part they rejected it. A little flock accepted it, but the nation as a whole rejected the King and demanded His crucifixion, saying, “Away with him, crucify him.” After the crucified King’s burial and resurrection, He went to Heaven, so the Kingdom is now in Heaven. Les stresses that the Kingdom is where the King is, and the King is in Heaven. He also notes that Paul never alludes to Christ as the King of the Church; members of the Body are joint heirs with Him, part of Him, with Him as Head and the Body, a far different relationship than subjects under a King.