We only understand Jesus' earthly ministry
when we realize that He was speaking to His
own, as the King, against an uncontrolled
kingdom.

These people were quilty of treason. They had
gone the way of the world, rather than following
their great King.

So Jesus came to make the last public offer of
the Kingdom to the people of Israel. "The king-
dom of heaven is at hand" is the often repeated
expression in the Gospel of Matthew.