In Matthew 4:17 we find these words: “after the temptation in the wilderness…Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” scholars around the world, Protestant, Roman Catholic, or non-Christian what the central message of Jesus of Nazareth was and they would agree that his message centered on the “kingdom of God.” But after the resurrection they had a fuller understanding. (read Luke 24:13,17,27) Now, they already knew these O.T. This is the experience of the Emmaus road disciples. Jesus also told the disciples that God would send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the third person of the God head, to “be with you forever…” “the Spirit of Truth….whom the Father will send in my name ….will teach you all things… and remind you of everything I have said to you.” ( John 14:17,26) Prior to his death and resurrection Jesus told his disciples that He would be handed over, crucified and on the third he would rise again. We must remember the powerful force of the Holy Spirit which was at work to preserve what Jesus taught. If Matthew expands and clarifies the historical words of Jesus it is done under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The question… Well, which one did Jesus really teach? This does not mean there is an error nor that Jesus taught two different prayers. Matthew clarifies and adds: “but deliver us from the evil one”. Luke writes: “And lead us not into temptation”. You will also see this clarification in the 6th petition of the Lord’s Prayer.

Matthew clarifies something that is in briefer form in Luke. The kingdom of God comes as the will of God is done. John Reumann in his book: “Jesus in the Church’s Gospels” writes: “these additional words of Matthew, “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” are meant to clarify the words: “thy kingdom come”. Matthew reads: “Your kingdom come…and then adds: “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” One of the first things we should notice is the difference between Luke and Matthew. Where ever God’s word and His Holy Spirit control the thinking and actions of a person, there is God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom is not limited to earthly boundaries or borders. When you and I pray: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” the word kingdom immediately brings to mind a geographical area where kings or nations rule. 3rd in the Series: “Prayer: Connecting to Our Father”

Hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come