This Gospel Must Be Preached

Matthew 24:14 states, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” This verse, found in the Gospel of Matthew, prophecies that the message of the kingdom will be proclaimed globally before the final end comes. This “gospel of the kingdom” refers to the good news about Jesus Christ’s reign and the salvation He offers. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• The “gospel of the kingdom”: This refers to the message of salvation offered through Jesus Christ. It includes His reign and the blessings He brings. 
• Preached in the whole world: The gospel will be shared with people from all nations and cultures. 
• A testimony to all nations: The gospel will be a proclamation. It will serve as a witness to all people of the good news about Jesus. 
• Then the end will come: This signifies that the fulfillment of this prophecy will precede the end times, which could be the end of a specific era or the ultimate end of the world

This Gospel Must Be Preached 

Understanding the Prophecy of Matthew 24:14 

Matthew 24:14 declares a profound truth. It states, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations. Then the end will come.” This verse transcends its historical context. It resonates as a timeless directive for believers to carry the message of salvation to every corner of the globe. Let’s explore the meaning of this prophecy. We will unpack its profound significance for the mission of spreading the gospel. 

The Gospel of the Kingdom 

The “gospel of the kingdom” stands at the heart of Matthew 24:14. It is the good news of redemption and reconciliation offered through Jesus Christ. This message encompasses Christ’s reign as King. It also includes His sacrifice for humanity’s sins. Additionally, the blessings of grace, peace, and eternal life flow from His lordship. The kingdom of God is not merely a distant promise. It is a present reality for those who choose to live under Christ’s rule. They experience His life-changing power in their lives. 

At its core, this gospel is an invitation. It calls people to turn from sin. It encourages them to embrace the love of Christ and become part of God’s family. It offers hope to the hopeless, light to those in darkness, and redemption to the lost. 

Preached in the Whole World 

The scope of Matthew 24:14 is universal. The prophecy envisions the good news being shared with people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. The gospel transcends cultural, linguistic, and geographical barriers, calling for a global proclamation. This directive aligns with Christ’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. It instructs: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” 

This global mission reminds us of the inclusivity of the gospel. It is not reserved for a select few but is meant for everyone, regardless of race, status, or background. It challenges believers to step beyond their comfort zones. They should engage with diverse communities and cultures. The goal is to bring the message of salvation to all. 

A Testimony to All Nations 

The gospel serves as a testimony—a witness—to all nations. It proclaims the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done. As believers preach the gospel, they bear witness to the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. The message of the kingdom becomes a beacon of hope and a declaration of God’s love, justice, and mercy. 

This testimony is not merely about words; it is also about actions. The lives of believers should reflect the reality of the gospel. The church becomes a living testimony by demonstrating Christ’s love through acts of kindness, compassion, and justice. These actions draw others to the truth of the kingdom. 

Then the End Will Come 

The final phrase of Matthew 24:14 carries an eschatological significance: “and then the end will come.” This statement indicates that the global proclamation of the gospel is a prerequisite for the end times. The “end” refers to the conclusion of a particular era. It may also signify the fulfillment of God’s plan for history. Finally, it means the ultimate return of Christ. 

For believers, this prophecy serves as both a promise and a call to action. It reassures us that God’s purposes will be fulfilled and that His kingdom will ultimately prevail. At the same time, it challenges us to hasten the coming of the end. We do this by actively participating in the mission of spreading the gospel. 

The Call to Action 

Matthew 24:14 is not merely a prophecy to ponder but a mandate to embrace. It calls every believer to be part of the mission to share the gospel with the world. This task requires dedication, courage, and creativity. You can contribute to this global mission through personal evangelism. Supporting missionaries is another way to help. Furthermore, leveraging technology to reach remote areas provides many options.

The urgency of this call cannot be overstated. As the prophecy reminds us, the gospel must be preached to all nations before the end comes. This is a reminder that time is crucial. The eternal destinies of countless souls depend on the faithful proclamation of the gospel. 

Conclusion 

“This gospel must be preached.” These words encapsulate the essence of Matthew 24:14. As believers, we are entrusted with the greatest message ever told—the good news of the kingdom. It is a message of hope, love, and redemption meant for all people, everywhere. 

Let us rise to the challenge of this divine mandate. Let us be bold in our proclamation, unwavering in our testimony, and diligent in our efforts to reach the nations. As we fulfill this calling, we join in the unfolding of God’s eternal plan. We prepare the way for the glorious culmination of His kingdom. For the gospel of the kingdom must indeed be preached—until the whole world hears. 

May the love of God shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.

Minister A. Francine Green