I watched season five of The Chosen today. Though much is romanticized in adapting the biblical story of Jesus into a bingeable Amazon Prime series, one insightful truth is brought to light. Just as first-century Jews—and even the disciples—looked for a deliverer from Rome through political upheaval, today’s followers of Jesus can fall into the same deception.

We can be derailed with the hope of gaining the life we want through public persuasion, humiliation, military might, and the condemnation of those who oppose our rightfully held beliefs and traditions.

Though there is undoubtedly a place for enacting and upholding righteous laws and policies, the kingdom Jesus inaugurated 1,992 years ago cannot be cultivated by coercion or conquest. His kingdom advances only through transformation. His Heaven is brought to Earth by turning broken and wicked hearts into righteous and loving children of the Most High God. His kingdom is expanded by restoring what every soul has lost: connection with the one true God- Yahweh.

Jesus launched a kingdom that cannot be shaken, one aimed not merely at external enemies but at the root of evil itself—evil that has infected every soul, family, and nation. He, through His inaugurating death and resurrection, became sin for us so that we might take on a new and right nature with God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

This kingdom-to-come hope cannot emerge from an elected official, a grassroots social justice movement, or even influential spiritual leaders. The kingdom fulfillment comes only through the King who makes all things new—Jesus. His kingdom is not of this world. And yet, we are sent into the world to invite every nation, tribe, and tongue into the life and freedom found in the Messiah alone.