What does Matthew 6:10 mean?

Matthew 6:10 is a part of the Lord's Prayer, which is one of the most well-known and recited prayers in Christianity. The verse reads: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10, ESV). This prayer, taught by Jesus to His disciples, encapsulates profound theological and practical implications for the believer's life. To fully understand the meaning of Matthew 6:10, it is essential to break down its components and consider the broader context in which it appears.

"Your Kingdom Come"

The phrase "Your kingdom come" is a petition for the establishment of God's reign and rule. In biblical theology, the kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus inaugurated the kingdom during His earthly ministry through His teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. However, the fullness of God's kingdom will be realized in the future when Christ returns to establish a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1-4).

When we pray "Your kingdom come," we are expressing a deep longing for God's sovereign rule to be fully manifested in our world. This includes a desire for justice, peace, and righteousness to prevail. According to theologian George Eldon Ladd, the kingdom of God is "the rule of God, the divine kingly authority" (Ladd, The Gospel of the Kingdom). This prayer is a call for God's authority to be recognized and obeyed universally.

Moreover, this petition has personal implications. It is not merely a request for external change but also an invitation for God to reign in our own hearts and lives. As believers, we are called to live as citizens of God's kingdom, reflecting His values and priorities in our daily actions and decisions.

"Your Will Be Done"

The second part of the verse, "your will be done," complements the first by emphasizing obedience to God's desires and commands. God's will represents His perfect and holy plan for humanity and the world. This phrase echoes Jesus' own submission to the Father's will, most poignantly demonstrated in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, "Not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39, ESV).

Praying for God's will to be done is an act of surrender and trust. It acknowledges that God's plans are superior to our own and that His wisdom surpasses our understanding. This petition challenges us to align our desires with God's purposes, seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives.

Furthermore, this prayer encourages us to actively participate in the fulfillment of God's will. As the apostle Paul writes, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2, ESV). By renewing our minds and seeking God's direction, we become instruments of His will in the world.

"On Earth as It Is in Heaven"

The final clause, "on earth as it is in heaven," provides a vision of the ultimate goal of this prayer. In heaven, God's will is perfectly accomplished, and His kingdom is fully realized. There is no sin, suffering, or rebellion against His authority. By praying for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, we are asking for a transformation of our world to reflect the divine order and harmony of heaven.

This petition is a call to action for believers. It reminds us that we are not passive observers but active participants in God's redemptive plan. Through our prayers, actions, and witness, we contribute to the advancement of God's kingdom on earth. As Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, we are to be "salt of the earth" and "light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14, ESV), influencing our surroundings for God's glory.

The Broader Context of the Lord's Prayer

To fully appreciate the significance of Matthew 6:10, it is essential to consider its placement within the Lord's Prayer and the broader context of Jesus' teaching. The Lord's Prayer is found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where Jesus provides a comprehensive guide to kingdom living. This prayer serves as a model for how believers should approach God and structure their petitions.

The Lord's Prayer begins with an address to "Our Father in heaven," establishing a relationship of intimacy and reverence. The subsequent petitions, including "Your kingdom come, your will be done," flow from this foundational relationship. The prayer moves from a focus on God's glory and purposes to personal needs and requests, such as daily provision, forgiveness, and protection from temptation.

By placing the petition for God's kingdom and will at the forefront, Jesus emphasizes the primacy of God's purposes over our own. This ordering reflects the proper posture of a disciple, prioritizing God's glory and mission above personal concerns.

Practical Implications for Believers

Understanding the meaning of Matthew 6:10 has significant practical implications for believers. It shapes our prayer life, guiding us to prioritize God's kingdom and will in our petitions. This verse also challenges us to examine our own lives and align our actions with God's purposes.

In our prayers, we should regularly seek God's guidance and express our desire for His kingdom to be advanced. This includes praying for the spread of the gospel, the growth of the church, and the transformation of society according to God's values. As we pray for God's will to be done, we should also be open to His leading and ready to obey His commands.

In our daily lives, we are called to live as ambassadors of God's kingdom. This involves demonstrating love, justice, and mercy in our interactions with others. It requires a commitment to ethical living and a willingness to stand against injustice and sin. By embodying the values of God's kingdom, we become a tangible expression of His will on earth.

Furthermore, this verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. In times of uncertainty and difficulty, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God's plans are perfect and that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). This trust enables us to surrender our own desires and embrace God's will, even when it is challenging or counterintuitive.

Conclusion

Matthew 6:10 is a profound and transformative verse that encapsulates the heart of the Lord's Prayer. It calls believers to seek the establishment of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of His will on earth. This petition challenges us to align our lives with God's purposes, to trust in His sovereignty, and to actively participate in His redemptive plan.

As we pray "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," we are expressing a deep longing for God's reign to be fully realized in our world. This prayer shapes our priorities, guiding us to seek God's glory and mission above all else. It also calls us to live as faithful disciples, embodying the values of God's kingdom and trusting in His perfect will.

In a world marked by brokenness and sin, this prayer offers hope and direction. It reminds us that God's kingdom is advancing and that His will is being accomplished. As we join in this prayer, we become instruments of God's transforming power, contributing to the realization of His kingdom on earth.