How did the Jews and others misunderstand the Kingdom of God?

Many Jews in the time of Jesus anticipated the Kingdom of God as a political and earthly reign that would restore Israel’s sovereignty and deliver them from Roman oppression. They often envisioned a powerful messianic figure who would lead them in this revolution. However, Jesus presented the Kingdom as a spiritual realm marked by love, forgiveness, and inner transformation, emphasizing that it was not defined by worldly power or dominance. This fundamental misunderstanding led to conflict between Jesus' teachings and the prevailing expectations of the Jewish leaders and populace.