People will react differently to “theword of the kingdom”! Many would, in effect, reject the kingdom! But the kingdom would be made up of those with honest and good hearts, who bear fruit with perseverance (cf. Luke 8:15). [Some Christians will not make it – let it not be you!]
The tares among the wheat (13:24-30,36-43)
While the King is reigning, there will be those who recognize His rule and those who oppose, and such will be the case until the end of time. i.e., The King will not remove all evil until the end of the world. We are not to attempt to exterminate evil people (we ourselves were evil once, Eph. 2:1-3)!
The mustard seed (13:31,32)
Yes, there will be rejection and opposition (see 1 & 2 above), but the kingdom would still grow great and magnificent after a small beginning.
The leaven (13:33)
The kingdom would spread everywhere, but without grandiose fanfare or military warfare.
The hidden treasure (13:44)
Some will not be looking for the kingdom, but would recognise it’s great value when they saw it, and would give all to be part of it. [So keep scattering the seed! cf. Matt.13:3]
The costly pearl (13:45,46)
Others will be looking for the kingdom of great value, and will give all for it when they find it.
The dragnet (13:47-50)
Those in the kingdom who become unfaithful will not inherit the heavenly kingdom. Careful sorting will take place at the end of the age.
That’s what the kingdom is really “like”, according to Jesus.
Someone asked Jesus a very relevant question: And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?”
Let’s consider Jesus’ teaching in Lk.13:24-30 today under the following headings:
Strive to enter through the narrow door (13:24)
The head of the house will get up and shut the door (13:25-27)
There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (13:28-30)
Will you and I be among the saved when the door is shut?
Let’s “strive to enter through the narrow door” ( 13:24)!
Not yet a Christian?
16:16 “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.
Erring as a Christian?
Acts 8:22 “Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.
Already a Christian?
Rev 2:10‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
A Question of Authority The Chief Priest Question Mat 21:23-24 ESV What things was Jesus doing? Mat 21:12-17 Mat 21:12 ESV(12) Mat 21:14 ESV(14) By What Authority Mat 12:22-28 ESV Who Gave you this Authority Joh 3:1-2 ESV Jesus’ Question and the priests lack of an answer Mat 21:25-27 ESV John’s baptism of repentance Mat 3:1-2 ESV The Fathers Will Attitudes to the father’s instruction Mat 21:28-30 ESV A change of Mind 1st Son Isa 55:6-7 ESV Practice what you preach 2nd son Mat 23:1-3 ESV Jesus warns the religious Mat 21:31-32 ESV Too stubborn and hard hearted Zec 7:11-13 ESV Scripture bears witness of Jesus Joh 5:37-40 ESV Tenants of the Vineyard The unrighteous Tenants Mat 21:33-36 ESV Stephens warning to the tenants Act 7:51-53 ESV Disciple of Hell Mat 23:13,15 ESV Judgement on the unrighteous tenants Mat 21:41-46 A person producing its fruit Joh 4:23-26 ESV
Several miracles are recorded as having taken place around the time of the cross of Jesus.
How many of these six (6) so-called “miracles of the cross” can you name?
Jn. 20:30-31 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
