What is the Kingdom of Heaven Like? (Matthew 13)
What is The Kingdom of Heaven Like?
- The sower (13:3-9,18-23)
People will react differently to “the word 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.