THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

There is much to glean about the kingdom of heaven from the Bible.

 

What is the kingdom of heaven?

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” –Matthew 3:1-3 (NIV)

We learn that the Old Testament prophet Isaiah prophesied about both John the Baptist and Jesus. John would be the one calling in the wilderness, sharing the good news about the coming of the Lord Jesus. The kingdom of heaven drew near to us when God sent Jesus to be the Savior of the world. When we accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, we belong to the kingdom of heaven.

 

Photo courtesy of Baptist Union of Great Britain under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

What is the kingdom of heaven like?

Three of the four Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, share several parables about the kingdom of heaven that Jesus shared with His disciples and the crowds that gathered to hear Him preach. Christianity.com defines a parable as “a simple story to provide a more profound lesson or teaching!”

 

Let’s explore a few shorter parables to help us reflect on and see what we learn about the kingdom of heaven.

 

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” –Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV)

Imagine a mustard seed, one of the smallest of seeds. Yet Jesus says the seed grows into a garden plant and then becomes a huge tree. A mustard tree is as tall as it is wide, and the birds of the air come to rest in its branches. This parable teaches us that the kingdom of heaven may seem to start out small and insignificant at first, but eventually it will spread throughout the whole world. All nations will find rest in the kingdom.

REFLECTION:

Have you experienced planting a mustard seed of faith in someone that you have seen become like a mustard tree?

 

Photo courtesy of Baptist Union of Great Britain under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” –Matthew 13:33 (NIV)

Consider how only a small amount of yeast is needed compared to a large amount of flour—sixty pounds of flour to be exact—to make some bread! The yeast must be kneaded well throughout the flour in order to produce the proper growth. The kingdom of heaven is like yeast in our lives that produces growth in us to help us have a deeper relationship with the Spirit and helps draw others deeper into their relationship too.

REFLECTION:

Who has been like yeast in your life, helping your faith grow deeper, that you can thank?

 

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” –Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV)

Can you see yourself as a merchant who is searching for the finest of pearls? You know there is great value in finding a perfect pearl and are willing to pay whatever the cost is. The kingdom of heaven is the finest of pearls that we encounter on our journey in this life. We should be willing to leave our lives of sin and maybe even distance ourselves from some people in order to gain the greatest pearl in our lives, the kingdom of heaven.

REFLECTION:

How can you share the pearl of greatest value, Jesus, with someone today?

 

Photo courtesy of JoreJj Z. Elprehzleinn under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)

 

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” –Matthew 13:44 (ESV)

Imagine finding a treasure hidden in a field. Back in Jesus’ day, if people were trying to hide a treasure, they would bury it until they were able to safely secure it. The treasure had much value, so in their joy, they were willing to sell what they needed to in order to obtain the treasure. When we discover the kingdom of heaven in our lives, we realize the value and treasure we have! We are overcome with joy and want to share it with others.

REFLECTION:

Can you take a few moments to thank Jesus for the treasure of the kingdom of heaven you experience daily?

 

Be encouraged this week to…

…plant a mustard seed of faith in someone.

…be the yeast in someone’s life.

…have gratitude for the pearl of Jesus.

…share the joy of the greatest treasure of Jesus.

 

“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”  –Matthew 4:17-17  (NIV)

 

Note:  I will be taking a two week break to enjoy some quality time with family. Feel free to stop by the website here and read an older reflection. God bless!