In what context did Jesus speak about the 7 parables of the Kingdom of Heaven? In Mt 12, we saw that He began to face opposition from the Pharisees (V14)– who were challenging him for proof He was from God (V38) & defaming his ministry (VV24) – as well as from His family – who were not doing the will of God (V50) & trying to restrain Him (Mk 3:21). Hence the fact that He chose to give these parables ‘that same day’ (13:1), implies that to receive the revelation of the Kingdom, one should not be bound by religion nor by humanism. In short, these groups of people were not the focus of Jesus’ ministry or preaching.
In Mt 13:2, we see large crowds gathering to hear Jesus. However, Jesus did not speak in a way that they could understand, because the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven are not given to ‘them’ (crowds), but to ‘you’ (disciples) (V11). Hence, half-heartedness & non-commitment is a condition that hinders one from understanding the truth. This speaks of the reason why many people are not able to grow even after sitting through sermon after sermon for years. Because the message of the Kingdom is only given to the disciples (‘you’). Those in the ‘them’ group will only be ‘ever hearing but never understanding’ (V14). …Read More
The Kingdom of Heaven is not so much about a place to go to, but rather the King’s dominion (king-dom). Hence, the 7 parables are not so much focused on the future, but rather the now – how do we live out the Kingdom life?
To live the life of the Kingdom, we must confirm good soil (V23, Parable of the Sower) – because without it, there is no way for growth & multiplication. What is the good soil? It is the soil that is rid of impurities such as worldliness (the path, V19), unbelief (rocky places, V20) & greed (thorns, V22).
When the Kingdom of God manifests itself, there will surely be separation between the Wheat & Tares (V24), as well as Good Fish & Bad Fish (Parable of the Net, V47). We must be able to discern the works of the enemy who sows the weeds in the field, and to confirm our consecration. As wheat is obviously distinguishable from weed, even before end of the age, we must separate ourselves from what that is not of God, so as to ‘shine like sun in the kingdom of the Father’ (V43).
The Kingdom of God does not start with a big bang; it is unnoticeable, like the Mustard Seed & Yeast (V31, 33). However, it will surely multiply & flourish in abundance, like the Mustard Tree where the birds of the air can perch on its branches (V32). As such, the Church as the Kingdom of God has all the ability to support & provide for every need of mankind. It will also be able to pour out the teachings of truth, as the owner of the house who brings out both old & new treasures (V52) – the revelation of the Church will be continually renewed.
Hence, if the Church is the Kingdom of God, it will never run out of truth to give, that people would have to seek it from elsewhere. It will also never have shortage of resources such as materials or manpower because it is ruled by the King, who endows His Kingdom with all His glorious riches.
So when the Church fails to give or flow out these blessing, (e.g. not able to finance its staffs & missionaries, or raise up successors after pastor retires) it means that it fails to be the Kingdom of God – which also means there are no true disciples. Like the Church in Antioch, where ‘disciples are first called Christians’ (Acts 11:26), Church as Kingdom of God, would have the ability to send out missionaries like Paul & Barnabas (Acts 13:2) to the ends of the earth.
Lastly, the Kingdom of God is also likened to the Hidden Treasure & the Pearl (V44-45) – having such great value that one can easily give up everything just to inherit it. Such is the life of a true disciple, who would grow, bear fruit, impact & influence the world.
