Christ gave the following parables to describe people's attitude toward the kingdom of God. The way of kingdom is open for all but only a few people consider it. The value of the kingdom of God surpasses anything on earth we may consider as a thing of joy and happiness. As described by Jesus God's kingdom is about the present and future realities. Romans 14:17 - The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The followings are discussed: Growth in the Kingdom; Surpassing Value of the Kingdom, and Future of the Kingdom.
Growth in the Kingdom: Jesus used parables to describe people's attitude toward kingdom of God. The first parable could be described as "The parable of the Soils" though many believe it is "The parable of the Sower. The parable describes hearts of people toward the Word of Life as different kinds of soils (Matthew 13:18-23). God's word to some people is like a seed that fell on the path, which is trampled and eaten by the birds. The soil describes a person who hears the Word but lacks understanding. The second type of soil is rocky; it contains some topsoil, but not enough to sustain long-term growth and establishment. This describes a person who responds at first but couldn't endure challenges.
The third type of soil is good but filled with thorns, the seed grows on it but will be chocked eventually. This describes the situation when cares of the world make it impossible to continue living by God's word. The last soil is good and fertile for growth. This represents a person who hears the Word, receives it and brings others to God. Those who want to make heaven should receive God's message, save their lives and make sure they touch and save lives of others with the help of Holy Spirit.
Jesus continued with the parable of the Mustard Seed. He wants the kingdom work to expand rapidly even from the smallest beginning (Matthew 13:31-33). The parable demonstrates the need to overcome all odds and increase over time. The kingdom activities should not be stagnated on account of the size at the beginning. As the kingdom is expanding believers should spread the message in such an way to transform and save lives.
Surpassing Value of the Kingdom: Jesus also used two parables to illustrate the extraordinary and surpassing value of God's eternal kingdom (Matthew 13:44-46). God's eternal kingdom is like a hidden treasure which is worth more than all valuable things of the earth. Jesus stated that the kingdom of heaven is worth all sacrifice to get it. Nothing compares to entering into God's kingdom. All things of the earth are temporary and will pass away but God's kingdom lasts to eternity. Ultimate priority must be given to matters of eternal realities. Christians should make kingdom of heaven their primary pursuits on earth.
Future of the Kingdom: Jesus gave another parable which describes the world as a field in which the enemy sowed tares among good seeds. Jesus is the landowner, the One who sowed the good seeds - children of the kingdom, while devil is the enemy who sowed the tares - the wicked ones (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). Jesus doesn't want God's people to judge the wicked. God will separate the wicked from His people and deliver them over to eternal punishment on the day of judgment. While it may be difficult to differentiate those truly living as children of the kingdom from those being used by Satan to corrupt Church's testimony, Christians are not to judge anyone. God knows everyone and will judge righteously.
In another parable which is like the parable of wheat and tares Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a fishermen dragnet which picked different kinds of fishes. The fishermen would separate the good fish from the bad ones (Matthew 13:47-50). God will allow different people to come to the Church and learn of Him, only those who truly surrender their lives to lordship of Jesus Christ will be part of His kingdom. Those who want to be part of God's kingdom must conform to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 14:49). Lesson texts: Matthew 13:1-52
No comments:
Post a Comment