“The kingdom of heaven is like…” Matthew 13:24b
What is the kingdom of heaven like? In the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, Jesus told seven parables to explain what the kingdom of heaven is like. The first one was the parable of the sower, or the soils, which describes how the kingdom begins. It begins with the sowing of God’s Word which plants the seed of salvation in people’s hearts. The Word of God is living, and it can impart life to all who believe and obey it. When God’s Word takes root in a heart and is cultivated, it bears fruit for the Kingdom of God.
We have an enemy, Satan, who is fiercely opposed to God’s kingdom. God warns us about his desires in the parable of the tares, or weeds. In this world, Christians and unbelievers live together. The weeds represent non-Christians who mix and mingle with believers. The owner of the wheat field said to let the plants grow together until the harvest. But there are graphic word pictures to depict the end of believers and unbelievers. The tares, or unbelievers, will be collected and burned, a picture of everlasting damnation. The believers will be gathered into the owner’s barn, a picture of God gathering those who are His in heaven.
The parable of the net has the same message as the parable of the wheat and the tares. All kinds of fish were caught in the same net. When the net was full, the fishermen pulled it to shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but they threw the undesirable fish away. Matthew 13:49-50 says, “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. It is one of the tiniest seeds, but it grows into a tree where the birds can come and perch. The kingdom of God had a small beginning, but it is large enough to accommodate all who believe in Christ, and they will find rest there.
As yeast permeates a batch of dough and changes it, so the indwelling Holy Spirit permeates and affects every area of a believer’s life. And Christians are like yeast in the world, permeating and changing society by their witness and influence.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
We have seen clearly in the parable of the weeds and the parable of the net what will happen to those who do not belong to the kingdom of God. The tree grown from the mustard seed pictures a place for all who believe in Jesus in heaven. The parable of the yeast encourages Christians to use their influence in the world so many people will come into God’s kingdom. The hidden treasure and the pearl show the tremendous value of being a part of God’s kingdom. A person should be willing to give up everything he has to attain it.
We have an enemy, Satan, who is fiercely opposed to God’s kingdom. God warns us about his desires in the parable of the tares, or weeds. In this world, Christians and unbelievers live together. The weeds represent non-Christians who mix and mingle with believers. The owner of the wheat field said to let the plants grow together until the harvest. But there are graphic word pictures to depict the end of believers and unbelievers. The tares, or unbelievers, will be collected and burned, a picture of everlasting damnation. The believers will be gathered into the owner’s barn, a picture of God gathering those who are His in heaven.
The parable of the net has the same message as the parable of the wheat and the tares. All kinds of fish were caught in the same net. When the net was full, the fishermen pulled it to shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but they threw the undesirable fish away. Matthew 13:49-50 says, “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. It is one of the tiniest seeds, but it grows into a tree where the birds can come and perch. The kingdom of God had a small beginning, but it is large enough to accommodate all who believe in Christ, and they will find rest there.
As yeast permeates a batch of dough and changes it, so the indwelling Holy Spirit permeates and affects every area of a believer’s life. And Christians are like yeast in the world, permeating and changing society by their witness and influence.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
We have seen clearly in the parable of the weeds and the parable of the net what will happen to those who do not belong to the kingdom of God. The tree grown from the mustard seed pictures a place for all who believe in Jesus in heaven. The parable of the yeast encourages Christians to use their influence in the world so many people will come into God’s kingdom. The hidden treasure and the pearl show the tremendous value of being a part of God’s kingdom. A person should be willing to give up everything he has to attain it.
Father, the greatest thing that can happen to a person is to believe in Christ, enter Your forever kingdom, and be assured of going to heaven after death. May we make sure of our own salvation and use our influence to help others come to Christ. Amen.
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