The Kingdom Of Heaven
Matthew 13:11
Introduction.
Recall last week we observed that the general theme of Jesus’ parables was on the kingdom of heaven.
Many of the parables start with “The kingdom of heaven is like…” (Matt. 13:24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47).
In explaining why He spoke in parables, Jesus made reference to “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 13:11).
We also noted that “the kingdom of heaven” was the theme of…
Jesus’ ministry here on earth (Matt. 4:17, 23): “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
In His Sermon on the Mount, He spoke of this often (Matt. 5:3, 10, 19-20; 6:10, 33; 7:21).
Because “the kingdom of heaven” is such a prominent subject in the parables of Jesus (as well as His overall preaching)…
I thought it might serve a good purpose to preface our study of the parables with a careful look at what “the kingdom of heaven” means.
With a proper definition of “the kingdom of heaven” fresh in our minds, we are more likely to benefit from our Lord’s teaching on this wonderful subject!
Let’s begin our effort to define “the kingdom of heaven” by comparing it with “the kingdom of God”.
Body.
The Kingdom of Heaven vs. the Kingdom of God.Is there a difference?
Some try to make a distinction (e.g., Scofield Reference Bible).
But a quick comparison of the gospels indicate that the terms refer to the same thing.
Cf. Matt. 4:17 with Mark 1:14-15.
Cf. Matt. 5:3 with Luke 6:20.
Cf. Matt. 13:31 with Mark 4:30-31.
- Why the different expressions?
We find that Matthew used the expression “kingdom of heaven” almost exclusively, while the other gospel writers used the phrase “kingdom of God.”
It may be that since Matthew wrote his gospel to the Jews, he chose to use the phrase “kingdom of heaven”…
Because of the Jews’ reluctance to use the name of God (out of reverence).
Because of the Jews’ misconception of the coming kingdom.
Many anticipated a physical kingdom.
The expression “heaven” (literally, “heavens”) would emphasize a spiritual kingdom.
- So our first observation is …
That any effort to distinguish between the “kingdom of heaven” and the “kingdom of God” is really without warrant.
Let’s now consider what Jesus meant when He spoke of this heavenly kingdom …
Four Concepts.
The reign of God.
The term “kingdom” as used by the Jews often stressed the abstract idea of “reign” or “dominion,” not some geographical area surrounded by physical boundaries.
Possibly used this way by Jesus in Luke 17:21.
“… nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
It is used this way by Jesus in Matt. 6:10.
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done …”
Thus, the “kingdom of heaven” (or “kingdom of God”) is wherever the reign or dominion of God—who lives in heaven—is manifested.
In one sense, the kingdom of God has always existed (Psa. 47:2; 103:19).
* For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.
* The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.
But in a special way, the rule or reign of God was to be manifested with the coming of Christ.
As foretold in the time of Daniel – c. 500 b.c. (Dan 2:44-45).
As proclaimed by John the Baptist (Matt. 3:1-3).
As preached by Jesus (Matt. 4:17; Mark 1:14-15).
Indeed, it is in the Person of Jesus Christ that the “reign of God” is being expressly manifest today (1 Cor. 15:23-26; Eph. 1:20-23; 1 Pet. 3:22; Rev. 1:5).
… Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powres having been made subject to Him.
Spiritual in nature.
The kingdom (or reign of God) would not be found in the form of a physical kingdom (John 18:36).
“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
It would manifest itself in spiritual ways (Rom. 14:17).
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Visibly manifested today in the Lord’s church.
What is the Lord’s church?
It is a community of souls.
In whose hearts God is recognized as Sovereign.
Thus the church can properly be referred to as the kingdom of God today.
That the terms “church” and “kingdom” can be used interchangeably, consider:
How “church” and “kingdom” were used by Jesus (TURN: Matt. 16:18-19).
Comments made to those who were in the church (Col. 1:13; 1 Thess. 2:12).
* He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.
* that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
The description of those in the churches of Asia (TURN: Rev. 1:4, 6, 9).
John is with them now.
God has made him into a king and priest just as He did to the others to whom he was writing.
John is with them as a companion in the tribulation and kingdom of Christ!
The kingdom was to come with power (Mark 9:1).
Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them (Acts 1:8).
And most certain it does on the Day of Pentecost, ten days later (Acts 2).
We find that this is presented as both present and future.
The “kingdom of heaven” does have a future element as well as a present one.
It is the “here but not yet.”
We have already discussed it in the present sense as the Lord’s church.
Its future aspect is spoken of by:
Jesus in Matt. 25:31ff, when He divides the sheep and the goats.
Paul in 1 Cor. 15:50 when he writes of inheriting the kingdom of God.
Paul again in 2 Tim. 4:18 when he states that, upon his death, he will be preserved for the heavenly kingdom.
Peter in 2 Pet. 1:10-11 if we make our call and election sure.
Peter described the coming of its future state in 2 Pet. 3:10-13, with the “new heavens and the new earth.”
Therefore the kingdom of heaven involves this “new heavens and new earth.”
These four concepts or elements must be kept in mind whenever we think of the “kingdom of heaven.”
It constitutes the reign of God, the spiritual nature of the kingdom, basically synonymous with the Lord’s church, and the “here but not yet” aspect of it.
Failure to remember all four can easily lead to misconceptions about the nature of the kingdom.
In an effort to clarify this subject even further, consider…
In Summary.
In the “present” sense.
It is found wherever the sovereignty of God is accepted in the hearts of men.
It is a spiritual kingdom, for God rules in the hearts of men.
Its outward manifestation today is the Lord’s church.
The kingdom was “inaugurated” on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2.
In the “future” sense.
The kingdom will be “culminated” with the coming of the Lord.
When Jesus “delivers the kingdom to God the Father” (1 Cor. 15:24).
“Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Matt. 13:43).
It will be that “new heavens and new earth” described by Peter and John
“In which righteousness dwells” (2 Pet. 3:13).
In which “the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Rev. 21:3).
It will be experienced only by those in the church who are submitting to God’s will.
Those who do “the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21-23).
Those who are “diligent to be found by Him in peace” (2 Pet. 3:13-15a).
Conclusion.
As we get into the parables, there will be many references to the “kingdom of heaven.”
Sometimes it appears Jesus refers to the “present” aspect of the kingdom.
But then, at other times He has reference to the “future” aspect of the kingdom.
Context will help us determine which is which.
Now having defined the “kingdom of heaven,” we will be better able to appreciate more what Jesus has to say concerning “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven”!
One principle concerning entering that blessed kingdom was a mystery to Nicodemus when Jesus spoke to him
Recall, Jesus told him he needed to be born again (John 3:3-4).
But then Jesus explained that the new birth was one of water and the Spirit (John 3:5).
Is that still a mystery to you? Then consider Acts 2:38 and Titus 3:5…