From Matthew 13-14
Q. What do you know about the kingdom of heaven? Do you want to go there? Are you there already?
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
Jesus is very well known for his short stories, otherwise called parables. In Matthew a large number of Jesus’ parables teach about the kingdom of heaven. Jesus taught;
44 “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.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,
46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Mt 13.44-46)
The kingdom of heaven is more valuable than anything and everything we have. The men in the parables sell everything they have. It must be precious. Why do they do this? What could that look like for people now?
47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Mt 13.47-50)
Jesus now talks about the final judgment. Not everyone belongs to the kingdom of heaven. What does it mean to belong? There seem to be two types of people Jesus describes. The good and bad, the righteous and the wicked.Obviously there is an implicit exhortation to seek the good. Yet at the same time the humble put themselves in the LORD’s hands.
51 “Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” 52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” (Mt 13:51–52)
I love their answer, ‘Yes’. Simple, easy.
About Jesus
Jesus last expression is typical of his teaching. He draws on the old wisdom. Quite often he is repeating the instructions and advice from the past. From the Old Testament. Occasionally as well he brings out something new. Something that may challenge the accepted practices. Change people’s way of thinking.
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights Reserved.
