Manifestation of The Heavenly Kingdom  (5)

The Meaning of The Heavenly Kingdom in Parables

 

When Jesus preached the gospel of the Heavenly Kingdom, he often used parables to instruct the people. Parables account for some 35% of His teachings. Most of these discuss the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven. The term ¡§mystery¡¨ does not refer to elusive and enigmatic things, but to matters that have been revealed by God but are hidden. To the hard-hearted non-believer, the mystery of the Heavenly Kingdom is hidden, but if people respond with a trusting and submissive attitude, the Lord will further make known to them the will of God. (Mark 4:10-12) In this week¡¦s message, I will share some insights concerning parables of the Heavenly Kingdom.

 

The following parables indicate the Kingdom of God has come into effect since the First Coming of Jesus Christ (Present reality):

 

Parable

Passage

Perspective of the Heavenly Kingdom

Stronger than a strong man

Luke 11:20-22

God¡¦s kingdom is manifested by the person of Christ, who is stronger than Satan, entering into Satan¡¦s realm and rescuing those under his control.

Sowing seed and the soil

Matthew 13:1-9

Jesus hopes that when people hear the gospel of the Heavenly Kingdom, they will respond with the correct attitude, so that a favourable result will be generated in their hearts.

The growing of seed

Mark 4:26-29

After the gospel of the Heavenly Kingdom has been spread, it grows and transforms in people¡¦s hearts, bearing good fruit until the Lord comes again in judgment.

Weeds in the wheat field

Matthew 13:24-30

When the gospel of the Heavenly Kingdom has been spread, Satan very quickly comes to disrupt God¡¦s work.

The mustard seed

Matthew 13:31-32

The gospel of the Heavenly Kingdom starts from the wee word of God, yet when grown has enormous consequence.

Yeast

Matthew 13:33-34

The Enemy has furtively left behind destructive work in the gospel of the Heavenly Kingdom.

Hidden treasure

Matthew 13:44

The Heavenly Kingdom is like hidden treasure, which the enlightened will willingly pay any price to obtain.

Looking for fine pearls

Matthew 13:45-46

The Heavenly Kingdom is precious as fine pearls. Some will seek it single-mindedly, sparing no cost.

Casting of the net

Matthew 13:47-50

The manifestation of the Heavenly Kingdom is a process of God calling together and separating.

The big banquet

Matthew 22:1-14

The gospel of the Heavenly Kingdom is the unearned grace of God. The Jews rejected it but Gentiles were chosen.

The wicked servant

Matthew 18:23-35

The Lord of the Heavenly Kingdom is full of mercy. The principle of the Heavenly Kingdom is compassion and forgiveness.

Working in the vineyard

Matthew 20:1-16

Christ calls people from different ages to enter into the Heavenly Kingdom. Those called are many but those chosen are few.

 

The following parables indicate the Kingdom of God will be consummated upon the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (future reality):

 

Parable

Passage

Perspective of the Heavenly Kingdom

The fig tree

Luke 21:29-31

The prophesy regarding the restoration of the nation of Israel indicates that the return of the Lord is near.

The shrewd manager

Luke 16:1-8

Utilize present opportunities wisely so that one may enter the Kingdom of God in the future.

Weeds and wheat

Matthew 13:24-30

When the Lord returns, He will separate God¡¦s children from children of the world. They will have different outcomes.

The ten virgins

Matthew 25:1-13

The conclusion of the gospel of the Heavenly Kingdom requires believers to be vigilant and to prepare oneself for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Entrusting to servants

Matthew 25:13-40

The servant of the Lord must work virtuously and faithfully while waiting for His Second Coming. At that time, the Lord will reward or punish according to the work of each person.

Sheep and goats

Matthew 25:31-46

Real and false workers will be exposed when the Lord returns again the second time.

 

By: Daniel To