The Kingdom of Heaven

Scripture Reading: Matthew 13: 24-52

Focus Verses: Matthew 13: 31-32  “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.  Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

Jesus talked a lot about the Kingdom of Heaven in chapter 13.  For us when we think about the Kingdom of Heaven we think about the place where we will go when we die, if we are a believer in Christ.  Jesus’ listeners had a hard time understanding what He was talking about.  The Kingdom of Heaven is not an easy subject to understand,  so Jesus used parables.  He told stories about food, work, gardening, and fishing to help His listeners understand.  The way Jesus told His stories the message was not always clear, and this would cause the listener to search and seek out the hidden meaning.  In the words of T.S. Eliot, “hints followed by guesses”.  We do see that He would explain the meanings to His disciples when he was alone with them.

When Jesus spoke of the mustard seed growing from a tiny seed into a great tree, this parable reminds us that our hope is in a kingdom that is coming.  But going deeper into this parable, trees in the Bible are often linked to God’s rule and reign that is great and strong, and this is seen throughout the earth. Daniel 4:11.  Also birds are often linked to God’s oppressed people who are in search of a home and place of rest.  God is going to provide shelter for the vulnerable that are searching for safety in a home.  “Under His tree every kind of bird will live, in the shade of its branches will nest winged creatures of every kind.” Ezekiel 17:23

Jesus’ story reminds us that our hope is in His coming Kingdom.  God invites everyone who is tired and weary to come and find their rest and true home.  “Come to Me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.  Can you claim this promise of rest in God’s coming Kingdom?  If not, trust Christ today for the forgiveness of your sins, and invite Him to be your Lord and Savior.  If you have trusted Christ for your savior, you can be encouraged that a greater thing is coming, the Kingdom of Heaven!

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries