The Kingdom of Heaven Part 2 – What it is…according to Jesus! By Pastor Dan Kennedy © November 14, 2010 www.pastorkennedy.com (On the website above, click the link to “recent message notes” to view this message online.) Topic submitted: “I want to know what the Kingdom of Heaven will be like!” Parables that Jesus Taught about the Kingdom of Heaven The Kingdom of Heaven is a Very Great Treasure! Jesus gives two parables about what the Kingdom of Heaven is like to those who find it Precious. Matthew 13:44 The Parable of the Hidden Treasure 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. The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value Matthew 13:45 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. A. The Perception of the Treasure Treasure hunters come in many shapes, sizes and perceptions…as do the treasures that they so diligently seek. Whether divers who ferret out sunken treasures; gamblers who lurk in casinos hour after hour; business men who give up their families to search for material success; romance treasure seekers looking to find happiness in a novel, a magazine, movie, TV show, or forbidden relationship; a power hungry soul looking to satisfy his or her ego; or, someone seeking to find God and find the hidden treasure of His Kingdom, these all have a perception of what their “treasure” looks like. It has been said, “that one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure”. The Kingdom of Heaven may be seen as “fiction, or even garbage” by some who have no heart or vision for God and His Kingdom. For some, their relationship with God is the most vital, dynamic and profound goal they could ever have. One could even have in their hand “the Pearl of Great Price” – and actually throw it away without knowing how great a treasure they had so thoughtlessly discarded! The Scriptural reality is that only a few follow the “narrow road” that leads to life (Matt. 7:13,14). When the glitter and crowd appeal presses the masses to clamor for that which is seen – drowning out the reality of that which is unseen, the vast majority find themselves on the road that does not lead to life. For these, it becomes easy to miss the perception of the hidden eternal treasure. What perception do you and I have about the Treasure of the Kingdom of Heaven? B. The Pursuit of the Treasure Those who pursue their treasure can find all that they own and hold dear consumed in such a pursuit. That is why the Scripture identifies such a person who perceives the treasure in the field as going out and selling all he has, coming back and purchasing the field in which he has perceived, lies the treasure. This may be a relative short intensive pursuit, or it may be something that consumes the lifetime – it can be and it might be both! How do you and I pursue the Treasure of the Kingdom of Heaven? If we knew that it would cost us all that we have, would we pursue it so persistently? C. The Possession of the Treasure Once the possession of the treasure is realized there can be security and satisfaction, but further decisions will still need to be made. “What do I do with my treasure, now that I have it?” Will I simply “sell” it so I can personally benefit from “turning it over”? Do I hold on to it so I can see it and enjoy it in self-satisfaction? Or, do I share its benefit? When we have our treasure, how is our emotional benefit fulfilled and how is our physical benefit satisfied? Heavenly Treasure: 1. Personal Blessing When it comes to Heavenly Treasure, we are fulfilled as we have assurance in our heart of hearts that our relationship with God is secure through Jesus Christ (there is no assurance when one is trying to “work” one’s way to heaven), assurance can only come through personal faith in Christ’s finished work. 2. Blessing to Others The second part of fulfillment in this Heavenly Treasure seems to come when one shares the benefit of such Salvation with those around themselves, with those who have found no hope in the vain treasures for which they had been previously pouring our their souls. 3. Continued Blessing: Growth and Depth The third part is the continued personal “pursuit of God”. The deepening of our relationship with the Creator of the Universe! D. The Purpose of the Treasure – Everlasting Blessing One can never fully understand, or overestimate the inheritance of the Eternal Blessing that God gives His Children through the benefit of the Treasure in the Kingdom of Heaven. 1 Corinthians 2:9 “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— Matthew 25 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. James 1 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Other parables taught by Jesus, had to do with the unexplainable growth of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of Heaven Mysteriously and Exponentially Grows Unexplainably, God grows His Kingdom and the very gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). • This Kingdom of Heaven begins insignificantly. Isaiah 53 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. This Kingdom of Heaven exceedingly outgrows its small beginning. • This Kingdom of Heaven provides a refuge and home for those so blessed by it, both here and in eternity. Matthew 13:31–34 The Mustard Seed and the Leaven 31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” 33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” Those who know God have echoed the concept of the unexplainable exponential growth of God’s Kingdom throughout history. God’s Promise to Abraham: (a promise made to a childless couple, well past childbearing years!) Genesis 12 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” The Prophet Daniel’s Revelation and Explanation of Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream: Daniel 2:32–35 32 The head of this image was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its middle and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. Daniel 2:43–45 43 As you saw the iron mixed with soft clay, so they will mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, 45 just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.” Daniel 7 – Another Vision, by the Prophet 13 “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. Mary, the Mother of Christ is given an Explanation for the Miraculous Virgin Birth she was going to experience Luke 1 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” The Kingdom of Heaven Includes those from Every Tribe and Language and People and Nation Revelation 5:6–9 6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” From the beginning of time, from every generation, God has brought together for Himself, a People – from every people, every tribe, every language and every nation. These will be His People and He will be their God. One day, all those, from every generation will enjoy the fellowship of those in all the other generations! Matthew 8:11 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven…. One Day the kingdom of the world will become the Kingdom of Christ’s Revelation 11:15b 15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” Other Parables that Jesus Gave on the Kingdom of Heaven God’s enemy causes there to be Confusing aspects in God’s Kingdom by sowing tares among the “wheat”: Hypocrites are allowed to mix with true believers until the Judgment. • Tares are allowed to grow alongside the good grain until the final harvest, in the parable Jesus gave of the Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13:24–30 The Parable of the Weeds 24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ” • An Ocean of Diversity. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a Net Gathering a mixture of Fish of every kind… Matthew 13:47-50 The Parable of the Net 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 close 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. Fishing nets bring up good fish as well as bad. The Judgment separates the good from the bad. Matthew 22:1–14 The Parable of the Wedding Feast 22 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 25:1–13 The Parable of the Ten Virgins 25 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Other Aspects of the Kingdom of Heaven • Repentance. Repentance from sin is expected. Righteousness is the norm. Matthew 3:2 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” • Righteousness. The Kingdom of Heaven is full of those who have God’s Righteousness in Christ… Matthew 5:20 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. • Forgiveness. The Kingdom of Heaven is for those who forgive from their heart. Matthew 18:23–35 23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” • Humbleness. The Kingdom of Heaven is filled with those who are Humble not proud. Matthew 5:3 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. • Truthfulness. The Kingdom of Heaven is full of Truth. o Those who teach God’s Truth are called great; those who misrepresent the Truth are considered least. Matthew 5:19 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. o We will fully and truthfully know all things, like we are known 1 Corinthians 13 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. o Spiritual hypocrisy is revealed for what it is. Matthew 7:21 I Never Knew You 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. • The Unperceived Treasure. Self-satisfaction calluses the self-sufficient to be unperceptive about the eternal value of Heaven’s Kingdom. What could be more valuable to a wealthy man than his “secure” possessions? Matthew 19:16–26 The Rich Young Man 16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Study of God’s Word can bring new and surprisingly deeper insights about God and His Kingdom. Those teaching the Word of God reveal New and Old treasures… like objects or paintings regularly displayed in the house, together with other hidden precious treasures, which, although out of sight from time to time may be brought out on occasion for all to see. Matthew 13:51–52 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.” The Kingdom of Heaven is established on the Confession that Jesus is the Messiah Matthew 16:13–20 Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. The Kingdom of Heaven’s greatest are those with the most precious faith. Matthew 18:1–6 Who Is the Greatest? 18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 19:13–15 Let the Children Come to Me 13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away. The “Singular Wage” for those who “follow Christ” in the Kingdom of Heaven The following parable, I believe, reveals the singular “wage” for anyone who enters into a “new birth” relationship with Christ – whether he or she comes to be a follower of Christ at an early age, at mid-life, or near the end of his or her life. The constant is this: All receive the same promised reward of Eternal Life, which God gives to those who receive His Grace through faith. Matthew 20:1–16 Laborers in the Vineyard 20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.” Conclusion We have spent time looking at the Kingdom of Heaven from the parables that Jesus taught His disciples and those around Him, while He was here on earth. The Kingdom of Heaven is a Very Great Treasure that will bring God’s blessings for all eternity for those who seek it…and find it through Christ! “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

The Kingdom of Heaven

Part 2 – What it is…according to Jesus!

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

www.pastorkennedy.com

(On the website above, click the link to “recent message notes” to view this message online.)

Topic submitted: “I want to know what the Kingdom of Heaven will be like!”

Parables that Jesus Taught about the Kingdom of Heaven

The Kingdom of Heaven is a Very Great Treasure!

Jesus gives two parables about what the Kingdom of Heaven is like to those who find it Precious.

Matthew 13:44

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

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.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

Matthew 13:45

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.

A. The Perception of the Treasure

Treasure hunters come in many shapes, sizes and perceptions…as do the treasures that they so diligently seek. Whether divers who ferret out sunken treasures; gamblers who lurk in casinos hour after hour; business men who give up their families to search for material success; romance treasure seekers looking to find happiness in a novel, a magazine, movie, TV show, or forbidden relationship; a power hungry soul looking to satisfy his or her ego; or, someone seeking to find God and find the hidden treasure of His Kingdom, these all have a perception of what their “treasure” looks like.

It has been said, “that one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure”. The Kingdom of Heaven may be seen as “fiction, or even garbage” by some who have no heart or vision for God and His Kingdom. For some, their relationship with God is the most vital, dynamic and profound goal they could ever have. One could even have in their hand “the Pearl of Great Price” – and actually throw it away without knowing how great a treasure they had so thoughtlessly discarded!

The Scriptural reality is that only a few follow the “narrow road” that leads to life (Matt. 7:13,14). When the glitter and crowd appeal presses the masses to clamor for that which is seen – drowning out the reality of that which is unseen, the vast majority find themselves on the road that does not lead to life. For these, it becomes easy to miss the perception of the hidden eternal treasure.

What perception do you and I have about the Treasure of the Kingdom of Heaven?

B. The Pursuit of the Treasure

Those who pursue their treasure can find all that they own and hold dear consumed in such a pursuit. That is why the Scripture identifies such a person who perceives the treasure in the field as going out and selling all he has, coming back and purchasing the field in which he has perceived, lies the treasure. This may be a relative short intensive pursuit, or it may be something that consumes the lifetime – it can be and it might be both!

How do you and I pursue the Treasure of the Kingdom of Heaven? If we knew that it would cost us all that we have, would we pursue it so persistently?

C. The Possession of the Treasure

Once the possession of the treasure is realized there can be security and satisfaction, but further decisions will still need to be made. “What do I do with my treasure, now that I have it?” Will I simply “sell” it so I can personally benefit from “turning it over”? Do I hold on to it so I can see it and enjoy it in self-satisfaction? Or, do I share its benefit?

When we have our treasure, how is our emotional benefit fulfilled and how is our physical benefit satisfied?

Heavenly Treasure:

1. Personal Blessing

When it comes to Heavenly Treasure, we are fulfilled as we have assurance in our heart of hearts that our relationship with God is secure through Jesus Christ (there is no assurance when one is trying to “work” one’s way to heaven), assurance can only come through personal faith in Christ’s finished work.

2. Blessing to Others

The second part of fulfillment in this Heavenly Treasure seems to come when one shares the benefit of such Salvation with those around themselves, with those who have found no hope in the vain treasures for which they had been previously pouring our their souls.

3. Continued Blessing: Growth and Depth

The third part is the continued personal “pursuit of God”. The deepening of our relationship with the Creator of the Universe!

D. The Purpose of the Treasure – Everlasting Blessing

One can never fully understand, or overestimate the inheritance of the Eternal Blessing that God gives His Children through the benefit of the Treasure in the Kingdom of Heaven.

1 Corinthians 2:9

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—

Matthew 25

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

James 1

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Other parables taught by Jesus, had to do with the unexplainable growth of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Kingdom of Heaven Mysteriously and Exponentially Grows

Unexplainably, God grows His Kingdom and the very gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18).

•This Kingdom of Heaven begins insignificantly.

Isaiah 53

2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.

• This Kingdom of Heaven exceedingly outgrows its small beginning.

•This Kingdom of Heaven provides a refuge and home for those so blessed by it, both here and in eternity.

Matthew 13:31–34

The Mustard Seed and the Leaven

31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

Those who know God have echoed the concept of the unexplainable exponential growth of God’s Kingdom throughout history.

✴ God’s Promise to Abraham: (a promise made to a childless couple, well past childbearing years!)

Genesis 12

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

✴ The Prophet Daniel’s Revelation and Explanation of Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream:

Daniel 2:32–35

32 The head of this image was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its middle and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

Daniel 2:43–45

43 As you saw the iron mixed with soft clay, so they will mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, 45 just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.”

Daniel 7 – Another Vision, by the Prophet

13 “I saw in the night visions,

and behold, with the clouds of heaven

there came one like a son of man,

and he came to the Ancient of Days

and was presented before him.

14And to him was given dominion

and glory and a kingdom,

that all peoples, nations, and languages

should serve him;

his dominion is an everlasting dominion,

which shall not pass away,

and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

✴ Mary, the Mother of Christ is given an Explanation for the Miraculous Virgin Birth she was going to experience

Luke 1

30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

• The Kingdom of Heaven Includes those from Every Tribe and Language and People and Nation

Revelation 5:6–9

6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,

10and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,

and they shall reign on the earth.”

From the beginning of time, from every generation, God has brought together for Himself, a People – from every people, every tribe, every language and every nation. These will be His People and He will be their God.

One day, all those, from every generation will enjoy the fellowship of those in all the other generations!

Matthew 8:11

11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven….

One Day the kingdom of the world will become the Kingdom of Christ’s

Revelation 11:15b

15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”

Other Parables that Jesus Gave on the Kingdom of Heaven

God’s enemy causes there to be Confusing aspects in God’s Kingdom by sowing tares among the “wheat”:

Hypocrites are allowed to mix with true believers until the Judgment.

•Tares are allowed to grow alongside the good grain until the final harvest, in the parable Jesus gave of the Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 13:24–30

The Parable of the Weeds

24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ”

•An Ocean of Diversity. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a Net Gathering a mixture of Fish of every kind…

Matthew 13:47-50

The Parable of the Net

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 close 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.

Fishing nets bring up good fish as well as bad.

The Judgment separates the good from the bad.

Matthew 22:1–14

The Parable of the Wedding Feast

22 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Matthew 25:1–13

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Other Aspects of the Kingdom of Heaven

•Repentance. Repentance from sin is expected. Righteousness is the norm.

Matthew 3:2

2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 4:17

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

•Righteousness. The Kingdom of Heaven is full of those who have God’s Righteousness in Christ…

Matthew 5:20

20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

•Forgiveness. The Kingdom of Heaven is for those who forgive from their heart.

Matthew 18:23–35

23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

•Humbleness. The Kingdom of Heaven is filled with those who are Humble not proud.

Matthew 5:3

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

•Truthfulness. The Kingdom of Heaven is full of Truth.

oThose who teach God’s Truth are called great; those who misrepresent the Truth are considered least.

Matthew 5:19

19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

oWe will fully and truthfully know all things, like we are known

1 Corinthians 13

12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

oSpiritual hypocrisy is revealed for what it is.

Matthew 7:21

I Never Knew You

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

•The Unperceived Treasure. Self-satisfaction calluses the self-sufficient to be unperceptive about the eternal value of Heaven’s Kingdom. What could be more valuable to a wealthy man than his “secure” possessions?

Matthew 19:16–26

The Rich Young Man

16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Study of God’s Word can bring new and surprisingly deeper insights about God and His Kingdom.

Those teaching the Word of God reveal New and Old treasures… like objects or paintings regularly displayed in the house, together with other hidden precious treasures, which, although out of sight from time to time may be brought out on occasion for all to see.

Matthew 13:51–52

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.”

The Kingdom of Heaven is established on the Confession that Jesus is the Messiah

Matthew 16:13–20

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

The Kingdom of Heaven’s greatest are those with the most precious faith.

Matthew 18:1–6

Who Is the Greatest?

18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Matthew 19:13–15

Let the Children Come to Me

13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.

The “Singular Wage” for those who “follow Christ” in the Kingdom of Heaven

The following parable, I believe, reveals the singular “wage” for anyone who enters into a “new birth” relationship with Christ – whether he or she comes to be a follower of Christ at an early age, at mid-life, or near the end of his or her life. The constant is this: All receive the same promised reward of Eternal Life, which God gives to those who receive His Grace through faith.

Matthew 20:1–16

Laborers in the Vineyard

20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”

Conclusion

We have spent time looking at the Kingdom of Heaven from the parables that Jesus taught His disciples and those around Him, while He was here on earth.

The Kingdom of Heaven is a Very Great Treasure that will bring God’s blessings for all eternity for those who seek it…and find it through Christ!

“But seek first the Kingdom of God

and His righteousness,

and all these things will be added to you.”

Matthew 6:33