Reflection from my reading in Matthew 13:31-58 in the One Year Bible New Testament.
The Kingdom of Heaven is Like…
In a series of parables, Jesus illustrated different aspects of the Kingdom. Note: there are a lot of “deeper” interpretations about what these could mean but I have just shared my thoughts on what I feel the passage is most clearly trying to communicate.
A Mustard Seed
“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.” Matthew 13:32
Like a mustard seed, the kingdom of heaven started small and is still expanding.
Wheat and Weeds
“The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one…” Matthew 13:37–38
The good seeds are people who belong to the kingdom of God. The weeds are those who belong to the devil. When Jesus returns, his angels will separate the true and false believers. False believers and non-believers will be sent to Hell and true believers will “shine like the sun in the kingdom.”
Yeast
“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.” Matthew 13:33
Once yeast in the dough starts, it can’t be stopped! This is the multiplying effect of the Kingdom, and it hasn’t stopped spreading.
A Hidden Treasure
“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.” Matthew 13:44
The Kingdom of God is more valuable than any hidden treasure! Those who discover it’s true worth will sacrifice for it and experience true joy!
A Pearl Merchant
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:45–46
The Kingdom is worth sacrificing everything for. What you gain is more valuable than all your possessions combined.
A Net
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad.” Matthew 13:47–48
In the end, God’s angles will separate out the true believers from the false believers and non-believers. Those who were not true believers will be thrown into Hell and the true believers will be kept safe.
Like a jewel, the Kingdom of Heaven is multifaceted. In this series of parables, Jesus is able to highlight aspects of his great Kingdom!
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