Jesus told them another parable: “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." He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” (Matthew 13:31-35).
Between the parable of the weeds and Jesus' explanation of that parable to his disciples, he told two other short parables. The first one was about the mustard seed and the second one involved yeast. Keep in mind that these parables are to teach us something about the kingdom of Heaven. The parable of the mustard seed was about a man planting the smallest seed in a field that grew to become the largest garden plant. The Gospel begins as a small seed that once it takes root and grows soon becomes the most important thing in our lives. This is also true in the world. Christianity began with a small group of disciples and quickly expanded so that by the end of the Fourth Century, a historian stated that the Mediterranean Sea had become a Christian lake. Today, Christianity is the world's largest religion numbering a billion followers.
In the parable of the yeast, the main character is a woman who is making bread in her kitchen. Starting with a little yeast, she mixes it into a large amount of flour. The yeast spreads through the whole batch of dough so it goes from a little to a lot. Usually in the Scripture, yeast symbolizes something bad or evil. We are all familiar with the pervasive influence of evil and can see numerous examples in the news of how it spreads. From the context of Jesus' parable, we understand Jesus' suggestion that the Gospel and Christians are supposed to influence their communities and the world for good. While we may be small in number, we can grow to have great influence as at the Gospel affects our lives and the hearts of others through life-changing faith. Christians are to be "salt and light" to their world.
This passage notes the fact that Jesus' teaching and parables was the fulfillment of a prophecy from Psalm 78:2 that indicated the Messiah would teach through the use of parables: "I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old." Jesus was using parables to explain truth to his disciples while at the same time confirming to them that he was the Christ.
Rev. Kenneth Fellenbaum
Showing posts with label Kingdom of Heaven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kingdom of Heaven. Show all posts
Monday, June 4, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
Jesus the King
During Advent, we focus on various titles of Jesus Christ. In this post we will examine Jesus the King. This title refers primarily to his future activity when he will come again. But let us begin by reviewing some things from the past:
(1) The Hebrew Scriptures contain many prophecies concerning the Kingdom. The Christ, or Messiah, was to be a descendant of David and occupy his throne. The Prophet Isaiah said, "Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever" (9:7). See also the following references: 2 Samuel 7:5-16, Psalm 89:27-29 and Jeremiah 23:5-6.
(2) He was to come into the world as a King. When the angel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary, this is what he said, "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:31-33).
(3) Jesus was born a King. Magi from the East came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2).
(4) He was rejected as a King. The Jewish authorities handed Jesus over to Pilate and he asked, "'What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?' Pilate asked them. 'Crucify him!' they shouted" (Mark 15:12-13).
(5) Jesus died as a King. "Above his head they placed the written charge against him: 'THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS'" (Matthew 27:37).
Considering that Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger, people might wonder what kind of king he was. The mockers present at his crucifixion said, "'He saved others,' they said, 'but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe'”(Mark 15:31-32). Despite the clear prophecies of Scriptures, these circumstances may have confused or misled some people; however, people of faith recognize him as their Savior and Lord and are part of his Spiritual Kingdom, the Church.
(6) When Jesus comes again, he will return as a King. At this point, we should remind ourselves what kings were in history. Kings did not reign as figure heads of state as is the case today in the remaining constitutional monarchies like England and Spain. In Biblical times, kings were absolute monarchs who ruled by divine decree. At his Second Coming, Christ will set up a Kingdom and reign forever. The Kingdom will continue until all enemies, angelic and human, will be put down (1 Corinthians 15:25-28). However, Christ's kingly reign will be eternal in as much as Christ goes on reigning by the authority of the Father. When he appears riding a white horse and accompanied by the Hosts of Heaven, he will wear a robe and bear the inscription, "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 17:14; 19:16). At this time, "Every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11).
You can choose to confess him now as Lord or be forced to at this future time. Why not make him your King today and be part of his Kingdom on earth and also share the hope of his eternal Kingdom.
(1) The Hebrew Scriptures contain many prophecies concerning the Kingdom. The Christ, or Messiah, was to be a descendant of David and occupy his throne. The Prophet Isaiah said, "Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever" (9:7). See also the following references: 2 Samuel 7:5-16, Psalm 89:27-29 and Jeremiah 23:5-6.
(2) He was to come into the world as a King. When the angel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary, this is what he said, "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:31-33).
(3) Jesus was born a King. Magi from the East came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2).
(4) He was rejected as a King. The Jewish authorities handed Jesus over to Pilate and he asked, "'What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?' Pilate asked them. 'Crucify him!' they shouted" (Mark 15:12-13).
(5) Jesus died as a King. "Above his head they placed the written charge against him: 'THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS'" (Matthew 27:37).
Considering that Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger, people might wonder what kind of king he was. The mockers present at his crucifixion said, "'He saved others,' they said, 'but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe'”(Mark 15:31-32). Despite the clear prophecies of Scriptures, these circumstances may have confused or misled some people; however, people of faith recognize him as their Savior and Lord and are part of his Spiritual Kingdom, the Church.
(6) When Jesus comes again, he will return as a King. At this point, we should remind ourselves what kings were in history. Kings did not reign as figure heads of state as is the case today in the remaining constitutional monarchies like England and Spain. In Biblical times, kings were absolute monarchs who ruled by divine decree. At his Second Coming, Christ will set up a Kingdom and reign forever. The Kingdom will continue until all enemies, angelic and human, will be put down (1 Corinthians 15:25-28). However, Christ's kingly reign will be eternal in as much as Christ goes on reigning by the authority of the Father. When he appears riding a white horse and accompanied by the Hosts of Heaven, he will wear a robe and bear the inscription, "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 17:14; 19:16). At this time, "Every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11).
You can choose to confess him now as Lord or be forced to at this future time. Why not make him your King today and be part of his Kingdom on earth and also share the hope of his eternal Kingdom.
Friday, October 1, 2010
The Ministry of Jesus
The last third of the fourth chapter of Luke's Gospel describes the ministry of Jesus (see Luke 4:31-44). There are five things in particular that Jesus did: teaching, exorcisms, healing, prayer and preaching. Let us look into these ministries to see what they involved then and what the Church, which is "the Body of Christ," should be doing today. Luke notes in the introduction to the Book of Acts about "all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day that he was taken up to heaven..." (Acts 1:1-2). Jesus continues his ministry today through his followers. Believers can be ministered to as well as be ministers by reaching out to to the world.
First of all, Jesus was known as a teacher of the Scriptures or Word of God. People who heard him teach were impressed by his message and authority (Luke 4:40 and Matthew 7:28-29). Unlike other rabbis, Jesus did not just "quote" authority but he spoke with authority. He could do this because he was the Son of God and very familiar with what the Spirit of God had inspired the biblical writers with initially. Jesus' teaching often stood in variance to interpretations that were incorrect because they were based upon distortions of the Word (i.e., his teaching on the Sabbath, see Matt. 12:1-12).
Secondly, Jesus frequently delivered people from the power and the bondage of Satan (Luke 4:33-36). Numerous times in the Gospels individuals had demons cast out of them. It has been observed that there is more instances of this in Jesus' ministry then found elsewhere in the Scriptures. No doubt the devil attempted to thwart the mission of Jesus and his completion of God's will. Christians should be encouraged today by the fact that "...because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). If you ever have to confront demonic forces, utilize the power of prayer and the Word of God. The same applies for addictions.
Thirdly, Jesus healed "all kinds of sickness" (Luke 4:40) by laying his hands on people. We usually turn to doctors, hospitals and medicines but in Jesus' time, most people did not have access to a physician. This is true today in much of the Third World. Jesus can heal through faith and prayer now just as he did when he was here on the earth. The next time you are sick or you know someone who is ill, remember this fact.
Fourthly, Jesus was a person of prayer. He got up early in the morning and went to a solitary place so he could pray (see Luke 4:42 and Mark 1:35). If Jesus needed to speak to his Father in heaven, then we certainly need to likewise. Start your day in this way and see the difference that it makes.
Fifthly, Jesus was a preacher of the Gospel or Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven (Luke 4:43). Like John the Baptist, Jesus challenged people to repent of sin and turn in faith to God. This is how one enters the Kingdom. We are then to live under his lordship following his commands and doing God's will.
First of all, Jesus was known as a teacher of the Scriptures or Word of God. People who heard him teach were impressed by his message and authority (Luke 4:40 and Matthew 7:28-29). Unlike other rabbis, Jesus did not just "quote" authority but he spoke with authority. He could do this because he was the Son of God and very familiar with what the Spirit of God had inspired the biblical writers with initially. Jesus' teaching often stood in variance to interpretations that were incorrect because they were based upon distortions of the Word (i.e., his teaching on the Sabbath, see Matt. 12:1-12).
Secondly, Jesus frequently delivered people from the power and the bondage of Satan (Luke 4:33-36). Numerous times in the Gospels individuals had demons cast out of them. It has been observed that there is more instances of this in Jesus' ministry then found elsewhere in the Scriptures. No doubt the devil attempted to thwart the mission of Jesus and his completion of God's will. Christians should be encouraged today by the fact that "...because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). If you ever have to confront demonic forces, utilize the power of prayer and the Word of God. The same applies for addictions.
Thirdly, Jesus healed "all kinds of sickness" (Luke 4:40) by laying his hands on people. We usually turn to doctors, hospitals and medicines but in Jesus' time, most people did not have access to a physician. This is true today in much of the Third World. Jesus can heal through faith and prayer now just as he did when he was here on the earth. The next time you are sick or you know someone who is ill, remember this fact.
Fourthly, Jesus was a person of prayer. He got up early in the morning and went to a solitary place so he could pray (see Luke 4:42 and Mark 1:35). If Jesus needed to speak to his Father in heaven, then we certainly need to likewise. Start your day in this way and see the difference that it makes.
Fifthly, Jesus was a preacher of the Gospel or Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven (Luke 4:43). Like John the Baptist, Jesus challenged people to repent of sin and turn in faith to God. This is how one enters the Kingdom. We are then to live under his lordship following his commands and doing God's will.
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