Is our focus on earthly kingdoms or the kingdom of God? How much do we treasure the things of God? Let’s examine heaven’s treasure in Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52.
The Kingdom of Heaven is … (Matthew 13:31 NKJV)
The kingdom of heaven is like a small seed. It will grow large. Like leaven it affects everything. Like buried treasure, it is precious. Like a pearl merchant, people sell everything to obtain it. Like a dragnet, it gathers good and bad. Like a householder, it contains old and new treasures.
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32 NKJV)
The black mustard is an herb which can grow to three meters (ten feet) tall. The “little flock” would become very large. This small beginning foretells an all-encompassing future. Exclusive small churches that think they are still that “little flock” (Luke 12:32), totally miss the point of this parable.
The “least of all the seeds” is conversational speech, like saying, “Isn’t that just the cutest baby!” It is not a scientific or statistical conclusion but an everyday superlative. A lot of biblical criticism comes from educated people misunderstanding the genre of literature. Jesus’ frequently taught with imagery and hyperbole.
The effective ingredient of church growth is not for sale at any price. Jesus said, “I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:18) Is it wrong to get advice? Of course not. Jesus predicted that the kingdom of heaven would grow to be the largest garden plant, a tree.
Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” (Matthew 13:33 NKJV)
What about yeast helps us understand the kingdom of heaven? There are two things to consider: 1) usually leaven pictures sin, 2) leaven spreads. Is it the kingdom growing or sin inside the kingdom? Both are relevant. The kingdom hidden inside the church grows and heresy grows in the church.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44 NKJV)
Treasure hunters include archaeologists and marine salvage operators. Two separate half billion dollar fortunes were recovered in 1985 and 2007. The most valuable treasure of all is the kingdom of heaven. It is in this world but buried. Would we be willing to sell everything for the kingdom of heaven?
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45-46 NKJV)
Pearls are still prized. They are formed by the hand of God. The buried treasure was found by accident. The pearl was found by someone who was looking. He too sold all that he had. What is our most prized thing? Is anything worth more than the kingdom of heaven?
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:47-50 NKJV)
Like a dragnet, the kingdom also gathers indiscriminately. Trawlers separate their catch. Many moderns don’t like to hear about hell, but Jesus does not shy away from it. Angels will only confirm what we have already chosen. Don’t choose to neglect salvation. “There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” (Matthew 13:51-52 NKJV)
In marital love each provides both new and old for the other (Song 7:13). Faithful disciples are blessed with old and new treasures. The kingdom is a treasure trove of new and old stories. The old truths prepare for the cross and are given new life in the church.
Earthly treasures will all fade, but the new and old treasures of the kingdom of heaven are forever. Do we count the kingdom of heaven as our greatest treasure?
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Readings:
Genesis 29:15-28 Jacob’s started family troubles by marrying two women.
Psalm 105:1-11, 45 Despite his imperfections, God confirmed His covenant with Jacob
Psalm 128 Family blessings are promised to those who fear the Lord.
1 Kings 3:5-12 Solomon asked for understanding, not long life, riches or revenge.
Psalm 119:129-136 Many criticize the Old Testament. David praised it.
Romans 8:26-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 in Rhyme
The kingdom’s like a mustard seed
Which becomes a large tree indeed
The kingdom’s just like leaven too
Which leavened three loaves all way through
The kingdom’s like buried treasure
A man sold all for its pleasure
The kingdom’s just like a merchant
For a pearl sells all to purchase
The kingdom’s just like a dragnet
That gathers indiscriminate
The fishermen gather the good
Throw the bad away as you would
So it will be at age’s end
Separation they will attend
The wicked they’ll throw in the fire
There’ll be wailing and gnashing dire
Jesus said, “Have you understood
All these things?” And they said, “Yes, Lord.”
Teachers who become disciples
Brings out old and new arrivals
