The Kingdom of Heaven

Rolling Stone

January 27, 2013

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, Part III

PARABLES: The Mustard Seed, The Leaven, The Hidden Treasure, The Pearl of Great Value

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The Mustard Seed: (Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19)    Audience: Disciples/Multitudes
    Context: after telling speaking with the multitudes, the disciples are explained the meaning of the parables, then Jesus continues with comparing the kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed
    These three passages are very similar except for one detail: Mark details the branches shooting out so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.  
    Is this an immediate occurrence?
    Why do you think Jesus meant to compare it to the mustard seed?
        -It represents the Kingdom.  Only one seed is mentioned, instead of a plot of seeds.  Just one – Jesus was One man in time. At that time the Kingdom may have appeared insignificant but will grow to manifest at the end of the Age.
    What does it take for a mustard seed to grow?
        -Ground: nutrients, water, environment for growth, sunlight, one to cultivate, protect it work is involved, for future greatness, it progresses by intentional growth takes an act of faith to plant ONE mustard seen, but if it represents the kingdom it won’t return void. The world says to plant multiples in case one does not root, but this is the kingdom…it WILL produce
    This parable speaks of the destined greatness of the kingdom, contrasting its limited (at the time) present significance in a small band of original followers with worldwide domination at Jesus’ return – a greatness that will be apparent at its consummation at the end of the Age.  
   
The Leaven: (Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20-21)    Leaven and measures. Leaven makes it better – causes bread to rise.
        -ability to spread
        -whatever it touches it affects and “saturates” it.
    The woman took the leaven, hid in 3 measures...about 2 pecks in all…of meal till it was all leavened. Significant that she allowed it to PERMEATE all parts of the meal (every corner of the dough)
    Does bread rise immediately? What happens if you bake unleavened bread?
    Why leaven/yeast? How does it work?
    This parable speaks of the Kingdom not fully being manifest, but it will be made manifest to all.

The Hidden Treasure & The Pearl of Great Value: (Matthew 13:44-46)
    These are similar parables.  Both tell of an item of great worth that is found or sought after.  The treasure was hidden but found, while the pearl was being sought after.  After being discovered, the man in question sold all of his belongings just to purchase the field/pearl.  
    These both stress the superlative value of the kingdom.  
        -something that has incredible worth.  
        -the treasure could be us – how God searches and finds us and out of great joy Jesus went to the cross to secure us for His kingdom.