Sermon Notes: Big K Kingdom based on Matthew 13:31-33;44-46
Introduction
In
these parables (earthly story with a heavenly meaning), what
does Jesus want us to understand about His kingdom? Let’s read these parables-Read Matthew 13: 31-33; 44-46
Notice how the parables begin. Kingdom of heaven is like…
·
Jesus does not define the kingdom of God;
He describes it only through parables.[1]
As I titled this message, Big K Kingdom, I wanted us
to see there is a difference between a little k kingdom and Big K Kingdom. When I volunteered in Iola at a youth center,
I used to remind everyone that I am not just about growing my little k kingdom
(Iola FCC). You could replace Iola with
HMBC. But my desire is to see God’s Big K Kingdom expanded which means I am
excited when people are saved and discipled whether they attend HMBC or Hesston
Methodist or Hesston Mennonite, etc. It’s not about building little k kingdoms,
but God getting the glory for Big K Kingdoms being built.
What
is the kingdom?
·
The
Political Kingdom-a Davidic-like kingdom in Jerusalem. This
kingdom was political in nature and sought to free Israel from the Romans.
Jesus was in essence a political revolutionary[2]
·
The
“Liberal” or Spiritual Kingdom[3]-The kingdom of God
was God’s spiritual reign in the life of the believer that resulted in an inner
moral ethic.[4]
o
The kingdom of God is both now and not
yet. Thus the kingdom of God is “realized” and present in one sense, and yet
“consistent” and future in another. This is not a contradiction, but simply the
nature of the kingdom.[7]
Growth (vs. 31-33)
·
Vs. 31-32-Mustard Seed
o
Vs. 31-Mustard seed was planted
o
Vs. 32-One of the smallest seeds. Look at
what it says WHEN it grows.
o
Vs. 32-This small seed becomes a plant and
even a tree so large a bird could land there.
§ (it
can grow to a height of 8 to 12 feet)[8]
o
Kingdom might start small but grow into
something greater.--Permananence, solid
o
What is happening in Jesus’ presence makes
certain the future (full) coming of the kingdom, precisely because the life of
that future kingdom is already making itself manifest.[9]
·
Vs. 33-Yeast
o
Vs. 33-Yeast or leaven is “Mixed” is
literally hidden[10] in large amount of flour until it works
through all the dough
o
The answer is that the new form of the
kingdom would not be established dramatically and suddenly, but would expand
like yeast—mysteriously, quietly, slowly, irrevocably, and pervasively. “The kingdom” would permeate the whole
world and its influence will be noticeable.[11]
§ In
his gospel Christ works mysteriously, gradually, spreading silently. The
gospel will succeed, and the one work
of the church is to preach, teach, and spread it in the world. [12]
Gain
(Vs. 44-46)
·
Vs. 44-Treasure
o
VS. 44-JOY-the kingdom as a value
different from others (one man’s possessions, the other’s merchandise),[13]
o
In a day when places for keeping things
safe that we take for granted (like the safe deposits in banks) did not exist
people had to make their own arrangements. One method they employed was to bury
their valuable possessions[14]
o
Legal position was children’s game
finder’s keepers; losers weepers
o
Being a part of the kingdom has amazing
value. A relationship with Christ or
abiding with Jesus is the treasure. Our personal relationship is the most
important thing in our life and everything else pales in comparison.
·
Vs. 45-46-Pearls
o
Pearls were valued based on shape, tint
and smoothness.[15]
o
A most illuminating picture of the kingdom
and the King. There are other pearls in the market. There are other things of
great value. But none is to compare with the pearl of great value.[16]
Closing:
Since this is the last week of our summer series on parables, I want to close
today’s message with what God’s Big K Kingdom looks like in life.
·
Relationship not Rules (Christianity vs.
Other Religions)
·
Gospel not Law (Not under law bc Christ
fulfilled the law)
·
Who You Are (Child) not What You Do (Worker)
·
Transparent (Safe Place, Broken) not
Pretending (Got it together)
·
Posture (Servant, Peacemaker, Glory to
God, Reconciled ) not Platform (Being Right, Us vs. Them)
- Delight not Duty
[1]
Seal, D. (2016). Kingdom of God. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R.
Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham,
WA: Lexham Press.
[2]
Stein, R. H. (1996). Kingdom of God. In Evangelical dictionary of biblical theology (electronic ed., p.
451). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
[3]
Stein, R. H. (1996). Kingdom of God. In Evangelical dictionary of biblical theology (electronic ed., p.
452). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
[4]
Stein, R. H. (1996). Kingdom of God. In Evangelical dictionary of biblical theology (electronic ed., p.
452). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
[5]
Stein, R. H. (1996). Kingdom of God. In Evangelical dictionary of biblical theology (electronic ed., p.
452). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
[6]
Stein, R. H. (1996). Kingdom of God. In Evangelical dictionary of biblical theology (electronic ed., p.
452). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
[7]
Stein, R. H. (1996). Kingdom of God. In Evangelical dictionary of biblical theology (electronic ed., p.
453). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
[8]
Morris, L. (1992). The Gospel
according to Matthew (p. 352). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester,
England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
[11]
Haller, H. M., Jr. (2010). The Gospel according to Matthew. In R. N. Wilkin
(Ed.), The Grace New Testament Commentary
(p. 64). Denton, TX: Grace Evangelical Society.
[12]
Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation
of St. Matthew’s Gospel (p. 532). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg
Publishing House.
[14]
Morris, L. (1992). The Gospel
according to Matthew (p. 359). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester,
England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
[15]
Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation
of St. Matthew’s Gospel (p. 545). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg
Publishing House.
[16]
Green, M. (2001). The message of
Matthew: the kingdom of heaven (p. 160). Leicester, England;
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
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