May 28th, 2025
Jesus often spoke about the Kingdom of God (or Kingdom of Heaven) more than any other topic. But what exactly did He mean by this kingdom, and why should it matter to us today? Through His parables, Jesus revealed profound truths about what this kingdom is like and how we should respond to it.
What Is the Kingdom of God Really About?
The Kingdom of God isn't about heaven after we die. As scholar N.T. Wright explains, "The kingdom of heaven doesn't mean heaven after we die. It means God's reign breaking in on earth." It's about God's authority taking root now, in our lives, our hearts, our communities and one day completely in all of creation.
This kingdom stands in stark contrast to worldly kingdoms. While Rome (and many powers since) maintained peace through force and strength, Jesus introduced a kingdom where the King is a suffering servant who laid down His rights and authority for the sake of His people.
This kingdom stands in stark contrast to worldly kingdoms. While Rome (and many powers since) maintained peace through force and strength, Jesus introduced a kingdom where the King is a suffering servant who laid down His rights and authority for the sake of His people.
Why Do We Miss the Kingdom's Value?
Jesus compared the kingdom to "treasure hidden in a field" and a "pearl of great value" (Matthew 13:44-46). These comparisons reveal something crucial; the kingdom is often hidden, not obvious. We can walk right past it our entire lives without recognizing its worth.
Some people are actively searching for meaning and purpose (like the pearl merchant), while others stumble upon it unexpectedly (like the man who found treasure in a field). Either way, the kingdom is available to everyone, though not everyone will recognize its value.
Some people are actively searching for meaning and purpose (like the pearl merchant), while others stumble upon it unexpectedly (like the man who found treasure in a field). Either way, the kingdom is available to everyone, though not everyone will recognize its value.
What Happens When You Discover the Kingdom's Worth?
When both men in Jesus' parables discovered something of extraordinary value, they did the same thing: "sold everything they had" to obtain it. This wasn't a reluctant sacrifice, Matthew specifically mentions the man's "joy" as he sold all he had to buy the field.
When you truly see the kingdom's value, everything else in your life becomes negotiable. As the Apostle Paul wrote: "I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ" (Philippians 3:8).
The choice to follow Jesus is costly, but those who have made the trade will tell you, it's worth it. The treasure may be free to find, but it will cost you everything to purchase it.
When you truly see the kingdom's value, everything else in your life becomes negotiable. As the Apostle Paul wrote: "I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ" (Philippians 3:8).
The choice to follow Jesus is costly, but those who have made the trade will tell you, it's worth it. The treasure may be free to find, but it will cost you everything to purchase it.
What Happens If We Reject the Kingdom?
Jesus follows His joyful parables about treasure with a sobering warning about a fishing net, "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age." (Matthew 13:47-49)
At the end of the age, your response to the kingdom will be revealed. The question isn't "Were you good enough?" but "Do you trust in Jesus who was good enough?" Your goodness won't be enough. The only way into God's kingdom is through Jesus.
At the end of the age, your response to the kingdom will be revealed. The question isn't "Were you good enough?" but "Do you trust in Jesus who was good enough?" Your goodness won't be enough. The only way into God's kingdom is through Jesus.
How Should We Respond to the Kingdom?
Disciples don't just treasure the kingdom, they share it. Jesus told His followers: "Every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old" (Matthew 13:52).
You don't need to be a preacher or highly educated to share the kingdom. Your life itself is a testimony of God's work in and through you. Discipleship comes with a mission not just to treasure the kingdom but to teach it, live it, and share it.
You don't need to be a preacher or highly educated to share the kingdom. Your life itself is a testimony of God's work in and through you. Discipleship comes with a mission not just to treasure the kingdom but to teach it, live it, and share it.
Life Application
This week, consider what the Kingdom of God is truly worth to you. Is it just a spiritual side hustle, or is it the treasure for which you'd gladly trade everything?
Ask yourself:
Ask yourself:
- What am I holding onto that's keeping me from fully following Jesus?
- How would my priorities shift if I truly believed the kingdom is worth everything?
- Is my version of Christianity cross-shaped or comfort-shaped?
- How can I share the treasure I've found with someone this week?
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