Introduction

Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God

The kingdom of God is not a location or a time in history—it is the sphere of God’s reign, wherever people recognize His authority and experience the blessings of living under His reign.

Matthew records three main teachings about the kingdom of God:

1. The righteousness of the kingdom (Matt. 5–7),
2. The coming of the kingdom at the end of the age (Matt. 24,25),
3. The mystery of the kingdom (Matt. 13) — tonight’s subject.

Jesus tells a series of parables (found in Matthew 13; Mark 4; Luke 8) with a common theme: “the mystery of the kingdom” (read Mark 4:11). “Mystery” here doesn’t mean something obscure, but rather something previously hidden (read Matt. 13:34,35). So, the “mystery of the kingdom” refers to a portion of God’s kingdom not revealed to the Old Testament prophets.

To understand these parables, we first need to understand what the Old Testament taught about the coming of God’s kingdom:

• Unlike other ancient religions, the OT teaches that the human condition is not normal. Humanity’s rebellion against God brought about an evil age marked by death and brokenness.
• But God hasn’t abandoned us. Through Israel, He revealed Himself and promised to bring the Messiah—who would one day overthrow this evil age and establish a new order of His loving reign.

This view is linear and hopeful—unlike atheism (history is meaningless), pantheism (history is cyclical), Marxism (toward a classless society), or science fiction (toward utopia/dystopia). History is leading to the rule of God’s Messiah!

Jesus affirmed this—but added a crucial revelation: the coming of the kingdom would include an unexpected stage. Before the Messiah’s climactic Second Coming, He would come first as a Servant, not to rule but to suffer and serve—laying down His life as payment for sin.

This would inaugurate God’s kingdom within the evil age, distinct from its final form. This “mystery phase” is where we live today.

To understand the parables, ask:
What do they teach about God’s kingdom that’s different from the OT view?

This is not academic—it’s personal and practical, because it explains the age we live in, God’s purpose for us now, and how to avoid critical errors. Let’s examine each parable for application.

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Parable of the sower & soils

Read Matt. 13:3–9 and Luke 8:11–14.

The Old Testament taught that the kingdom would be imposed by an irresistible King (Dan. 2,7). But in the current phase, God’s kingdom comes not by force but through a message that can be resisted. The four soils represent different responses.

I’ve had all four responses: I’ve rejected, received selfishly, let distractions choke, and at times responded with hunger—and seen real change.

Why this matters:

• Christianity spreads by invitation, not coercion. Unlike the Qur’an, which permits forced conversions, Jesus condemns forced or manipulative conversions (e.g., Inquisitions, Crusades, Cromwell).
• We are to be ambassadors—modeling, inviting, persuading—not intimidating.
• Your response matters: God won’t force you, but His message can transform your life if you welcome it.

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Parable of the wheat & tares

Read Matt. 13:24–30 and 13:37–41.

OT expectation: when the kingdom came, God would separate believers from unbelievers (Dan. 12; Matt. 3:11,12).
But in this phase, believers and unbelievers live side-by-side, even if some are hostile.

Application:

• This rebukes the “Christian ghetto” mindset (e.g., monasticism, isolationist fundamentalism).
• God wants us to be salt and light in the world, not isolated from it.

Parable of the dragnet

Read Matt. 13:47–49.

Like wheat & tares, this parable teaches that full separation comes later. For now, the kingdom sweeps in all kinds, including imposters.

Application:

• Don’t be surprised by evil done in Jesus’ name (Matt. 24:4,5,11).
• Many teach a powerless, lifeless Christianity (2 Tim. 3:5).
• The enemy infiltrates the church to discredit it.
• That’s why knowing God’s Word is vital:
  You must test what’s taught—don’t trust leaders unconditionally, even me. Confirm it with Scripture.

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Parables of the mustard seed & leaven

Read Matt. 13:31–33.

OT: the kingdom would arrive instantly and globally.
Now: the kingdom starts small—like a seed or yeast—but grows powerfully over time.

Application:

• Don’t underestimate the significance of small beginnings.
  Jesus began with a few working-class disciples—and today His movement spans the globe.
• God works quiet miracles by transforming lives one at a time.

Parables of the treasure & pearl

Read Matt. 13:44–46.

OT: the kingdom’s coming would be unmistakable.
Now: it is hidden—you must seek it like treasure. Yet it’s worth everything.

Application:

• Finding Jesus is life’s greatest discovery.
  Whether you stumble upon Him or seek Him intentionally, His forgiveness, love, and guidance are priceless. Have you ever asked Him into your life?
• Serving Jesus is worth every sacrifice.
  Not to earn salvation—but because knowing Him makes surrender the only appropriate response.

“Your kingdom come” means: “Use my life to spread Your reign.”

Have you ever given your entire life to Jesus for this purpose? Is today that day?

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So what? Why is this important for us to understand?

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Application:

For one thing, finding Jesus is the greatest discovery that you will ever make! You may stumble upon him without really looking for him (i.e., through a friend sharing with you), or you may find him in your search for meaning and significance. His gift of forgiveness seems too good to be true--but it is true. His Holy Spirit makes you alive to God and able to experience his personal love. His guidance fills your life with significance. His comfort during suffering is precious beyond all words. Though at the time you may be tentative, the positive consequences of this decision just keep growing and growing. Have you ever asked Christ to come into your life? Is today the day that you will?

For another thing, serving Jesus and helping to advance his kingdom is a privilege that is worth any sacrifice. You don’t make sacrifices to gain Christ or be saved (unlike these parables), but once you gain Christ you realize that any sacrifice is a bargain. When you experience God’s love through Jesus, you realize that the only appropriate response is to give him your whole life--your time, your relationships, your possessions, your plans, your career, etc.--and ask him to use you and everything connected to you to spread his kingdom to others (similar to in the “Lord’s Prayer”….”your kingdom come”). This alone makes life truly fulfilling! Have you ever done this?