The Kingdom of Heaven | Parables | Week 5

The Kingdom of HeavenParables • March 26, 2023Teacher: Dave Brown--R.T. France"Chapters 11–12 have illustrated the growing divisions among men in their attitude to Jesus, culminating in the sharp contrast between true disciples and all others in 12:46–50. Division, and the problem of how some could reject Jesus’ message while others responded, are the underlying themes of this chapter too; the parables thus provide some explanation of the attitudes revealed in the preceding narrative."Matthew 13:44-46 NIVThe kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.What Makes the Kingdom of Heaven Treasure?1. The Character of the King2. The Values of the Kingdom3. The Culture of the KingdomMatthew 9:35-36 NIVJesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.The Character of the King1. Compassion2. Mercy3. Grace4. Righteousness5. Love6. SacrificalThe Values of the Kingdom1. Justice2. Peace3. FreedomCulture is how we do things around here.The Culture of the Kingdom1. Accepted2. Valued3. LovedWhat the kingdom of heaven does not invite us into is passive acquiesce. Rather, it confronts us with choice.