Kingdom Sketches

Based on Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

First delivered July 26, 2020

Rev. Dr. Kevin Orr

            This is the last in a series of messages on the parables of Matthew 13, which all deal with how Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven, that is, the kingdom of God, to which we belong as followers of Jesus. Two weeks ago, we explored the parable of the sower, who scattered seed all over the place, on different types of soil. Last week, we reflected on the parable of the weeds and wheat. Both of these parables addressed a fundamental question that the disciples were perplexed about: why do people not get it? Why is it that not everyone believes that Jesus is the messiah? Jesus answered that question a few different ways. Those who don’t accept Jesus and his message are like hard soil, or rocky soil, or weedy soil. Or those who don’t accept Jesus are like weeds planted in a field of wheat. For those who do believe, they are like rich soil and like wheat. They should be grateful that they are believers and have pity toward those who do not believe.

            This week, we look at a number of brief parables introduced with the phrase, “the kingdom of heaven is like…”. They are bare bones parables. No interpretation is given like there was for the parable of the sower and the parable of the weeds and wheat. These brief parables reveal different aspects of what the kingdom of God is like. Not what the kingdom of God will be like, but what it currently is like. This is a point we ought not miss. As believers and followers of Jesus, we already belong to the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is a present reality, not a future hope. Yes, we are citizens of the United States. But, as Paul wrote, our true citizenship is in heaven and we are currently ambassadors of Jesus Christ.

            We are going to briefly consider these parables to get a sense of what the kingdom of heaven is like, a kingdom that we, as baptized followers of Jesus, are a part of. These are sketches, if you will. For me, these parables do not give information or facts, like if you were reading an atlas that gave you data points on various countries in the world. No, these parables are meant to invoke impressions of what the kingdom is like. They conjure up in us a kind of knowing. Let me put it this way. I will never forget a conversation I had with my sister when I told her that I had decided to marry Kim. Denise asked me how I knew that Kim was the one. My response was, “I just know.” That’s sort of what these parables about the kingdom of heaven are like. They help us know what the kingdom is like without giving us specific facts or hard and fast descriptions. They give us impressions. So, let’s take a look.

            The parable of the mustard seed makes the point that the tiniest of seeds grows into the largest of shrubs, almost like a tree, where birds can make their home. A few other points to keep in mind about mustard is that it is an invasive species, which is why it is to be planted in fields and not in gardens. Also, mustard has medicinal purposes. We are left with the impression that the kingdom of heaven begins very small but it grows exponentially and provides healing and security.

            The parable of the yeast tells of a woman putting yeast in three measures of flour. Do you know how much bread is made of three measures of flour? That’s enough bread to provide for 100 people. That’s an abundance of bread! The yeast is hidden in the flour. You can’t see it, but you see its effects as it causes the dough to rise and be transformed from flour to bread. We are left with the impression that the kingdom of heaven is small and hidden from view, but is active, expansive and transformational, providing sustenance to all who are hungry.

            The parable of the treasure in the field is about a treasure that someone apparently stumbles upon. They hide the treasure in that field and then joyfully sells all they have to raise the funds to buy that field. You could say it was a sacrifice for them to sell all they have. But, actually what they have done is transform their possessions. They took what they had and transformed it into money so that they could buy the field. But this field still has that treasure chest. The finder of that treasure has security for their future. Just because they sold all their possessions to buy the field doesn’t mean they are poor. In fact, they are rich because they possess the field and the treasure. We are left with the impression that the kingdom of heaven is a precious treasure that is worth letting go of all the stuff we cling to because our security is found in the kingdom of heaven and not in our possessions.

            The parable of the pearl of great value is about a pearl merchant who makes a living digging around in the mud to pull up oysters and then pries them apart to see if there is a pearl in there. It’s a messy business but pearls, especially in those days, were very precious, perhaps more precious than gold. You may remember in the book of Revelation, we hear of how the gates of heaven are made of pearl…the pearly gates. One day, this pearl merchant finds a pearl of great value. He sells all he has to raise the funds to buy that pearl. I guess this is a pearl that someone else found and was selling. I don’t know why he would have to buy a pearl he pried out of an oyster himself. At any rate, he now has this pearl of great value. Again, his future is secure. He can keep being a pearl merchant and make his living. But when he decides to retire, he has that pearl of great value that can provide security in his retirement. We are left with the impression that the kingdom of heaven is a pearl of great value that provides future security even as we live our lives and provide for ourselves through whatever our vocation might be.

            We could talk about the parable of the dragnet that catches all kinds of fish but it has the same message as the parable of the weeds and wheat we looked at last week. This parable gives the impression that the kingdom of heaven catches everyone in its net. On judgment day, people will be separated with the good gathered together and the bad thrown into the fiery furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

            What are we to do with these sketches of what the kingdom of God is like? Like I have said before, parables are not designed to give cut and dried answers to questions. Instead, parables are provocative. They are designed to puzzle over, mull over, wonder about. Parables provoke more questions. They give us impressions. So, I am going to turn it to you. I have given you my impressions of what these parables reveal about the kingdom of heaven. What are your impressions? Go back and read these parables again. Take them one at a time. Sit with each parable and reflect or meditate on them. As you do this, what impressions do you get? What does the parable reveal to you about your belonging to the kingdom of God? My hope is that by taking the time to reflect on these parables you will receive a deeper understanding of what it means to belong to the kingdom of God. In these challenging days, it is important for us to be clear about who we are as followers of Jesus, as citizens of the kingdom of God, as ambassadors of Christ. That’s my invitation to you. Reflect on these parables. I would love to know what impressions you get. If you are watching this video, come back to this video later in the week and post a comment. If you are reading this message on my blog, post a comment there. Give me a call. Send me a text. Shoot me an email. I would love to hear from you what these parables say to you about what it means to belong to the kingdom of God.