W H AT I S T H E K I N G D O M ?

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

THE KINGDOM OF GOD - PARABLES

• THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE CENTRAL TEACHINGS OF JESUS!

• It is clear from the gospels that “the Kingdom” is a difficult thing to explain.

• Remember, the Jews expected a very specific type of Kingdom to be ushered in by the coming of the messiah.

• Jesus has to re-teach them what the Kingdom is all about. He Often uses Parables to do so.

• Parable: Compares something very familiar to an unfamiliar idea about God’s kingdom

• Challenges us to use our imaginations, emotions, and minds to grapple with the truth being taught

• Able to convey truth in a more interesting and memorable way than teaching by reciting cold facts

• Forces hearers to look at reality in a fresh way

WHAT IS THE KINGDOM?

• Parables about the Kingdom • Parable of the mustard seed (Mat 13:31-32)• Parable of the yeast (Luke 13:20-21)• Parables of the treasure in the field and the

pearl of great price (Mat 13:44 and 13:45-46) • Parables of the weeds among the wheat (Mat 13:24-30)

• Parable of the Sower (Mat 13:1-23)

• What do these tell us about the kingdom?

Special Features of Kingdom of God

Parables of Jesus

It is for everyone

It involves a life of service

It is of a loving, God the Father

It is united by the Holy Spirit

It is a free gift from a merciful God

MOST IMPORTANT!

• Jesus is the Kingdom!• Luke 17: 20-21• The Kingdom of God is in Your Midst!

How is the Kingdom of God in our Midst even today?

HOW DO WE KNOW IT CAME?

• Miracles give proof to the claim that God’s kingdom was at hand and confirmed that God the Father sent Jesus to earth

• Four categories of Jesus’ miracles:

• Physical Healings

• Nature Miracles

• Exorcisms

• Raising from the Dead

MORE ABOUT THE KINGDOM?

• The Parable of Prodigal Son • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14epxvU8XIA

• Luke 15• Parable of the Lost Sheep• Parable of the Lost Coin

• What do these stories tell us about the Kingdom?

THE KINGDOM

• Kingdom (reign) of God

• Refers to God’s active participation in life both in heaven and on earth

• The Kingdom involves our participation. We are like the laborers in the field.

• Jesus is the main principal agent of this kingdom

• The Kingdom is wherever Jesus is working!