Kingdom Impact: Hidden Treasure
“The 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.” Matthew 13:44-46
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The New Testament Gospels introduce us to the kingdom of God, or—as Matthew described it—the kingdom of heaven. When reading of the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God, it is best for the reader to think of both terms as synonymous.1 What can be of even more interest is how the kingdom relates to the Gospel message. The gospel writers explain that the kingdom itself was good news! Among other things, it was the gospel of the kingdom the Lord taught in the synagogues and proclaimed in the cities and villages. It was the gospel of the kingdom that would be announced throughout the world as a testimony to all nations.2 Despite its being “good news,” the kingdom of heaven wasn’t a concept readily grasped by most people when Jesus used these terms. Perhaps that’s because Jesus explained what the kingdom was like using parables, which were difficult for many to fully understand. Today, modern Christians have a fuller picture than the original audience and can learn more about this heavenly kingdom by considering what the Bible teaches as it pertains to kingdom citizens, kingdom principles, and a kingdom perspective.
Experience Question: The Gospels record Jesus telling many parables about the kingdom of God or heaven. Why do you think it was important for Jesus to speak about the kingdom? What can Christian business owners today learn from this example?
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