The Kingdom of Heaven: Understanding Its Interim Reality
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delve into Matthew chapter 13, a pivotal chapter that marks a new division in the Gospel of Matthew. This chapter introduces a new perspective in Jesus' ministry, focusing on the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew's Gospel primarily presents Jesus as the King, the Son of God, and the rightful heir to David's throne. From His genealogy in chapter 1 to His miracles and teachings in subsequent chapters, Jesus' kingship is affirmed. However, despite the overwhelming evidence of His divine authority, Jesus faced mounting rejection from the people of Israel, culminating in their accusation that He was satanic.
As we approach chapter 13, we see that Israel's rejection of Jesus also meant the rejection of the Kingdom He came to establish. This chapter answers the critical question: What happens to the Kingdom now that it has been rejected? The Kingdom's full fulfillment is postponed until Jesus' second coming. This period, often referred to as the "mystery" or "interim" period, is characterized by the Kingdom existing in a hidden form, with Jesus ruling from heaven.
Chapter 13 contains eight parables that describe this interim period, revealing the nature of the Kingdom during this time. These parables are crucial for understanding how we should live and work in this period. The Kingdom of Heaven is now internal, residing in the hearts of believers, but it will one day be fully realized externally when Jesus returns to reign on earth.
The concept of the Kingdom is multifaceted. God's universal Kingdom encompasses everything and everyone forever, while His mediatorial Kingdom is His rule on earth through human instruments. Throughout history, God has mediated His rule through patriarchs, prophets, and now through the Church. This period is also known as the Church Age, where Jew and Gentile are united in one body, the Church.
Understanding the Kingdom's nature helps us grasp the reality of our current spiritual state and our role in God's plan. The Kingdom includes both true believers and false professors, a theme that will be explored in the parables of chapter 13. As we study these parables, we will gain insights into how to live faithfully in this interim period, awaiting the full realization of God's Kingdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Kingdom's Postponement and Future Fulfillment:
The Kingdom of God was postponed due to Israel's rejection of Jesus as the King. However, God's promises remain steadfast, and the Kingdom will be fully realized at Jesus' second coming. This period of postponement is a time of preparation and anticipation for believers, who are called to live faithfully, knowing that God's promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. [07:39]
2. The Mystery Form of the Kingdom:
The current period is described as the "mystery" form of the Kingdom, where the Kingdom exists internally within the hearts of believers. This hidden form of the Kingdom was not revealed in the Old Testament but is now made known through Jesus' teachings. Understanding this mystery helps us navigate our spiritual journey, recognizing that the Kingdom is both present and future. [10:59]
3. God's Universal and Mediatorial Kingdoms:
God's universal Kingdom encompasses His sovereign rule over everything and everyone forever. In contrast, His mediatorial Kingdom is His rule on earth through human instruments. This dual aspect of the Kingdom highlights God's overarching sovereignty and His specific plan for humanity, calling us to participate in His mediatorial rule by living out His will on earth. [15:33]
4. The True and False in the Kingdom:
The Kingdom of God on earth includes both true believers and false professors. This reality is evident throughout biblical history and continues today. Understanding this helps us discern genuine faith and encourages us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are truly submitted to the King and not merely outwardly associated with His Kingdom. [24:33]
5. The Role of the Church in the Kingdom:
In this interim period, the Church plays a crucial role in mediating God's Kingdom on earth. Believers are called to be God's agents, proclaiming His Word, upholding His standards, and calling others to enter His Kingdom. This mission underscores the importance of the Church's witness and the responsibility of each believer to live out their faith authentically. [22:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:20] - Jesus as the King
[02:29] - The Kingdom's Credentials and Rejection
[03:26] - Judgment and Invitation
[04:33] - Israel's Final Rejection
[05:28] - The New Perspective in Chapter 13
[06:35] - The Shadow of the Cross
[07:39] - The Kingdom's Postponement
[08:34] - The Promise of Future Fulfillment
[09:18] - The Redemption of Israel and Gentiles
[10:08] - The Mystery Form of the Kingdom
[10:59] - The Interim Period Explained
[12:57] - The Kingdom with the King in Absentia
[14:41] - Understanding the Concept of the Kingdom
[15:33] - God's Universal and Mediatorial Kingdoms
[16:55] - God's Sovereign Rule
[17:47] - The Mediatorial Kingdom on Earth
[19:50] - The Role of Human Instruments
[22:49] - The Church as God's Agent
[24:33] - The True and False in the Kingdom
[26:54] - The Principle of True and False Branches
[28:28] - The Character of the Kingdom
[29:22] - Conditions for Entrance into the Kingdom
[31:13] - The Internal and External Kingdom
[32:54] - The Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven
[34:41] - The Church Age and the Kingdom
[35:35] - The True and False in the Millennium
[36:26] - Introduction to the Chapter
[37:06] - The Place: From House to Seaside
[38:36] - The Plan and Purpose
[39:30] - The Transition to the Gentiles
[41:11] - The Public Curiosity about Jesus
[42:35] - The Use of Parables
[43:38] - The Message of Grace and Judgment
[44:51] - Invitation to Enter the Kingdom
[46:06] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 13:1-52 - This chapter contains the eight parables that describe the interim period of the Kingdom of Heaven.
2. Zechariah 12:10 - "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son."
3. Revelation 20:4-6 - "They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years."
### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of Matthew chapter 13 in the Gospel of Matthew? [01:20]
2. How does Jesus describe the Kingdom of Heaven during the interim period in Matthew 13? [10:59]
3. What are the two aspects of God's Kingdom mentioned in the sermon, and how are they different? [15:33]
4. According to the sermon, what role does the Church play in the Kingdom during this interim period? [22:49]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding the "mystery" form of the Kingdom help believers navigate their spiritual journey today? [10:59]
2. What does the postponement of the Kingdom's full fulfillment until Jesus' second coming imply about God's promises and timing? [07:39]
3. How can the presence of both true believers and false professors within the Kingdom influence the way we live out our faith? [24:33]
4. In what ways does the Church act as God's agent in mediating His Kingdom on earth, and what responsibilities does this entail for individual believers? [22:49]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the concept of the Kingdom's postponement, how can you live faithfully in anticipation of Jesus' second coming? What specific actions can you take to prepare yourself and others for this event? [07:39]
2. The sermon mentions that the Kingdom of Heaven is now internal, residing in the hearts of believers. How can you cultivate a deeper internal relationship with Jesus in your daily life? [10:59]
3. Considering the dual aspects of God's Kingdom (universal and mediatorial), how can you actively participate in God's mediatorial rule by living out His will on earth? [15:33]
4. The presence of both true believers and false professors in the Kingdom calls for discernment. How can you examine your own heart to ensure that you are truly submitted to the King? What steps can you take to grow in genuine faith? [24:33]
5. The Church has a crucial role in mediating God's Kingdom on earth. How can you contribute to your church's mission of proclaiming God's Word and upholding His standards? What specific roles or ministries can you get involved in? [22:49]
6. Reflect on a time when you faced rejection or opposition for your faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Jesus' example of facing rejection from Israel? [03:26]
7. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding the nature of the Kingdom to grasp our current spiritual state and role in God's plan. How can you deepen your understanding of the Kingdom through personal study or group discussions? [06:35]
Devotional
Day 1: The Kingdom's Postponement and Future Fulfillment
The Kingdom of God was postponed due to Israel's rejection of Jesus as the King. Despite the overwhelming evidence of His divine authority, the people of Israel accused Jesus of being satanic, leading to the postponement of the Kingdom's full realization. This period of postponement is a time of preparation and anticipation for believers. We are called to live faithfully, knowing that God's promises remain steadfast and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. This understanding encourages us to remain hopeful and diligent in our spiritual journey, awaiting the day when Jesus will return to establish His Kingdom on earth. [07:39]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: What are some promises of God that you are holding onto during this period of waiting? How can you live faithfully today, knowing that His promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing?
Day 2: The Mystery Form of the Kingdom
The current period is described as the "mystery" form of the Kingdom, where the Kingdom exists internally within the hearts of believers. This hidden form of the Kingdom was not revealed in the Old Testament but is now made known through Jesus' teachings. Understanding this mystery helps us navigate our spiritual journey, recognizing that the Kingdom is both present and future. As believers, we are called to live out the values of the Kingdom in our daily lives, even though its full realization is yet to come. This perspective helps us maintain a balance between our present responsibilities and our future hope. [10:59]
Colossians 1:26-27 (ESV): "The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Reflection: How does knowing that the Kingdom of God is within you change the way you approach your daily life? What specific actions can you take today to reflect the values of the Kingdom?
Day 3: God's Universal and Mediatorial Kingdoms
God's universal Kingdom encompasses His sovereign rule over everything and everyone forever. In contrast, His mediatorial Kingdom is His rule on earth through human instruments. This dual aspect of the Kingdom highlights God's overarching sovereignty and His specific plan for humanity. As believers, we are called to participate in His mediatorial rule by living out His will on earth. This understanding calls us to a higher level of responsibility and engagement in God's plan, knowing that we are His representatives on earth. [15:33]
Daniel 4:34-35 (ESV): "At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, 'What have you done?'"
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in God's mediatorial Kingdom today? How can you better align your actions with His will on earth?
Day 4: The True and False in the Kingdom
The Kingdom of God on earth includes both true believers and false professors. This reality is evident throughout biblical history and continues today. Understanding this helps us discern genuine faith and encourages us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are truly submitted to the King and not merely outwardly associated with His Kingdom. This calls for a deep, personal reflection on our faith and a commitment to living authentically as followers of Christ. [24:33]
Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV): "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"
Reflection: Take a moment to examine your own faith. Are there areas where you might be outwardly associated with the Kingdom but not truly submitted to the King? What steps can you take to ensure your faith is genuine and authentic?
Day 5: The Role of the Church in the Kingdom
In this interim period, the Church plays a crucial role in mediating God's Kingdom on earth. Believers are called to be God's agents, proclaiming His Word, upholding His standards, and calling others to enter His Kingdom. This mission underscores the importance of the Church's witness and the responsibility of each believer to live out their faith authentically. As members of the Church, we are tasked with the great responsibility of being the light in a world that desperately needs the hope and truth of the Gospel. [22:49]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the mission of the Church today? What specific actions can you take to proclaim God's Word and uphold His standards in your community?
Quotes
1. "He is indeed the Son of David. In chapter 2, His right to reign was affirmed by the oriental kingmakers that we know as the wise men or the magi. Who in their own understanding are the wise men. Who in their own understanding of prophecy and through the direction of the Spirit of God were led to confirm that this was the King. That is affirmed again in chapter 3 by the testimony of John the Baptist who was the foreordained forerunner to the King." [01:20] (34 seconds)
2. "Finally, you come to chapter 11 and Jesus denounces the sinful nation of Israel for rejecting Him. And He promises them severe judgment. Then closes chapter 11 with an invitation. Come unto Me all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. So out of the message of judgment comes again. The message of grace, an invitation." [03:26] (28 seconds)
3. "For centuries they had awaited the establishment of God's Kingdom on earth. They had awaited the times of refreshing, the restoration, the granting back of the glory and the blessing that was man's before the fall. And when it was offered to them, they refused it and they lost it in that generation. And so as you approach chapter 13, you enter a new dimension. A new perspective. A new perspective in the ministry of Christ." [05:28] (32 seconds)
4. "Because they rejected the King, the Kingdom in its full fulfillment had to be postponed. And it had to be postponed to a future time. What time? The second coming of Christ. You see, that's why Christ is coming a second time, to bring the Kingdom that was refused the first time. He came and His message was this, repent for the Kingdom is at hand." [07:39] (24 seconds)
5. "God is a God of His Word. And if God just set the Kingdom aside and said, forget it, I gave you one shot at it and dropped it, then His prophecies would not come to pass and His Word would be violated. And so it is postponed until they believe. And the day will come when they do, you know. For example, Zechariah says, the day is coming when they will look on Him. They will look on Him whom they have pierced and they will mourn for Him as an only Son." [08:34] (25 seconds)
6. "And when the kingdom of God comes into the hearts of men internally, then it will realize its full fulfillment externally as Christ reigns on the earth for a thousand years in the millennium spoken of in Revelation 20. And so when we talk about the full fulfillment of the kingdom, we mean that kingdom which comes to pass on the earth both internally. That is in the hearts of believing people and externally as Christ rules and reigns as king on the earth." [10:08] (26 seconds)
7. "We need to understand chapter 13. Because it's talking about our time, our period. What it will be like when the king has been rejected and the kingdom postponed until He comes again to set up His kingdom, what's it going to be like? This describes, believe me, it describes Christianity in 1982 to the very T. It's amazing. Our Lord said it would be this way. And each of the parables discovers another facet of this period, and you'll see how they perfectly parallelize." [11:58] (35 seconds)
8. "Now, there were some, there was a remnant who received the king internally. And there are today those who received the king internally. But someday there will be a massive response. And when the kingdom comes internally at the level that it does in the tribulation time, then it will come externally in the wonderful millennial reign of Christ on the earth for a thousand years." [10:59] (23 seconds)
9. "And in our day, God is mediating His rule on the earth. From the earth through the believers who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. And we are God's agents to speak the Word of God, to hold up the standards of God, to bring to men God's will and way and moral values. And we are here to call men to enter into God's kingdom." [22:49] (20 seconds)
10. "And there will be a day in the future in the tribulation when God will anoint 144,000 Jews. And those Jews will mediate in the sense that they will take God's message to the world. And there will be a worldwide revival so that innumerable Gentiles and the nations of the land of Israel are saved. And then Christ will come back and mediate His own kingdom on the earth again." [22:49] (18 seconds)
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