The scripture this Sunday is Matthew 13:31-52.
Jesus gives us 6 parables and an explanation to a previous one in these verses. They all describe what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, yeast, hidden treasure, a merchant searching for a pearl, etc. To the 1st century audience, they can understand this imagery a little more than we as 21st century Christians can. Although, there are some that are not completely foreign to our ears when we hear them. Yet, for our ancient ancestors, they lived in agrarian societies and were subjects of Rome. Compared to the Empire of Rome, the Kingdom of Heaven is totally strange.
Maybe that’s the point. The Kingdom of Heaven is strange. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a little mustard seed or the yeast that become something bigger because God provides the growth. Or the Kingdom of Heaven is like a hidden treasure or a merchant finding a valuable pearl. Like the treasure or the pearl, the Kingdom of Heaven, once it is found, elicits overwhelming joy in the person who is led to it.
The Kingdom of Heaven is around us and inside us. It is a present reality and a future reality. It does not rise and fall like ancient or modern empires, like Rome. It is eternal. The Kingdom of Heaven persists because God continues to move in our world.
Siblings in Christ, believe this Good News!
Christ’s Peace,
Pastor T. Wes Moore