the kingdom of heaven…

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew, Chapter 13 verses (NRSV)

what is the kingdom of heaven? + what is Jesus saying about it in these parables?

the kingdom of heaven is the mystery of creation consistently functioning in ways that plainly express the patterns & priorities of heaven

“All the children of Adam – all human beings at all times, and in all places – are in the kingdom business, shopping day and night for the mystery of the city of God. Oh, true enough, like any random group of shoppers, they have their share of gullibility, questionable taste, and proneness to buy what’s in the store rather than what they’re really looking for. But they are shopping. And they are, as often as not, quite willing to put their money where their heart’s desire is.” Robert Farrar Capon, The Parables of Grace, page 121

“The recent convert says … ‘I found Christ.’ … Filled with joy he returns to his own environment, gives up his lifestyle, and devotes himself completely to his Lord. Some people sell their business in order to pursue a theological education, seek ordination, and be commissioned as minister or missionary of the gospel of Christ.” Simon Kistemaker, The Parables of Jesus, page 56

“The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man” Matthew, Chapter 13 verse 37 (NRSV)

“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation ; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.” Revelation, Chapter 5 verses 9-10 (NRSV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews, Chapter 12 verses 1-2 (NRSV)

propelled by love + drawn on by joy, Jesus has purchased creation, which he regards as treasure & beauty, and all that’s within it

“The gospel - a word that means good news - is all about God not leaving us where we are, or even expecting us to earn our way to him. … Jesus is the descent of God into our lives, just as they are, not the ascent of our lives to God, hoping that he might approve when he sees how hard we try. … The mystery of the gospel finds its greatness in God himself coming to us. It’s God taking on our flesh & our world - and eventually our sin, our death - out of so much love that it goes beyond our limited minds.”

(W)ork out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure... so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. Philippians 2, verses (NRSV)

so what…

Religion: any human effort or system designed to access or ensure God’s favour Believe Do Accepted (or never accepted)

religion is the closest thing to grace that a species addicted to superstition can imagine

Christian religion: just dealing out the same cards in a slightly different order Believe Accepted Do

Jesus Cherished Believe & Do (repentance/faith) New Life (now & forever)

… we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand. Romans, Chapter 5 verse 2 (NKJV)

“Luke makes a strong association between grace & power... (phrases about grace in the book of Acts) often seemed to be linked with the power of God to create spiritual life & to sustain Christians. This grace is, as in the O.T. passages, an unmerited favour, but now a new aspect of power in the Spirit has been added to it.” P. Ferguson, Baker Theological Dictionary of the Bible

Grace removes the power of sin, restores the image of God + resources us to live like Jesus. Romans Corinthians 5.21