Reason Jesus Came!

¹ Then Jesus, full of (and controlled by) the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost), returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (desert), ² where He was tempted (tested) by the devil for forty days…. ¹⁴ Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about Him spread quickly through the whole region. ¹⁵ He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. ¹⁶ When He came to the village of Nazareth, His boyhood home, He went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. ¹⁷ The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: ¹⁸ “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim that captives will be released (freedom), that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, ¹⁹ and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” … ³¹ Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day. ³² There, too, the people were amazed at His teaching, for He spoke with authority…. ³⁶ Amazed, the people exclaimed, “What authority and power this Man’s words possess! Even evil (unclean) spirits obey Him, and they flee at His command!” … ⁴⁰ As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of His (Jesus) hand healed everyone…. ⁴² Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for Him, and when they finally found Him, they begged Him not to leave them. ⁴³ But He replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.”

Luke 4:1-2, 14-19, 31-32, 36, 40, 42-43, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

The Gospels declare that Jesus’ central or main reason for coming from His Father, the living LORD God of heaven and earth, was to teach and preach the Good News of God’s Kingdom (Luke 4:43; e.g., see also; Matthew 5:3, 10; Matthew 6:10; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 24:14; Luke 4:43; Luke 8:1; John 3:3-5; Acts 1:2-3). Jesus was on a mission from God to announce and invite EVERYONE – Jews, Gentiles (non-Jews), black, white, young, old, men, and women – into God’s glorious Kingdom NOW through our faith (trusting in God) and repentance (turning from sin) (e.g., see Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17, 23; Matthew 22:1-14; Mark 1:14-15)!

During His earthly ministry, Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom (e.g., see Matthew 9:35). The LORD of Heaven’s Armies sent His Son Jesus to proclaim the Good News (also known as the Gospel or Message) of God's Kingdom (see Luke 4:43). Indeed, Jesus brought God’s Kingdom with Him, and He generously gave everyone through faith in Him the rich blessings of God’s Kingdom – healing, restoration, deliverance, wisdom, and salvation (e.g., see Matthew 4:17, 23-25; Matthew 8:16-17; Matthew 9:35-36; Matthew 15:30; Mark 1:14-15, 21-26, 29-34, 39-45; Luke 4:18-19, 40-41; Luke 7:21-23; Luke 19:10; Acts 10:38).

To preach this Good News of God’s Kingdom, Jesus’s Father the living LORD of Heaven’s Armies anointed His Son Jesus with an abundance of the Holy Spirit’s power and authority (Luke 1:31-33, 35; Luke 3:21-22; Luke 4:1, 14, 18-19; see also e.g., Isaiah 11:1-2; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 12:18; Matthew 17:5; John 1:32-33; John 3:2, 34-36; Acts 10:38; Peter 1:17). Truly, the fullness of God was with Jesus (e.g., see John 1:1, 14, 16; John 14:9; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9-10). Moreover, Jesus was the long-awaited King and Messiah, which means the Anointed One of God, predicted to come in the Old Testament prophecies from the family line of King David (e.g., see Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Ezekiel 37:24-25; Daniel 9:24-26; Matthew 1:1, 16-18; Matthew 2:2; Matthew 11:13; Matthew 16:16; Luke 2:26; Luke 9:20; John 1:41; John 4:25-26; John 6:69; John 20:30-31; Acts 2:36; Romans 1:3-4).

Likewise, Jesus the Messiah was a great Teacher of God. Jesus often taught and preached in the towns and villages throughout the Palestine region about God’s Kingdom (e.g., see Matthew 4:23; Matthew 11:1; Luke 4:14-16; John 6:59; John 18:20). The people were amazed and praised Jesus’ authoritative and wise sermons (Luke 4:15, 31-32, 36; see also Matthew 13:54; Mark 1:21). Jesus’ words were gracious, powerful, and doctrinal sound (e.g., see Matthew 7:28-29; Matthew 8:27; Luke 4:22, 32). While on earth, Jesus spoke the TRUTH of God’s Word, instead of merely quoting the opinions of others as His authority (e.g., see Mark 1:22; Luke 4:32, 36; John 7:46).

In the opening chapters of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus was teaching and preaching in the Jewish synagogues when He was given the Old Testament book of the prophet Isaiah (see Luke 4:15-16, 31; see also Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:1-2). Jesus announced to the listening crowd:

¹⁸ The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed (chosen) Me to preach the Gospel (Good News) to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance (freedom) to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty (free) them that are bruised (broken, burden), ¹⁹ to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19, King James Version

Definitely, the living LORD God of Heaven’s Armies anointed His Son Jesus the Messiah by the Holy Spirit to bring His salvation, healing, grace, kindness, and deliverance as promised by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 11:1-5; Isaiah 42:1, 6-7; Isaiah 48:16; Isaiah 49:8-9; Isaiah 61:1-2; see also Matthew 1:21, 23; Matthew 11:5-6; Matthew 12:18; John 3:34; Acts 1:2; Acts 4:12). As He traveled throughout all the towns and villages preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom, Jesus healed EVERY kind of disease, sickness, unclean spirit, severe pain, and illness (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 12:15; Matthew 19:2; Luke 4:38-41; Luke 6:19; Acts 2:22). Jesus had mercy and compassion for hurting and oppressed people (e.g., see Matthew 9:35-36; Matthew 12:18-21; Matthew 14:14).

Even more, Jesus was delivering people through faith in Him into God’s glorious Kingdom and away from Satan’s destructive and deadly kingdom (e.g., see Luke 4:33-35, 40-41; Luke 13:15-16)! The Gospels declare that Jesus brought freedom and deliverance from Satan, who only comes to kill, steal, and destroy, as predicted by the prophet Isaiah (e.g., see Isaiah 49:9; Matthew 12:28-29; Luke 11:20-22; John 8:36, 44). The living LORD God of Heaven’s Armies sent His Son Jesus to destroy Satan’s evil and destructive work (e.g., see Genesis 3:15; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8). Jesus taught His disciples to pray and ask His Father, the living LORD God, to keep them safely within God’s Kingdom and away from Satan and his evil works (e.g., see Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4; John 17:15l 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 4:18). The living LORD of Heaven’s Armies was ready to give everyone His Kingdom’s blessings which came to His Son Jesus by faith (e.g., see Isaiah 61:2-3).

In fact, John the Baptist heard about Jesus’ goodness while unjustly imprisoned for speaking against Herod and his wife, who violated God’s Law (e.g., see Matthew 11:2; see also Matthew 14:3-5). John the Baptist was faithful to God, and he proclaimed the righteous standards of God (e.g., see Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:3-8). Moreover, John the Baptist and Jesus were blood-related, as John’s mother Elizabeth was related to Jesus’s mother Mary (see Luke 1:36). Both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ were great messengers sent from the living LORD God as predicted in the Old Testament promises (Matthew 11:9-10; see also e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-16; John 1:6-7; John 3:16, 28; John 5:37; Acts 13:23). John the Baptist shined brightly for the living LORD God on earth because John came in the spirit and power of the prophet Elijah to announce the Messiah’s arrival (Matthew 11:11, 14; see also Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13; Luke 1:17). For all the Prophets and God's Law were announced until John the Baptist and teamed up with John in proclaiming and preparing the way for the Messiah of the Kingdom (Matthew 11:13; see also Matthew 5:17-20; Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 3:3-6; Luke 16:16-17). 

John the Baptist heard about Jesus’ miracles, and he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was indeed the long-awaited Messiah the world had been waiting to arrive (Matthew 11:3, 13; see also Luke 7:18-20). Jesus announced to John’s disciples to inform John what was going on: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to new life, and the poor of the earth learn that God is on their side (e.g., see Matthew 11:4-6; John 9:39). At that very time, Jesus was healing many who had diseases, sicknesses, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind, as predicted by the prophet Isaiah (e.g., see Isaiah 29:18-19; Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 7:21-23).

Nevertheless, Jesus proclaimed to the listening crowd that even the lowliest person in God’s Kingdom would be greater than John the Baptist (see Matthew 11:11)! God’s Kingdom is the power and the glory forever (e.g., see Matthew 6:13). Jesus announced from the days of John the Baptist until now people have tried to violently force themselves into the Kingdom of God, and the Kingdom has been advancing (Matthew 11:12; see also Luke 16:16).

Jesus taught in proclaiming the Good News of God’s Kingdom that He came not to bring peace on the earth but a sword to destroy and defeat the evil works of Satan’s kingdom (e.g., see Matthew 10:34-36; Luke 12:51-53). The arrival of God’s Kingdom brings conflicts! As the Kingdom of God comes into anyone’s life, Jesus defeats the evil ruler of this age and plunders the strongman's house (e.g., see Isaiah 49:24-26; Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21-22; John 16:33; Romans 8:37; Ephesians 6:10-11, 13). JESUS IS THE STRONGER MAN that defeats Satan’s destructive forces in your life! Through His Son Jesus, the LORD God of heaven establishes His reign.

Jesus defeats and destroys Satan’s presence in people’s lives and hearts (e.g., see Acts 10:38). Thus, the Kingdom of God with its dawning and acceptance into one’s hearts and lives create opposition, violence, and anger by Satan (e.g., see Mark 1:23-26, 34; Mark 3:11; Mark 5:1-15; Mark 9:17-26; Luke 4:34-35, 40-41). Satan is dominated by selfishness, pride, and wickedness. As the Kingdom of God dawns, it is in a direct threat to Satan and his kingdom. This leads to violence! One of the clear signs of the presence of God’s Kingdom in one’s life and heart is deliverance from evil!

Therefore, REPENT and COME TO JESUS (e.g., see Matthew 11:20, 28). All things on heaven and earth have been entrusted and given to Jesus by His Father, the LORD God of heaven and earth (e.g., see Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 11:27; Matthew 28:18; Luke 10:22; John 3:35; John 13:3; Acts 17:24-25; Hebrews 1:1-3). The Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) is the Head over every power, spirit, and authority (e.g., see Romans 14:9; Ephesians 1:10, 20-22; Philippians 2:9-10; Colossians 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:22). Jesus promised that everyone who comes to Him would live freely and lightly (e.g., see Matthew 11:28). Jesus the Messiah came from the living LORD God to bring His Father’s love, mercy, liberation, deliverance, and freedom from sin, bondage, evil, and sickness for ALL PEOPLE – Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) – through faith, goodness, and obedience (e.g., see Ecclesiastes 3:12-14; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Isaiah 64:5; Luke 4:18-21, 25-27; Acts 10:34-35; Acts 13:38; Romans 10:12-13)! The Kingdom of God has no boundaries, and ALL ARE WELCOME through faith in Jesus (e.g., see Hebrews 4:14-16). There are salvation and peace with the LORD God of heaven through His Son Jesus, who is Lord of all (e.g., see Isaiah 53:11; Acts 4:12; Acts 10:36, 43; Romans 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19).   

References

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Message Bible (Colorado Springs, CO:  NavPress, 2002).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Melton, Loyd, Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West Campus, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2018).

Treasures of God’s Kingdom

Jesus: ⁴⁴ “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. ⁴⁵ Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. ⁴⁶ When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! …” ⁵² Then He added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.” Matthew 13:44-46, 52 New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

Matthew 13 gives essential teaching from Jesus about the treasures of God’s Kingdom. In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches the people through a series of brief parables. Jesus the Messiah was a great Teacher (Matthew 13:54; see also e.g., Matthew 4:23; Matthew 23:10; Mark 1:22-23; Mark 6:1-2; Luke 4:31-32; John 11:28). He regularly taught in the synagogues and was praised by everyone (e.g., see Matthew 4:23; Mark 6:2; Luke 4:15-16, 31-32, 43-44). Many Jews living in the first century Palestine were amazed at His wise, authoritative, and Spirit-filled teaching, and the people sometimes referred to Jesus as Rabbi (Matthew 13:56; see also e.g., Matthew 7:28; Matthew 22:33; Luke 4:22, 36; John 1:38, 49; John 7:15). Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit’s power (e.g., see Luke 3:22; Luke 4:1, 14, 18; Acts 10:38). As Jesus taught the people in first century Palestine, large crowds of people often gathered around Him (Matthew 13:1-2, 36; see also Matthew 4:25; Mark 3:7-9; Luke 5:1-3). Jesus regularly taught the people about the reality of the Kingdom of God (e.g., see Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:35; Luke 9:11).

When teaching about the Kingdom of God, Jesus constantly used parables (Matthew 13:3, 10, 34-36, 53; see also Matthew 22:1-3). Parables were not unique to Jesus. Parables were also used in the Old Testament but rarely (e.g., see Psalm 49:4; Psalm 78:2). Likewise, the Jewish rabbis of Jesus’ day used parables in their teachings. A parable has been defined in many ways by biblical scholars such as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Some scholars have defined parables as an allegory or a symbolic story. Essentially, a parable is a story or illustration, where one compares one thing to another (e.g., see Matthew 13:33; Matthew 18:23; Matthew 20:1; Matthew 22:1; Matthew 25:1; Mark 4:26, 30; Luke 13:18, 20). Jesus often used parables when teaching about the Kingdom of God with simple stories taken from common and everyday life, such as a field planted, a man finding treasure, or a seed planted (see Matthew 13:3, 24, 31, 36, 44-46). In fact, Jesus never taught the people about the Kingdom of God without using stories and illustrations in the form of parables, as predicted in the Old Testament prophets (Matthew 13:3, 34-35 referencing Psalm 78:2; see also Mark 4:33-34; John 16:25, 29).

In His public ministry, Jesus proclaimed the existence and treasures of God’s Kingdom available to ALL PEOPLE – saints and sinners - through our wholehearted and genuine REPENTANCE (turning from sin), FAITH (trust and dependence on God), and OBEDIENCE (practicing and doing God’s Word (e.g., see Daniel 4:27; Luke 6:47; Luke 8:19-21; Luke 11:27-28; 1 John 2:5). Everyone who repented, accepted and obeyed the message of God’s Kingdom and produced good fruit received the treasures of God’s Kingdom (Matthew 13:8, 23; see also e.g., Matthew 21:28-32, 43; John 14:15, 21, 23; John 15:5-8, 10; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 John 5:3). These abundant treasures included wisdom, insight, understanding, healing, deliverance, salvation, and many other heavenly blessings from the Most High God and His Kingdom (Matthew 13:8, 10-12, 16, 23; see also Isaiah 6:9-10; Luke 4:18-19, 33-35, 38-41; 1 John 5:20). The more you love, honor, and obey the living LORD God as your King, the more heavenly goodness, blessings, and treasures that He gives you from His Kingdom (Matthew 13:12, 16-17; see also Matthew 6:33; Matthew 25:29; Mark 4:24-25; Luke 19:26-27; John 15:2, 5). With the acceptance of God and His Kingdom comes full liberation and freedom from sin, sickness, and ignorance (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 10:7-8; Luke 10:8-9). Our faith and obedience to the living LORD God brings deliverance and protection from the evil one, physical and mental healing, and restoration (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 1:21-26, 29-34, 39-45; Luke 4:40-41; John 17:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3).

One of the clearest examples of blessings from God’s Kingdom is Daniel, and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah (see Daniel 1:4-6). However, these four Jewish boys were given new names when God’s people were exiled to Babylon: Daniel was called Belteshazzar, Hananiah was called Shadrach, Mishael was called Meshach, and Azariah was called Abednego (see Daniel 1:7).

Daniel and his three friends were continually faithful, loyal, and obedient to the living LORD God of Israel and acknowledged Him as the true King of all the world, even when they were exiled in Babylon. In their hearts, Daniel with his three friends refused to worship and serve any other gods or idols except the LORD God of Israel as the only true God of heaven and earth (Daniel 2:47 ; Daniel 3:3, 7, 10-12, 14, 16-18; Daniel 4:25; Daniel 6:5, 10-11, 13-14, 16-23; see also Exodus 20:3-7, 23; Deuteronomy 5:6-11; Deuteronomy 6:4-6, 13-14; Deuteronomy 10:17;  Matthew 22:37; Luke 4:8; 1 Timothy 6:15). Daniel and his three friends acknowledged to everyone – kings and paupers alike – that the living God of heaven controls and rules the universe, and He has all wisdom and power (Daniel 2:20-23; Daniel 4:17, 25; see also e.g., 1 Chronicles 29:11-12; Proverbs 2:3-6; Isaiah 28:29; James 2:6). In their distress and trials, Daniel and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego discovered that the LORD God of heaven is mighty to save when we call upon His Name and trust wholeheartedly in Him (Daniel 3:19-30; Daniel 6:21-23; see also e.g., Joshua 24:14-15; 1 Samuel 17:36-37; Psalm 27:1-2; Isaiah 43:1-2; Zephaniah 3:17; Acts 2:21; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 2 Corinthians 1:9-10). Daniel and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had complete confidence in the LORD God!

Because of their faithfulness and obedience, the living LORD God blessed Daniel and his three friends with the secrets and mysteries of heaven – an understanding mind, eyes that see, and ears that hear (Matthew 13:10-13; see also Deuteronomy 29:4; Daniel 1:17-20; Daniel 2:19-20, 23; Daniel 10:1, 11-12; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; James 1:5). Daniel and his three friends received from the living LORD God wisdom, insight, understanding, as well as high positions of authority and service in the Babylonian and Persian governments (Daniel 1:17-21; Daniel 2:48-49; Daniel 3:12, 30; Daniel 5:11-12; Daniel 5:28; Daniel 6:2, 28; Daniel 9:22-23; see also 1 Kings 3:11-15; 1 Kings 4:29-34; Romans 13:1). The more Daniel and his three friends trusted, served, and honored the living LORD God the more abundant treasures the living LORD God blessed them (e.g., Matthew 13:12; Matthew 25:29; Luke 8:18; Luke 19:26-27). Even when facing death for their allegiance and faithfulness to the living God, Daniel and his three friends relied upon God, and the living LORD God rescued them from harm and danger (Daniel 3:16-29; Daniel 6:21-23; see also Isaiah 43:2-3; 2 Corinthians 1:8-11).

Even more precious, the Spirit of the living LORD was with Daniel (e.g., see Daniel 2:11; Daniel 4:8-9, 18; Daniel 5:11, 14). Additionally, the living LORD God gave Daniel direct access to Him and His throne room of heaven, as well as knowledge of His Kingdom (see Daniel 7:1, 9-10, 13-14). While serving in his high government position, Daniel urged the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar to stop sinning, do what is right, break from his wicked past and be merciful to the poor (Daniel 4:27; see also Isaiah 1:10-20; Isaiah 55:6-7; Isaiah 58:6-7, 10). Most importantly, Daniel urged the government to acknowledge the living LORD God of Israel as the true King and that His Kingdom and dominion is from everlasting to everlasting (Daniel 4:2-3, 17, 25, 32, 34-35; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 6:25-27; see also Psalm 103:17-19; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 10:10; Jeremiah 27:4-5)! The living LORD God alone is the eternal Most High God over all the kingdoms of the earth (e.g., see Psalm 83:18; Isaiah 37:15-16).

In Matthew 13, the Lord Jesus proclaimed that Satan and his evil predators do not want people to receive the treasures of God’s Kingdom. When anyone hears the goodness of God’s Kingdom, Satan and his evil workers are the criminal birds, weeds, and thistles of the world, and they come to steal God’s good Word from your hearts and sow discord and false teaching among people (Matthew 13:4-7, 18-22, 24-28, 38-39; see also Matthew 24:4-5, 11; 24; John 8:44; 1 John 3:8, 10). Even worse, others simply refuse the blessings and treasures of God’s Kingdom because of their cares, hardship, and persecution or their desires for worldly wealth, riches, and fame (Matthew 13:5-7, 20-22; see also 1 Timothy 6:9-10, 17; 2 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:15-17). Instead of loving and obeying the LORD God, some would rather follow the ways of this evil world and Satan’s evil kingdom by gratifying the seductions and desires of the body and mind (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:1-3; Galatians 5:19-21). However, Jesus promises that Satan and his weeds, lawbreakers, false workers, false prophets, and evildoers who do not submit, obey, and follow the LORD God and His Kingdom will be punished and thrown into hell with eternal condemnation (Matthew 13:30, 40-42, 47-50; see also Matthew 3:12; Matthew 25:41-46; Revelation 19:19-21; Revelation 20:7-10; Revelation 21:8, 27). The reason Jesus came was to destroy Satan’s evil and destructive work on earth and to deliver EVERYONE through faith in Him into God’s glorious Kingdom (e.g., see Luke 4:18-19, 36-37, 43; John 12:31; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8).

The Holy Scriptures are clear: those who reject Jesus, will not repent, and continually practice sexual immorality, adultery, corruption, deception, idolatry, witchcraft, sorcerers, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, as well as murderers, cowards, disobedient, drunkards, and all liars will not inherit and enter the glorious Kingdom of God (Matthew 13:41-42; see also e.g., John 8:44; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5; Revelation 22:15). The living LORD God and His Son Jesus are good, holy, and truthful (Matthew 13:24, 37-38; see also e.g., 2 Chronicles 7:3; Psalm 73:1; Psalm 145:9; 1 Timothy 4:4). Jesus promises that God will send His holy angels at the end times, and they will remove from God’s Kingdom everything that causes sin and do evil and throw such lawbreakers of God’s commandments into the fiery furnace (Matthew 13:39-42, 50; see also Matthew 24:30-31; Revelation 14:15; Matthew 19:20-21; Revelation 20:10).

Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is present now in the world, but the Kingdom looks small like a tiny mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32; see Mark 4:30-31; Luke 13:18-19). One day, Jesus promises the Kingdom of God will become grand and glorious (Matthew 13:32; see also Mark 4:32). The Kingdom of God will cover and saturate the ENTIRE earth (Matthew 13:33; see also Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 11:15). The living LORD God and His Son Jesus will reign forever and forever in Kingdom here on earth (e.g., see Jesus promises that the faithful, repentant, and good workers of the living God will enter His glorious Kingdom and shine as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father, the LORD God Almighty (Matthew 13:38, 43; e.g., see also Proverbs 4:18; Daniel 12:3; Matthew 5:3-12, 16; Matthew 7:12-13, 17, 21-23, Matthew 25:1-12; 14-30, 34-40; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 3:7; Revelation 21:9-11).

Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is like a valuable treasure a man discovered in a field (see Matthew 13:44). In his excitement and joy, Jesus proclaimed the man sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field and get the heavenly treasure (Matthew 13:44; see also Proverbs 23:23)! Again, Jesus described the Kingdom of God like a merchant on the lookout for valuable pearls (see Matthew 13:45). When the merchant discovered the precious pearl of great value, the merchant sold everything he owned to purchase the glorious pearl (see Matthew 13:46)! According to Jesus, the Kingdom of God is so valuable and important! Acceptance of God’s Kingdom brings a new life from heaven above and joy (e.g., see John 3:3-8; Roman 14:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17). “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge” (Romans 11:33, NLT2). The living LORD God graciously gives His heavenly wisdom, guidance, and understanding for all who seek, love, and obey Him (e.g., see Isaiah 8:19-22; Matthew 6:33)

Once more, Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God could be illustrated by a fisherman (see Matthew 13:47). The fisherman cast a net into the water and gathered in fish of every kind, valuable and worthless (Matthew 13:47; see also Matthew 22:10). When the net was full, the fisherman dragged the net onto the beach and sat down and sorted out the good fish into crates and threw the bad fish away (see Matthew 13:48). Jesus promised at His return at the end of the world God’s holy angels will come and separate the wicked people from the godly and righteous who were kind, merciful, and humble towards others (see Matthew 13:41; 49). In His public ministry, Jesus promised that the peacemakers, merciful, good, and humble would inherit God’s Kingdom (e.g., Matthew 5:3-12; Matthew 9:10-13; Matthew 25:31-40). However, Jesus promised His Father the living LORD God of heaven and earth would cast the wicked who were unjust, unmerciful, and hateful towards others into the fire where they will be weeping and gnashing of their teeth (Matthew 13:42, 50; see also Matthew 25:41-46).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).