Jesus gave five parables very short parables that deal with various characteristics of “the kingdom.” Eleven of His parables begin with the statement “the kingdom of heaven is like….” To make sense of the comparisons He made in these parables, it is helpful to understand how those who heard them would likely have interpreted the words, “the kingdom of heaven.” In the old testament, the people of national Israel were chosen by God to be His special people. When Gideon was their judge, they tried to make him a king, but he would not allow it (Judges 8:23). In 1 Samuel 8:7, God told Samuel that the people’s demand for an earthly king was a rejection of Him as king over them. Despite their lack of faith, God still ruled over them (cf. Daniel 4:17). In Jeremiah 30:9, and Daniel 2:44, they were promised an everlasting kingdom with a Messiah as their king.
The new testament uses many terms to describe the kingdom, and the most common is “the kingdom of God.” Matthew used a similar expression (“the kingdom of heaven”), which emphasizes the idea of a spiritual kingdom (belonging to God) in contrast to an earthly one. The kingdom is described as being present when this word is applied to the body/church, but is referred to as future when it is used of eternal life.
The Parable of the Seed, Mark 4:26-29
This parable deals with the growth of the kingdom, and how that growth takes place. We see first that the growth of the kingdom is GRADUAL. Like the growing of grain, it occurs step by step. First the seed is planted, then the blade shoots up, an ear forms, and finally a head of grain ripens for harvest. For individuals, the lesson is patience. The growth of the kingdom requires time. Usually we expect too little, but we can expect too much. No normal field brings produces its crop in a single day, and any job done well requires some amount of time to complete.
Next, the growth of the kingdom is ORDERLY. First Corinthians 14:40 says that all things (in the church) should be done decently and in order, and the growth of the seed must follow a specific order. The growth process can’t work otherwise; there are clear stages of development in nature, and this must be true in a Christian’s life also. New converts are “babes,” (1 Peter 2:1-3), while others are more mature in their faith. Too often, we overlook the fact that one may need encouragement, a kind smile, or a good word of inspiration. Fruit seldom comes from saplings!
Third, growth comes FROM GOD. The farmer plants, waters, and fertilizes after preparing the soil; but he still can’t say why the seed grows. Only God knows, and can make it grow. Spiritual growth, too, ultimately comes from God. We can only do the work He has set for us, like Paul and Apollos in 1 Corinthians 3:6. We must also take care to not overemphasize God’s part in growth (i.e., leaving ALL the “work” to Him), for He has given each of us a part to play!
-Dave Rogers
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