The kingdom of God: what Jesus' parables say it is and is not
Matthew gathers the kingdom parables, Mark and Luke record parables of seeds, grace and a coming kingdom, and the overview of the four Gospels states that the kingdom of God has come. Read together they describe a reign that starts small, grows quietly and reverses expectations, which corrects the idea that the kingdom is only a future place.
How do the Gospel summaries in this article describe the kingdom of God overall? Show answer
As God's rule begun in Jesus, present and growing but not yet complete. It is neither only a future place nor a political power now.
Which Gospel uses the phrase Kingdom of Heaven? Show answer
Matthew. The summaries of Mark and of the four Gospels together speak of the Kingdom of God and treat the two as the same reality.
Which parables in Matthew describe the mystery and growth of the kingdom? Show answer
The Weeds among Wheat, the Hidden Treasure and the Mustard Seed, gathered in chapter 13.
What two ideas does Mark's summary attach to the kingdom's growth? Show answer
It is hidden, so not obvious to an observer, and unstoppable, so its small visibility is no measure of its outcome.
What is the Parable of the Sower about, according to the summaries? Show answer
The different ways people respond to God's word.
What does Luke's summary call the heartbeat of God's kingdom? Show answer
Mercy, which it says triumphs over judgment.
What does it mean that the kingdom is upside down? Show answer
Ordinary rankings are reversed: the meek are blessed, the first are last and the greatest is the one who serves.
What kind of kingdom does the overview of the four Gospels say Jesus preaches? Show answer
A new kingdom not of power but of peace, and not of violence but of servanthood and love.
How do the sources hold together a kingdom that has come and one that is coming? Show answer
They keep both, and the parables of growth join them: something already planted that has not finished growing.
Which parables in Matthew urge readiness for Jesus' return? Show answer
The Ten Virgins and the Talents, taught in Jerusalem along with teaching about the end times.
What does the article say about John's Gospel and the kingdom? Show answer
John is only sketched in the overview, by its signs, sayings and emphasis on belief, with nothing reported about the kingdom or parables.