The Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” was the call of Jesus to his people of Israel when Jesus began his ministry. The kingdom of God was near, close to come, and Jesus was bringing this good news to the people of Israel. Therefore, Repent, or turn away from your sins and wicked ways! This was the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

If the kingdom of God or heaven was the primary purpose of Jesus, then it behooves us to learn more about what Jesus said and taught the people of his day.

God willing, in studying the scriptures referring to the kingdom of heaven or kingdom of God we will learn something precious and helpful toward understanding further the Gospel of Christ.

This study will examine only the scriptures in the book of Matthew. It will not cover all the possible scriptures relating to the kingdom the God or kingdom of heaven. You are strongly encouraged to partake of your own study and read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Acts, and other letters to the church.
Let’s begin.

The first scripture has to do with the ministry of Jesus.

Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Note Jesus ministry was twofold; first to Preach the good news, or Gospel, of the coming kingdom of God, and secondly to heal. Wherever Jesus went he ministered in these two ways to the people.

The next two scriptures are part of the blessings Jesus began to teach with.

Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:10
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Let’s read the full context.

Matthew 5:1-12
¶ And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 ¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

You’ll note that only two lines of scripture refer to “the kingdom of heaven,” yet all of the blessings are blessings only achievable from God. It is God who can bring comfort, give an inheritance to the earth, give righteousness, hand out mercy, name anyone “the children of God.” These are all the blessings of God Jesus is trying to teach.

Let’s read the next scripture in our study.

Matthew 5:19
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Let’s read the full context of what Jesus is speaking about.

Matthew 5:17-19
¶ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

In this scripture Jesus is speaking to the people of Israel, who were still under the law of God made many, many, hundreds of years ago in Mount Sinai.

Note what Jesus tells the people. He tells them he came not to destroy the law of God, or the prophets of God and their words, but he came to fulfil them. He furthermore states that till heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or tittle shall pass out of the law. A “jot” and a “tittle” were both minute, or the smallest, parts of the Hebrew text of the Hebrew Law of YHWH, almighty God of Israel.

Jesus then states whosever will break on the least commandment of God’s law the same shall be least in the kingdom of heaven. This is contrasted with those who do the commandments, obeying God and his law, and teaching the law of God. The one who does this shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Let’s continue.

Matthew 5:20
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

To understand this scripture, one needs to understand who the scribes and Pharisees were. The scribes and Pharisees were at that time, the holy ruling religious class of the day in Israel. They were perceived to study closely the law of God and maintain holiness. They would have been looked to by the people for understanding the laws of God and the words of prophets.

Jesus says except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees; you would not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

This proclamation by Jesus must have shocked the lower-class average Israelite peoples, while at the same time being seen as affront to the ruling religious classes of the day.

Let’s continue.

The next scripture comes from the prayer Jesus taught the people in how to pray.

Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Read the full context.

Matthew 6:5-13
¶ And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 ¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Note how Jesus prays in teaching others how they might pray to God. Jesus starts by glorifying God. Jesus then prays for the kingdom of God to come to earth as it is in heaven. This kingdom of heaven on earth is the will of God. He then prays for God to give the “daily bread” or the word of God. He prays that God would forgive us our debts against God, that God would lead us not into temptation, and that God would deliver us from evil. He concludes glorifying God for God’s is the kingdom, the power, and glory forever.

Let’s continue with next scripture of kingdom of God.

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Let’s read the full context.

Matthew 6:25-34
¶ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Jesus is essentially speaking about things we spend time and energy worrying over, such as what we will eat, drink, or be clothed with. Jesus is saying don’t worry about those things, rather focus your time and energy, first to seek the kingdom of God, and God’s righteousness, and all these things shall be given you of God.

The next scripture deals with who shall enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Read the context.

Matthew 7:21-23
¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

It’s evident from this proclamation of Jesus he is only going let those who do the will of the Father, Almighty God, enter into God’s kingdom. Not everyone who calls him Lord shall enter therein. What a terrible fate for those who think they are doing God’s will, but are actually in their own iniquity, to be told by Jesus “depart from me” and “I never knew you!”

It must be extremely important therefore to learn what is the “will of God."

In this next scripture, Jesus speaks of two different kingdoms.

Matthew 8:11-12
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Let’s look at the full context.

Matthew 8:5-13
¶ And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

This scripture tells of a centurion of the Gentiles, or one not born of Israel heritage. The centurion comes to Jesus seeking healing for his servant who is at home. Jesus says he will go and heal the centurion’s servant of his disease, but the centurion says he’s not worthy for Jesus to enter into his house, but if Jesus only would say the word his servant shall be healed.

One can see the great faith this centurion had in Jesus being able to heal his servant. He believes if Jesus spoke a word of healing his servant would recover from the disease.

Jesus marvels, or is amazed, by this man’s faith; he is not even an Israelite, but a Gentile. Then Jesus makes a proclamation that “many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven, but the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness.”

In this Jesus was speaking of the “many” -Gentiles- shall come and sit down along with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

Here Jesus was distinguishing between the kingdom of heaven and the “kingdom” of Israel/Judah, or the earthly Israelite kingdom on earth which Jesus says will be “cast out into outer darkness.”

This next scripture is pretty self-explanatory.

Matthew 9:35
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

The next scripture was command from Jesus to his twelve disciples.

Matthew 10:7
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Look at the full context.

Matthew 10:2-10
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. 5 ¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

In this passage of scripture, we learn of Jesus twelve disciples who Jesus commands and sends off to preach the gospel.

Notice closely Jesus does not send his disciples to the Gentile areas, or Samaria, area of Samaritans. He sends them only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, or the people of Israel of the twelve tribes, but at this time mainly only to the Jews of the house of Judah. As you go, Jesus commands, preach saying the kingdom of heaven is at hand. He also commands them to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils, and do all this freely and take nothing with you on your journey.

Why did Jesus exclude the Gentiles from his good news? He did so because at this time his ministry was preached solely to the children of the house, or kingdom, of Judah; those born into the traditions of Gods law and the prophets. The Gentiles were not only separated from, but ignorant of such laws of God and what the prophets wrote in their prophesies of what was to come to Israel.

Let’s continue with Matthew 12:28

Matthew 12:28
But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Read the full context.

Matthew 12:22-28
¶ Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. 25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? 27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Jesus just healed a person who was possessed by a demon. The Pharisees who are threatened by Jesus’ ability to heal, accuse Jesus of sorcery. They accuse him of casting out devils by the power of the Beelzebub the prince of the devils. Jesus then teaches a lesson; if Satan cast out Satan, he is dived against himself. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Then Jesus asks the pharisees, “by whom do you cast out devils? Therefore, they shall be you judges.”
Then Jesus declares “if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.”

Let’s continue on.

Matthew 13:11
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Let’s look at the full context.

Matthew 13:1-17
¶ The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. 10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Jesus here in this passage of scripture speaks to the people in a parable which to the outsider can seem somewhat mystifying or puzzling.

Jesus says to his disciples it is not for them to know the mystery of the kingdom of heaven, but for his disciples to know the meaning of the parables. Jesus then quotes God’s words from the prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 6:9-10
¶ And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

The next scripture is from the meaning behind this parable of the Sower.

Matthew 13:19
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Let’s read the full context.

Matthew 13:18-23
Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

This entire scripture passage and parable has to do with hearing the word of the kingdom of God, the seed of faith God plants, and the outcome, or fruit bearing from hearing the word of God.

Let’s look at another scripture to another parable.

Matthew 13:24
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

Read the full context.

Matthew 13:24-30
¶ Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Read the next parable regarding the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 13:31-32
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Read the next parable regarding the kingdom of heaven.

Mathew 13:33-35
Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. 34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

The next scripture is related to the parable Jesus spoke of the wheat and the tares.

Matthew 13:43
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Read the full context.

Matthew 13:36-43
Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Read the next couple of parables about the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 13:44-51
¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. 47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

This next scripture has to do with the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 16:19
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Let’s read the full context.

Matthew 16:13-20
¶ When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

Jesus asks his disciples whom do the people say he is. Then Jesus asks his disciples who they think he is. Simon then speaks up being affected by the Spirit of God, announces he is Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus then blesses Simon with the name of Peter which in Greek means “stone or rock” and he says “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Jesus’s disciple Peter holds the keys to the kingdom of heaven, he is the rock, or foundation stone, upon which Christ would build his Church. Therefore, it would be good for one to study the life of Peter and see what he did with the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

In the next scripture Jesus’ disciples are asking who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:1
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Let’s read the full context of this scripture.

Matthew 18:1-4
¶ At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus is saying except you become as little children, or in this case become humble as a child, you shall not enter in the kingdom of heaven. God is not interested in one who exalts himself, but one who is humble before God. God will exalt the humble in his kingdom.

The next scripture is a parable about a king and his servants.

Matthew 18:23
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

Let’s read the full context.

Matthew 18:21-35
¶ Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

This parable by Jesus teaches us to have mercy, compassion, and forgiveness, for if we were forgiven by God of our trespasses, therefore we should also be willing forgive others of theirs.

Read the next scripture regarding entering into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:23
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Look at the fuller context.

Matthew 19:16-26
¶ And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 23 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Jesus states its hardly possible for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven, and his disciples then ask him, “who then can be saved?” Jesus replies to teach a brief lesson in the power of God saying “with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Read the next scripture.

Matthew 20:1
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

Look at the full context.

Matthew 20:1-16
¶ For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. 2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? 7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. 8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. 9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. 11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, 12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. 13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? 14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

It’s clear from the reading of the parable Jesus is saying all the laborers will receive an equal payment for their work; some earlier in kingdom’s time history, others who will enter later in their time of labor for the kingdom of God. Jesus states the last shall be rewarded first and first last, for many are called to kingdom, but few are chosen.

Let’s look at the next scripture where Jesus is speaking to the high priests and the Pharisees.

Matthew 21:31
Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Read the full context of this scripture.

Matthew 21:28-32
¶ But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. 30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. 31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

This scripture has to be understood in context of the previous scriptures where Jesus is teaching in the temple and the chief priests and elders came and asked Jesus by what authority does he preach. So, Jesus is talking to these men of the high religious class of Israel when he gives them this parable of the two sons and the vineyard.
In the parable the father commands his two sons to go into the vineyard. The first son sins against his father in rebellion, but then repents and goes to work.

The second son says he will go, but does not go.
Jesus asks the religious class elders which have the stewardship role over the vineyard of God, the Israelite nation, which son did the will of his father? They reply, the first son.

Jesus replies to them a proclamation. “Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.”

The next scripture relates to this one you just looked at.

Matthew 21:43
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Read the full context.

Matthew 21:33-45
¶ Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: 34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. 35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. 37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. 38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. 39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. 40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? 41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. 42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. 45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.

Jesus speaking to high priests and Pharisees who are supposed to be in charge of the vineyard of God, his people Israel, speaks to them in a parable with language they understand for this same imagery comes out from the words of God to the prophets of Israel.

Here Jesus gives a statement that the kingdom of God shall be taken away from you -leaders of Judah and Israel-and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits. By the word “nation” Jesus is likely speaking of the coming Church in the near future.

Read the next scripture of another parable.

Matthew 22:2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

Read the full context.

Matthew 22:1-14
¶ And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

There is so much to say about this parable but the essence of it is this.
This parable is about how many who were bidden to the kingdom of God simply do not show up, making excuses, making light, too busy with worldly and material things, or even violently rejecting and rebelling against the Gospel.

So, God will then bid whosoever will come to his wedding feast, just make sure you are properly attired for the occasion or you too will be cast away out of the feast or kingdom of God.

Let’s read the next scripture about the ten virgins.

Matthew 25:1
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Read the full passage of scripture.

Matthew 25:1-13
¶ Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

The main point of this parable is to the Church (which will come about after Christ dies and is raised from the dead and ascends into heaven) is to remain vigilant and watch for Christ’s returning.

The ten virgins represent the Church.
The Bridegroom is Jesus the Christ.
The Oil could be the Spirit of God, faith, perhaps proper doctrine.
The parable is a warning to those in Christ’s Church to watch for his return.

Let’s read the next parable Jesus teaches.

Matthew 25:14
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Look at the full context.

Matthew 25:14-30
¶ For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

This scripture is difficult for many, but if we look at closely perhaps, we can find the meaning.
The man is likely God, the servants are the laborers of God, the talents represent the spiritual gifts given to laborers from God.

God gives each believer an amount of faith, and spiritual gifts with which to spread the Gospel and labor in the field for God’s will.

Jesus is essentially saying here do something with what I have given you, use my money, the Gospel, to bring in more money, bring more of the lost to God.

The last of the servants represent a lazy laborer, a lazy person in Christ who out of fear did not preach the gospel given to him or her.

This next parable also concerns the kingdom of God.

Matthew 25:34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Look at the full context.

Matthew 25:31-46
¶ When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

I think the message is pretty clear that God expects us to have compassion, mercy, pity on anyone in need whether they are hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, or in prison.

We will look at one more scripture.

Matthew 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

Let’s read the full context.

Matthew 26:19-29
And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. 20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. 21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? 23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. 26 ¶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

The New Testament was the New Covenant YHWH made with Israel and Judah through the prophet Jeremiah. Here Jesus proclaims the New Covenant in his blood to be shed for the remission of sins of all men and women and children who would believe in Jesus the Christ.

This concludes our study in the book of Matthew of the kingdom of heaven.

I hope in some way God has opened up some understanding to what Jesus was speaking when he spoke to the people of Israel regarding God’s Kingdom, the kingdom of heaven.

I encourage you to study throughout the rest of the New Testament all the places where Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God.

Let’s praise our Heavenly Father for giving us his Son Jesus to bring to you and me the good news of the kingdom of heaven and its mercy, grace, forgiveness, and salvation to you and me and all who believe into Jesus the Christ, the king of Israel!

Praise YHWH for he is good and his mercy endures forever!

Thanks be to God for giving us the victory in Jesus the Christ our Lord!

If you don’t know of Jesus then I invite you to learn of him now.

Do You Know Jesus?

Learn more about Peter, the man with the keys to the kingdom of heaven?

Will you be wearing the proper attire to the great wedding feast of God?

Jesus said, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
Will you humble yourself and repent of your sins before God?

Want to learn more about the vineyard, then read this article on Israel.