Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.”  Matthew 13:24

            Jesus used the phrase the “kingdom of heaven” many ways.  He wanted his listeners to understand why he was on earth and what their role in this would be.  Mostly, Jesus used parables to explain the kingdom of heaven.

1.      The kingdom of heaven had come to earth to harvest believers and take them to heaven.  This will culminate in a final harvest. (Parable of the weeds in Matthew 13:24-30)

2.      The kingdom of heaven will start small with only Jesus and a few followers, but it will grow huge one day and be a place of refuge. (Parable of the Mustard Seed in Matthew 13:31-32)

3.      The kingdom of heaven will mix into the culture and the hearts of people to spread all over.  (Parable of Yeast in Matthew 13:33)

4.      The kingdom of heaven is a treasure that people need to actively seek and find.  It will be worth all the treasures on earth to receive it.  (Parable of the Hidden Treasure in Matthew 13:44)

5.      The kingdom of heaven is like a pearl, more valuable than you can ever imagine.  (Parable of the Pearl in Matthew 13:45-46)

6.      The kingdom of heaven casts a wide net to gather as many people as possible, but one day there will be a separation between those who go to heaven and those who go to hell.  (Parable of the Net in Matthew 13:47-50)

7.      Every person who is discipled and brought into the kingdom of heaven is a valuable treasure (Matthew 13:52)

Jesus used this phrase when he talked about prayer, “on earth as it is in heaven.”  Instead of waiting for earth to become like heaven, Jesus brought the kingdom of heaven to earth.