Exo 19:5  Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. 
Exo 19:6  And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.

1Pet 2:9  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

This article is going to be on the topic of “The Kingdom of God“. Together we’ll take a look at scriptures that will reveal to us where it is, what it is, and how it applies to us, the people of God, the subjects of His Kingdom. The subjects of the Kingdom of God in biblical theology, are individuals who have submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ, thus becoming members of his spiritual kingdom. These are described as covenant people redeemed from darkness, called to live by faith, reflect divine righteousness, and obey God’s commands. Although these subjects live in the world, their allegiance is to a spiritual kingdom that will ultimately be fully realized.

Let’s start by taking a look at the word kingdom in the original Greek. It is basileia G932, and it means: royal power, kingship, dominion, or rule. It’s used 164 times in the NT.

I think it’s important to point out that the Gospel of Matthew exclusively uses “Kingdom of Heaven” (32 times), while Mark, Luke, and John prefer to call it the “Kingdom of God“. In parallel accounts (e.g., Matt. 13:31 vs. Mark 4:30-31), the terms are used interchangeably to describe the same parables and concepts. Both refer to the spiritual kingdom of God, His rule in the hearts of believers, and His coming earthly reign.

Mat 6:10  Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Jesus taught us to pray to the Father, that His kingdom would come upon the earth as it is in heaven. So, we can clearly see that His kingdom is one that can and will be established upon the earth. This is a clue as to “where?” this kingdom is purposed to be.

The first time we see this word kingdom pop on the scene in the New Testament is in Matthew 3:2, and it’s John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea. “Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 

The very next time we see this word is in Mat 4:17; and it’s Jesus preaching; “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

The word in Greek that’s translated as “at hand” is eggizō G1448, and it means: to approach, come near, be near or make near. So both John the Baptist and Jesus are saying the kingdom of heaven has come near, has been made near, or has approached. Let’s keep that in mind as we go over more verses like this.

Mar 1:15  The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 

Mat 10:7  And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. ~the kingdom of heaven has come near, has been made near or has approached.

The New Testament describes the kingdom of God/Heaven as a present, internal reality and a spiritual reign rather than a specific physical location.

Luke 17:21  Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. 

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

In this verse, the Greek word translated as “come unto” is phthanō G5348, and it means: to come before, or to arrive. So, Jesus is saying if He cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come before them or has arrived.

Jesus describes to us what the kingdom of heaven is like in twelve different parables in the Gospel of Matthew. Seven of these parables are found in the 13th chapter. Let’s take a look at them. The Parable of the Sower, The Parable of the Weeds, The Parable of the Mustard Seed, The Parable of Leaven, The Parable of the Hidden Treasure, The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value, and The Parable of the Net.

The Parable of the Sower (Mat 13:4-23, Luke 8:4-8)

In Mat 13:4-8 Jesus tells a parable about a Sower that went forth to sow His seed, and His seed fell upon four different terrains. The Wayside, The Stony Place, The Thorns and Good Ground. Verses 18-23 Jesus explains to us this parable.

Mat 13:18  Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 
Mat 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. 
Mat 13:20  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 
Mat 13:21  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. 
Mat 13:22  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. 
Mat 13:23  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. 

• The Sower: Represents Jesus, or anyone sharing the Gospel message.
• The Seed: Represents the Word of God, the gospel, or message of the kingdom.
• The Terrain: Represents the condition of a person’s heart and mind. 

In 4 different places in the NT we see the words “The Gospel of the Kingdom” used. This is speaking about the message/word that teaches people how to come into and be a part of the Kingdom of God.

Mat 24:14  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 

The Parable of the Weeds

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

Mat 13:25  But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 

Mat 13:37 The One who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 

Mat 13:38  The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked.

Mat 13:41  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; 

Let me point out that verse 13:41 is speaking about His kingdom upon the earth, which includes people that offend and do iniquity within it, and not a celestial realm among the heavenlies. I’m sure we can all agree that there are no people that offend and do iniquity in Heaven. Jesus said in verse 38, that the field is the world and the good seed are the children of the kingdom. Jesus explains this parable to His disciples later in the chapter. He tells them that the Kingdom of Heaven is like the Son of Man sowing the children of the kingdom among the world.

The Parable of The Mustard Seed (Mat 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19)

Mat 13:31  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: 
Mat 13:32  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. 

Again, in this parable Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a man (Himself) that plants a seed (a child of the kingdom), the smallest among seeds, in His field (the world) that becomes the greatest of herbs, and as tall as a tree. The first seed God planted in the earth that He made a covenant with was Abraham. The first seed of the Kingdom that Jesus came to preach was Peter. Both seeds grew to become a global community and are still growing to this day.

The Parable of The Leaven (Mat 13:33, Luke 13:20-21)

Mat 13:33  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. 

Similar to how leaven works silently within dough, the Kingdom of God works from within, transforming hearts and lives rather than arriving with external fanfare. In Gen 18:6 Abraham tells Sarah to prepare three measures of meal, to kneed it and make cakes upon the hearth for the three men that appeared to Abraham as the presence of the Lord on the plains of Mamre. Many scholars believe that the three measures of meal represent the three distinct ages of human history; The time of the Patriarchs (Adam to Abraham) The time of The Law (Abraham to Jesus) and the time of Grace (Jesus until His Return). This leaven that Jesus said is like the kingdom of heaven, is the focal point of this parable and it is what made all three of these measures grow and expand.

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

Mat 13:44  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. 

In this parable the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field (the world). In 1 Cor 2:7 Paul says “we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.” Jesus said in Mat 11:25 “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” Mat 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. Col 2:2-3 says That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Mat 19:21, Mark 10:21, and Luke 18:22 Jesus says “go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. Taking up our cross and following Him is what it costs to buy that field.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

Mat 13:45  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 
Mat 13:46  Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. 

Here the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant that seeks precious pearls, that after finding one; he went and sold everything he had to buy it.  The central theme is that finding the Kingdom of God is like discovering a pearl so valuable that all other possessions become insignificant in comparison.

The Parable of the Net

Mat 13:47  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 
Mat 13:48  Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 
Mat 13:49  So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 
Mat 13:50  And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 

Here, the kingdom is likened to a net cast into the sea, gathering of every kind. The word in Greek for “kind” is genos which means, kindred, offspring, family, stock, tribe or nation. This net (kingdom) is cast into the world and gathers up the good and the bad among all the people of the world. Keep in mind the tares among the wheat. They grow up together and are only separated out of the kingdom at the end of the age. Mat 13:41  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; In both the parables of The Weeds and the Net: they describe the kingdom as bringing a harvest, allowing for the co-existence of good and evil until a final judgment, where the righteous are separated from the wicked.

After reading these 7 parables, I’ll say it again; the New Testament describes the kingdom of God/Heaven as a present, internal reality and a spiritual reign rather than a specific physical location. I pray you’re beginning to see this.

Here are five more parables about the kingdom of heaven found in the Gospel of Matthew that I would like us to look at: These speak to the principles and precepts of the Kingdom.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Mat 18:23  Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 
Mat 18:24  And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 
Mat 18:25  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. 
Mat 18:26  The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 
Mat 18:27  Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 
Mat 18:28  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. 
Mat 18:29  And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 
Mat 18:30  And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 
Mat 18:31  So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 
Mat 18:32  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: 
Mat 18:33  Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 
Mat 18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 
Mat 18:35  So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. 

I believe the message of this parable is fairly easy to understand. Mat 6:15  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. It is a key principle of the Kingdom of God.

The Parable of Laborers in the Vineyard

Mat 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. 
Mat 20:2  And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 
Mat 20:3  And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 
Mat 20:4  And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. 
Mat 20:5  Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. 
Mat 20:6  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? 
Mat 20:7  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. 
Mat 20:8  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. 
Mat 20:9  And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 
Mat 20:10  But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. 
Mat 20:11  And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, 
Mat 20:12  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. 
Mat 20:13  But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? 
Mat 20:14  Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. 
Mat 20:15  Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? 
Mat 20:16  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. 

This parable demonstrates that in God’s kingdom, salvation and blessings are unmerited gifts, not wages earned, highlighting that it is never “too late” to join the kingdom. The story warns against envy and comparing one’s blessings with others. Whether serving God for a lifetime or turning to Him at the end of life, the reward of eternal life is the same. 

The Parable of the Wedding Feast

Mat 22:1  And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 
Mat 22:2  The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 
Mat 22:3  And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 
Mat 22:4  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. 
Mat 22:5  But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 
Mat 22:6  And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 
Mat 22:7  But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 
Mat 22:8  Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 
Mat 22:9  Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 
Mat 22:10  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. 
Mat 22:11  And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 
Mat 22:12  And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 
Mat 22:13  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. 
Mat 22:14  For many are called, but few are chosen. 

This parable was a direct rebuke to religious leaders in Jerusalem, warning them that their rejection of the Messiah would result in their loss of the kingdom, which would then be given to others. Just prior to Jesus telling this parable, He said this: Matthew 21:43, “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produce the fruits of the kingdom,” signifying that stewardship of God’s kingdom would be removed from those rejecting it- specifically, the Jewish leadership of that time- and given to those who will bear its proper fruit. Those initially invited represent the Jewish nation/religious leaders who rejected the prophets and Jesus. The second invitation sent out represents the gospel being extended to all, including Gentiles and the marginalized. The wedding garment represents the righteous acts of the saints; lives that emulate the teachings and life of Christ. Rev 19:7  Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. 
Rev 19:8  She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints. 

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

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

This parable warns against spiritual complacency and warns that being part of the group (church) is not enough without personal, inward preparation. Relying on the light of another’s lantern is spiritually slothful and foolish. We must store up for ourselves the Oil of Truth, which is the Word of God. It is the Word of God that keeps our lanterns burning and our lights shining in this dark world.

The Parable of the Talents

Mat 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. 
Mat 25:15  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. 
Mat 25:16  Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 
Mat 25:17  And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 
Mat 25:18  But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 
Mat 25:19  After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 
Mat 25:20  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. 
Mat 25:21  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. 
Mat 25:22  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. 
Mat 25:23  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. 
Mat 25:24  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: 
Mat 25:25  And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 
Mat 25:26  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: 
Mat 25:27  Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 
Mat 25:28  Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 
Mat 25:29  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. 
Mat 25:30  And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

Lastly, this parable speaks about the knowledge revealed to us about the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. Each servant is given a portion of understanding and the Lord weighs what His servants have done with what was given to them. Luke 16:10 “Whoever is faithful with little is also faithful with much, and the one who is dishonest with little is also dishonest with much.”

Mat 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. 
Mat 13:12  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. 

So, let’s do a bit of a recap.

The first parable describing the kingdom is kicked off by Jesus telling a story about a Sower going out into the field/world to sow His Seed. His Word, the Gospel of the kingdom is that seed and it was sown on 4 different terrains, which Jesus explains, represent the different conditions of people’s hearts. So the kingdom starts with the WORD, the Gospel of the kingdom being preached to the world, and those that hear, believe, repent, endure and obey, produce the good fruit of the kingdom upon the earth. The Word comes alive when received by faith, transforming words into a personal, empowering truth.

Secondly we see the kingdom being described as Good Seed, the children of the kingdom, being sown into the world, that grow and produce their fruit alongside weeds that the enemy has sown among the kingdom. So, the Word that was sown by the Sower in the first parable is now living and active within the hearts of the children of the kingdom upon the earth in the second parable.

The other 10 parables describe how one becomes part of the kingdom of heaven, by demonstrating obedience to the principles and precepts of God’s kingdom.

I feel as though enough scripture and commentary has been provided thus far, for each and everyone of us to get an idea of what the kingdom of heaven is like, and why it is that Jesus taught us to pray to the Father, that His kingdom would come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

God Bless you all! Be free and set free in Jesus name!

.