The Kingdom of Heaven

Product Summary

Main Characters:

Jesus and the Disciples; the doubters: Boaz, Jeremiah and David; The Planter of Wheat; The Merchant of the Pearl; Leah and the Maidens

Scriptural References:

Matthew 13:3-30
Matthew 13:40
Matthew 12:45-46
Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 25:34-40

Overall Theme:

Jesus uses the parables of the Wheat and the Tares, the Merchant and the Pearl, and the Ten Maidens to describe our relationship to the Kingdom of Heaven.  How His listeners respond to His stories tells us much about whether they will be included in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Summary:

A group of early disciples listens to Jesus tell the inspiring stories of the Kingdom of Heaven.  He explains that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who has planted a field of wheat.  We see an enemy at night, scattering bad seed—the seed of the weed-like tare—among the good seed planted in the man’s field of wheat.  As a result, the wheat and tares grow up intermingled.  Harvest is the time of reckoning.  The farmer tells his men to gather first the tares and then the wheat.  The unwanted tares are cast into a fire.  Jeremiah, one of the listeners, begins to understand the meanings behind Jesus’ words, but his faith is shaken by Boaz, who declares that Jesus blasphemes.

In the parable of the pearl,  a wealthy merchant discovers a perfect pearl and willingly gives all he has for the beautiful pearl.  A young man, David, decides that he can no longer listen to Jesus.  David cannot bear to give up all the things he has worked for in this world in exchange for the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Jesus then tells the Ten Maidens parable.  Five of the ten maidens waiting for the wedding feast of Judah have come unprepared, with no oil for their lamps.  Arriving at night, they ask to be let in but no one has extra oil for them.

Drawing on the meaning of the parables, Jesus explains to His followers that there are those who hear the word of God but refuse to understand it.

Background:

The gift of eternal life is not accepted by everyone.  These parables give examples how we, like the characters in the stories, may be distracted by the “thing” of the world and not accept the joy Jesus has to offer. 

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