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Jesus’ unique vision of the kingdom

1. Jesus announces the kingdom
Gospels record the many good works jesus performs throughout his public ministry – these acts
manifested god’s will that all people be cared for and proclaimed that the kingdom of god had
come. Jesus fulfilled god’s will by bringing all humankind god’s salvation
Salvation: act or freeing people and societies from suffering and oppression
2. Jesus teaches us with his kingdom parables
Jesus used parables to describe the kingdom of god – short simple stories that illustrate a moral
truth or religious teaching; old French word parabole “to put beside” or “compare”
a. The parable of the mustard seed
Gives us consolation and hope – every good that we do no matter how small, contributes to
the building of god’s kingdom of love, peace, justice
b. The parable of the yeast
Jesus encourages us to look beyond what is visible and to trust god in establishing his
kingdom in quiet but sure ways
c. The parable of the treasure
Treasure symbolizes god’s blessings that manifest the kingdom, our faith, loved ones, true
friendships
d. The parable of the pearl of great price
Tells us when we find the kingdom of god in our lives, other possessions become secondary
and of less worth
e. The parable of the net
About what will happen at the end of time; describes judgement day – day when good will be
rewarded and the wicked punished
The church’s teaching on the kingdom of god
1. The kingdom of god is a gift as well as a task
The kingdom is a gift/blessing from god but our role is to acknowledge the gift and respond to it
actively
2. The kingdom of god is already here but not yet fully
Kingdom of god is present in human history and society but is still in the process
The sacrament of confirmation
Strengthens the gifts of the holy spirit within us, empowering us to become witnesses and proclaimers of
god’s kingdom
Parables
Comparison drawn from nature or human life and told as a story to embody or evoke some moral or
religious insight; jesus was able to convey his teachings clearly
Types of parables:
1. Parables that describe the king/god – his nature, qualities, attitudes in dealing with people
2. Parables that emphasize the kind of response needed to enter the kingdom
3. Parables that deal with our relationship with other people
 4. Parables that refer to the future coming of the kingdom
The good news themes in the parables
1. God’s loving mercy is at the heart of the good news
God loves us with his infinite, unconditional, forgiving love
2. Everyone is called to enter the kingdom
Kingdom requires a response from each of us
3. The kingdom demands our repentance
Jesus challenged the people to “repent and believe in the gospel”
4. The good news demands persevering response
We will be judged according to our response to the good news
5. Rejoice and be hopeful
Those who accept god’s message will find the “hidden treasure” – goodness, generosity,
forgiveness, love, salvation
Miracle: manifestation of god’s presence and power
In the new testament, greek words are used to refer to jesus’ miracles
Teras: marvel
Dynamis: power
Semeion: sign
Different miracles of jesus
1. Jesus performs healing miracles
2. Jesus performs nature miracles
3. Jesus performs exorcisms
4. Jesus restores life
Miracles in everyday life
1. God’s ongoing creation
Life has been flowing and growing throughout earth since first day of creation
2. A person’s change of heart
Person’s conversion – decision to turn away from sin and enter new grace-filled life
3. Modern-day miracle workers
(example: doctors and social workers) share the task of bringing people closer to the kingdom
4. Social transformation
People who denounce and fight poverty, graft, corruption, injustice – make world a better place
5. We are god’s greatest miracle
Uniqueness and beauty of each person – capable of great wonders and potential is limited –
masterpiece of our creator – we are special

Beatitudes
Seat of declarations jesus delivered in his sermon in the mount; ethical and spiritual standards jesus set for
those who want to follow him; introduce the whole sermon, presenting variations of a single paradox –
“god’s way up is down”
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Complete dependence on god
2. Blessed are those who mourn: for they will be comforted.
It’s alright to grieve, it’s natural and healthy to mourn; sadness and comfort is part of our life; we
should open our hearts to the spirit’s presence through prayer
3. Blessed are the meek: for they will inherit the earth.
To be humble, gentle, patient and not ever ready to take offense; have control over personal
reactions – able to direct passions and energies to positive goals
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be satisfied
Intense drive for justice – fight against anything that stands in the way of justice and
righteousness
5. Blessed are the merciful: for they will be shown mercy.
We focus not on the wrong done but on the doer whose genuine repentance is a grace from god –
restore the dignity of a wrongdoer
6. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they will see God.
Hearts are in the “right place” – seek what is authentically good with pure intentions, detect false,
commit to live as christ’s disciples, seek to do god’s will
7. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God.
Willingness to act for peace – advocate peace, “make peace” even during difficult situations
8. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of
Heaven.
Those who do not fit in with the secular world is fine because they want to fit in more with
christ’s kingdom – truly blessed people
Reaching out to the poor and outcast
Jesus identified himself with the poor – not only preached but offered them life
Poor and outcasts: treated as non-persons