THE MYSTERY OF THE KINGDOM

[Doug]

[Mark 4:11 KJV] 11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:

The mystery of the kingdom is not the same mystery revealed to Paul.

Jesus was teaching about the Davidic kingdom on earth, in which, the believing remnant of Israel will reign with Christ for a thousand years.

Some examples of the mystery of the kingdom:

[Matthew 24:45-47 KJV] 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed [is] that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

What Jesus was revealing was that a faithful servant will be rewarded.

[Matthew 13:44 KJV] 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.

What Jesus was revealing was that to enter the kingdom they had to sell all they had.

[Matthew 18:23, 32-33 KJV] 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. ... 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?

What Jesus was revealing was for Israel to be forgiven they had to forgive.

 

[LoveYeshua]

[Mark 4:11 KJV] 11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:

The mystery of the kingdom is not the same mystery revealed to Paul.

Jesus was teaching about the Davidic kingdom on earth, in which, the believing remnant of Israel will reign with Christ for a thousand years.

Some examples of the mystery of the kingdom:

[Matthew 24:45-47 KJV] 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed [is] that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

What Jesus was revealing was that a faithful servant will be rewarded.

[Matthew 13:44 KJV] 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.

What Jesus was revealing was that to enter the kingdom they had to sell all they had.

[Matthew 18:23, 32-33 KJV] 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. ... 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?

What Jesus was revealing was for Israel to be forgiven they had to forgive.

The main mistake in that explanation is that it turns Jesus’ spiritual message into an earthly and national one. Jesus was not speaking of a political or future Davidic kingdom but of God’s Kingdom that begins inside the heart. He said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36) and “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). The mystery He revealed was how people could enter this Kingdom by faith, obedience, and a changed heart. It is also wrong to limit the Kingdom to Israel. Jesus opened it to all nations, saying, “Many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11).

The parable of the treasure and the pearl (Matthew 13:44–46) does not mean we buy or earn heaven, but that the Kingdom is worth giving up everything else for. Eternal life is God’s gift, not something we can purchase or achieve (Matthew 19:26).

Finally, the teaching about forgiveness (Matthew 18:23–35) applies to all believers, not only Israel. Jesus said, “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours” (Matthew 6:15).

In truth, Jesus’ parables revealed the hidden ways of God’s Kingdom, a spiritual reign that begins now in those who love Him and will be fulfilled when He returns.

 

[Doug]

The main mistake in that explanation is that it turns Jesus’ spiritual message into an earthly and national one.

The Davidic kingdom is an earthly one.................
[Jer 23:5 KJV] 5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
[Rev 5:10 KJV] 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

 

[Doug]

It is also wrong to limit the Kingdom to Israel. Jesus opened it to all nations, saying, “Many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11).

In this verse those from the east and the west are scattered believing remnant of Israel. not the nations.

The nations will enter the kingdom as seen in Matthew ..................[Mat 25:32 KJV] 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:.............the nations will be blessed by believing Israel in the kingdom

 

[Doug]

The parable of the treasure and the pearl (Matthew 13:44–46) does not mean we buy or earn heaven, but that the Kingdom is worth giving up everything else for. Eternal life is God’s gift, not something we can purchase or achieve (Matthew 19:26).

The parable relates to Israel selling all, and thereby, to be rewarded with treasure stored in heaven, to be realized in the earthly kingdom.

 

[Doug]

Finally, the teaching about forgiveness (Matthew 18:23–35) applies to all believers, not only Israel. Jesus said, “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours” (Matthew 6:15).

We are forgiven all trespasses................[Col 2:13 KJV] 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;.........we dont have to pray for what we are given

The forgiveness in Matthew is based on Israel keeping the covenant

 

[LoveYeshua]

In this verse those from the east and the west are scattered believing remnant of Israel. not the nations.

The nations will enter the kingdom as seen in Matthew ..................[Mat 25:32 KJV] 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:.............the nations will be blessed by believing Israel in the kingdom

This verse from Matthew 8:11 is spoken for all nations, not only Israel.
Jesus had just met a Roman centurion, a Gentile, whose servant was sick. The centurion showed great faith, saying that Jesus only needed to speak the word and his servant would be healed. Jesus was amazed and said, “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel” (Matthew 8:10).
Then He added the verse you quoted (Matthew 8:11), showing what that faith meant — that many people from outside Israel, from “the east and west,” would be welcomed into God’s kingdom. They would “sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” meaning they would share in the same promise and blessing of eternal life that God first gave to Israel’s fathers.
Jesus continued in the next verse: “But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12). This was a warning that many in Israel who rejected Him would lose what they thought was their rightful place, while believers from all nations would be received.
So in simple words:
Jesus was saying that the Kingdom of Heaven will include faithful people from all over the world, not only Jews by birth, but anyone who believes and obeys Him with a sincere heart.

 

[LoveYeshua]

We are forgiven all trespasses................[Col 2:13 KJV] 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;.........we dont have to pray for what we are given

The forgiveness in Matthew is based on Israel keeping the covenant

Not only Israel but all who believe in jesus, his message was universal;

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Circumcision was for the Jews but not for the gentiles this was decided by the apostles In Acts 15, the apostles met in Jerusalem to decide if Gentile believers had to be circumcised like the Jews. Some men were teaching that it was necessary, but Peter stood up and reminded everyone that God had already accepted Gentiles who believed, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did to the Jews. He said they should not place a heavy burden on them that even their fathers could not bear.

Then James gave the final word, saying that Gentiles who turn to God should not be troubled with such requirements. Instead, they should only keep away from things offered to idols, from sexual sin, from animals that were strangled, and from blood.

This showed clearly that circumcision was given to the Jews, but not required for the Gentiles who believed in Jesus.
(Acts 15:1–2, 5, 7–11, 19–20)

 

[LoveYeshua]

The parable relates to Israel selling all, and thereby, to be rewarded with treasure stored in heaven, to be realized in the earthly kingdom.

Hello Doug,
In these B short parables, Jesus teaches how precious and beyond all price the Kingdom of Heaven truly is, and how one must value it above everything else in life.

In the first parable, the hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44);
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.

Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field. A man discovers it, hides it again to secure it, and then sells everything he owns to buy that field. The treasure represents the truth of God’s kingdom, the eternal life and joy found in knowing and obeying God. The man’s decision to sell everything shows the total commitment that entering the kingdom requires. When someone truly understands the value of God’s salvation and His promises, they will gladly give up anything that stands in the way. They do not see it as a loss, but as a joyful trade, because what they receive is far greater and everlasting. The “field” can also symbolize the world, where the truth of God may seem hidden or unnoticed by many. Only those whose hearts are searching and open to God’s call will find it.

The second parable, the pearl of great value (Matthew 13:45–46);
Mat 13:45 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.
continues the same message with a slightly different image. Here, the kingdom of heaven is compared to a merchant who travels in search of fine pearls. When he discovers one perfect pearl, more beautiful and valuable than all others, he sells everything he owns to buy it. The pearl represents the pure and perfect truth of the kingdom — the knowledge of God and eternal life through His Son. The merchant’s search shows the heart of a true seeker, one who desires truth and righteousness above worldly gain. When he finds the truth in Christ, he no longer needs to search among the pearls of the world — he gives up everything else to make that one pearl his own.

Both parables teach that the kingdom of heaven is the most valuable treasure a person can ever find. It cannot be measured by gold, land, or power. To gain it, one must be willing to let go of earthly attachments, sins, and distractions. Jesus did not say that the man or the merchant were forced to sell all; they did so willingly, joyfully, because they recognized the worth of what they had found. In the same way, those who find Christ and understand His truth do not feel burdened by what they give up — they rejoice because they have found life itself.

The message is simple, the kingdom of God is hidden from those who are careless or satisfied with earthly things, but revealed to those who seek it with all their heart. Once found, nothing in this world compares to it. It is worth every sacrifice, because in it we find the greatest treasure of all — eternal life, peace with God, and the joy of His presence forever.

 

[Doug]

This verse from Matthew 8:11 is spoken for all nations, not only Israel.

I am more inclined to think it is about the remnant of Israel based on a couple of verses

[Mat 24:31 KJV] 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other...............his elect, believing Israel, will be gathered from the north south east west

[Luk 13:29 KJV] 29 And they shall come from the east, and [from] the west, and from the north, and [from] the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
[Luk 13:30 KJV] 30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.....................Those who will sit in the kingdom will also be gathered from the north south east and west. The last shall be first

[Mat 19:29-30 KJV] 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first...............Sounds like he is talking about believing Israel. Again he says last shall be first

 

[LoveYeshua]

I am more inclined to think it is about the remnant of Israel based on a couple of verses

[Mat 24:31 KJV] 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other...............his elect, believing Israel, will be gathered from the north south east west

[Luk 13:29 KJV] 29 And they shall come from the east, and [from] the west, and from the north, and [from] the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
[Luk 13:30 KJV] 30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.....................Those who will sit in the kingdom will also be gathered from the north south east and west. The last shall be first

[Mat 19:29-30 KJV] 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first...............Sounds like he is talking about believing Israel. Again he says last shall be first

I do not disagree with what you say here. As I know with absolute certainty from bible texts from the old and new testaments that the remnants of Israel are in fact scattered throughout the world and will be recalled, millions upon millions. But do not reject scripture that also say gentiles or strangers can and were grafted or incorporated to Israel and were indeed welcomed, never forget that.

 

[Doug]

I do not disagree with what you say here. As I know with absolute certainty from bible texts from the old and new testaments that the remnants of Israel are in fact scattered throughout the world and will be recalled, millions upon millions. But do not reject scripture that also say gentiles or strangers can and were grafted or incorporated to Israel and were indeed welcomed, never forget that.

I cant be dogmatic about Matthew 8:11 Sure the Gentiles would enter the kingdom, so could it be the Gentiles would sit in the kingdom while unbelieving Israel would be cast out? Could be, scripture here isnt specific The main point is that not all Israel will enter the kingdom

 

[LoveYeshua]

I cant be dogmatic about Matthew 8:11 Sure the Gentiles would enter the kingdom, so could it be the Gentiles would sit in the kingdom while unbelieving Israel would be cast out? Could be, scripture here isnt specific The main point is that not all Israel will enter the kingdom

unbelievers will be cast out certainly.

Jesus had a nice parable about what you said and you are right not all isreal.

Mat 22:1 Once again, Jesus spoke to them in parables:

Mat 22:2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.

Mat 22:3 He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come.

Mat 22:4 Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’

Mat 22:5 But they paid no attention and went away, one to his field, another to his business.

Mat 22:6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.

Mat 22:7 The king was enraged, and he sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city.

Mat 22:8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited were not worthy.

Mat 22:9 Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find.’

Mat 22:10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered everyone they could find, both evil and good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

Mat 22:11 But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes.

Mat 22:12 ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless.

Mat 22:13 Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”