Kingdom: Discovery
The Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of God
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Rev. Tim Callow
Preached Sun. July 30th, 2023
The Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of God. I sometimes hear people talk about the Kingdom as if it were our enterprise. In this case the Kingdom becomes a just social order, a moral social order, or a more robust Church. Sometimes I hear people talk about “building the Kingdom.” But nowhere in the Bible does it talk about the Kingdom that we are called to build. Rather, as we see this morning, the Kingdom is a matter of growth, of discovery. It is the little and imperceptible thing that turns out to be a source of great comfort and joy.
When Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God he uses parables. A parable is a story or image, most often out of common life, that leads to some insight beyond the story. Parables can be puzzles, at times Jesus seems to use them precisely to confuse people. At other times parables are great teaching devices that put a point in a clear and memorable way. But other times, as in the case of these parables, they more function to help us see the Kingdom more clearly. If we grasp these parables then we can attune our sight to see the reign of God today.
First, Jesus tells us, the Kingdom is like a mustard seed. Though it is the “smallest of seeds” he says, it grows into the greatest of shrubs. Even into a tree. And even the birds of the air can come and take rest in its branches. The Kingdom, then, grows from the small, the imperceptible, the seemingly insignificant. The Kingdom does not come by grand gestures, but by the day to day. When I was hanging out with Catholic Workers they had a sign over the sink that said, “everyone wants a revolution but no one wants to do the dishes.” Everyone wants to sign a big check, but no one wants to hand a twenty or buy a lunch. Everyone wants to cure the sick, but no one wants to lend a helping hand. That is hyperbole, of course. As the whole parable is. But the Kingdom arrives on a short and narrow road. Not a freeway. God makes his grace known in the little acts. When you’re not seen, when you don’t have a clear end in mind, that’s when God works.
Second, Jesus says, the kingdom is like yeast a woman mixed in with flour. Until all was leavened. This parable is much like the first. You don’t see the yeast in the flour. But you see the result. You don’t see the Kingdom, but you see what it accomplishes. The imperceptible microbes make a big difference. The giving of alms, the little acts of renunciation, the little prayers, do much in the economy of God.
Third, Jesus compares the Kingdom to a treasure hidden in a field. Someone finds the treasure, and hides it. And since he knows the treasure is worth more than all he owns, he joyfully sells all he has to buy that field. And wins the treasure. He also compares the Kingdom to a merchant in search of fine pearls. And when he finds an absolutely astonishing pearl he sells all he has to purchase it. Here the Kingdom isn’t something that is made, or built, or cultivated. It is something that is found. And the discovery is so overwhelming, so exciting, so joyous, that they run off to sell all that they have to buy it. Jesus tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness. They put the treasure first, forsaking all they have, giving it all up, for the sake of the treasure. That is the Kingdom of God. Something more joyous, precious, and worthwhile than all things on this earth.
And, finally, he compares the Kingdom to a dragnet. This hearkens back to last Sunday. The Kingdom is like a net that drags in all sorts of fish. And the fish needed to be sorted at the end of the trip. So too with the Kingdom! God claims many people. God claims our whole selves. God is not very picky. But, in the end, all will be sorted out. Important here, I think, is that the Kingdom of God is shown to be the Kingdom of God.
So what is the Kingdom? It is God’s rule. It is the joy he brings. It is a life of peace. It is mercy and forgiveness, not just from God but also amongst one another. It is the bonds of charity that make us one. And it is not so much something we do, as much as something we find. Something more precious than the life we once knew. Something more precious than all the treasures of this world. And it is something that is at first imperceptible. But when it grows many may find comfort and rest. It is something that is here but yet awaits its full completion at the end of the age. But now we may find peace, comfort, and joy in the power of God in our midst.