"To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted" Matthew 13:11.

Imagine yourself sitting in on a highly technical discussion by computer programmers. Not knowing anything about the topic being discussed, or that these people were computer programmers, the discussion would be bewildering and pointless from your frame of reference. Only in knowing that this discussion was about computers and programming would it begin to make any sense to you. Similarly, unless we understand that the kingdom of God is the key point of reference in Jesus’ parables, they will seem like nonsense stories. To not grasp this main point, then, “YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE” Matthew 13:14; cr. Isaiah 6:9.

Jesus has granted to the receptive the ability to understand "the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.” A mystery is a revealed secret; something not previously understood. Growing seed in various kinds of soil, wheat and weeds, mustard seed, yeast in dough, treasure in a field, a priceless pearl, and a fishing net, all reveal this mystery. A surprise element to the mystery is that something of the kingdom HAS come, but not yet fully. Against the backdrop of expectation of a visible, physical kingdom, the presence of the kingdom is to be seen in the miraculous, radically changed lives, renewed relationships, and permeating influence. These would all precede the long-awaited kingdom in its fullness, when “the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea” Habakkuk 2:14.

The mystery revealed in Jesus’ parables is that the kingdom of God is near, but not yet fully here. We can become citizens of that kingdom now through faith, repentance, and baptism. We can live as a kingdom community; kingdom citizens living within kingdom standards as the church. We can live within the power and influence of the kingdom as we eagerly await its fulness at the return of Christ.

The mystery of the kingdom is not meant to be concealed, but clearly proclaimed for all to hear and receive. Eagerly anticipating the time of its fullness, we are invited to live within its realm today. “the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” Mark 1:15.

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