“Define your terms!” These words from one of my teachers still ring in my ears. It’s good advice, but hard to put into practice when trying to define “The Kingdom of God.” Even those closest to Jesus – the disciples – pressed Him to explain the kingdom He came to establish.


His answers kept perplexing them. Jesus would say, “The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed,” or “the kingdom of God is like leaven,” or “the kingdom of God is like a farmer who went forth to sow seed.” Jesus expects us to see the many facets of His kingdom by pondering His fascinating and sometimes troubling stories.


Right up to the time of His betrayal, the disciples were still asking, “Is this the time you are going to set up your kingdom?”
Truly, Jesus was not trying to confuse them. Nor is He trying to confuse us. After Jesus arose and the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples, they finally understood what He was talking about. What does life in the kingdom mean to us now? It means we are privileged, joyful heirs of salvation each day!