Jesus' Central Message
* When Jesus began his public ministry, he proclaimed, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17). He told his disciples to preach the same message (Matthew 10:7).

1. When you hear the word "kingdom," what do you think about? If you had to live in a "kingdom," what kind of kingdom would you like to live in?

* Jesus presented himself as the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures, which spoke of a future ideal king (the Messiah) and his kingdom. The "Wonderful Counselor" and "Prince of Peace" would "reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever" (Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV; cp. Luke 1:30-33).

* "Much Jewish thought of the day, though highly diverse, equated the arrival of the kingdom with the completion of God's plans for his people in a [nationalistic], physically visible, materially prosperous, and powerful geopolitical entity."

2. Jesus said, "the kingdom of God is near" almost 2000 years ago, but a visible kingdom has not been established. So where is the kingdom? See PDF download for more details

3. How is Jesus' "central message" related to his "mission" (from Lesson 2)? In other words, how is the "kingdom of God" related to Jesus' mission of rescue & deliverance?

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14, NIV)

The Value of the Kingdom - What Jesus Said
† Read Matthew 13:44-46.

4. In these parables, the man and the merchant consider what is most valuable to them. How do we make decisions about what is most valuable to us? If someone else looked at our lives, what would they see as most valuable to us?

5. What do you think is the main teaching of these parables?

6. Why is the kingdom of heaven so valuable? If you are not a Christian, why do you think Christians think the kingdom of heaven is so valuable? What specific characteristics of the kingdom appeal to you personally?

Personal Reflection & Application

> How can we apply the teaching of these parables to our own lives? As Christians, what specific actions can we take to evaluate and change the values in our lives?

Entering the Kingdom - What Jesus Said

† "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3, NIV)

† "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3:3, NIV)

Personal Reflection & Application
> Have you entered the kingdom? If not, what are your reasons, questions or hesitations? Whatever the case, seek the truth as searching for hidden treasure.