Excerpts from Kingdom Come introduction:
— Jesus is the Master Storyteller. The parables of Jesus are memorable because they had a basis in everyday life, but they made a strong impact on the meaning that Jesus was putting forward. Someone has said that the parables are “earthly stories with a heavenly meaning.” Usually Jesus was seeking to make His point with an illustration of that truth.
— However, few of the first hearers of the parables understood them. Even the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” (Matt. 13:10). Jesus responded, “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matt. 13:13). Jesus went on to quote from Isaiah 6:9–10 to explain that just because people can physically see and hear does not mean that they are able to hear and see spiritual truths. The parables are more than interesting stories — because when people see the truth and live the truth, their lives are changed.
— Jesus’ use of the “kingdom of heaven” points to the truth that His kingdom was a heavenly one. The expression “kingdom of heaven” is found in Matthew thirty-three times. Jesus did not come to restore the political fortunes of Israel. Jesus came to rule in the hearts of believers, beginning here on earth and continuing into eternity. In order to enter the kingdom, it is necessary to repent of sin and trust and obey Jesus as Lord and Savior.
—The word “parable” comes from a compound word. One part originally meant “to lay or place.” The other part meant “alongside of.” Jesus took something familiar and placed a spiritual truth alongside it. If the hearers understood, it meant that their hearts and minds were open to Jesus and who He was.
Excerpt from Kingdom Come endorsements:
“In two previous books written by Dr. Clayton, The Key to Understanding the Gospel of John and Daniel: Courage in Chaos, is evidence that he is an effective writer in explaining clearly the truths of those books. The same is true with this book, Kingdom Come: The Kingdom Parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.
“Dr. Clayton guides the learner in exploring those kingdom parables that relate to everyday living for the Christian who wants to grow to be more like Jesus. Although the parable stories are from the time of Jesus on earth, the truths and guidance of the parables carry over to this century.”
Mic Morrow
Retired Editor, Writer, and Consultant
Lifeway Christian Resources
Nashville, Tenn.
