Reading for June 18 – Yeshua’s Sermon on the Kingdom – 137:8.1-18
What can we learn from today’s reading?
We read about an event that took place shortly before Yeshua and his apostles embarked on their first preaching tour. It was ten days after John the Baptizer had been imprisoned. Yeshua, having received news of John’s arrest, realized that it was time to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom. He ceased his work at the carpenter bench and gathered his associates.
The following day, Yeshua requested permission to speak in the synagogue on the upcoming Sabbath day, which was granted. Before delivering his sermon on the kingdom of God, Yeshua read passages from the Scriptures that emphasized the establishment of the Father’s kingdom and the inclusive nature of its worshipers.
In his sermon, Yeshua declared the coming of the Father’s kingdom, which would embrace people from all walks of life, regardless of their social status or background. He pointed out that his kingdom was not of this world and that he, as the Son of Man, would not seek worldly power or glory. Instead, he spoke of moral decisions and spiritual victories as the means to enter the kingdom, highlighting the importance of childlike faith and dependence.
Yeshua clarified that the kingdom of God was not a physical realm but a spiritual one, existing where the spirit of God teaches and guides individuals. He associated the kingdom with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. He explained that while John the Baptizer baptized with water for repentance, those entering the heavenly kingdom would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
In Yeshua’s kingdom, there would be no distinctions between Jews and Gentiles; greatness would be achieved through service and a willingness to serve others. He compared the kingdom to a seed that grows gradually, leading to the full fruit of everlasting righteousness and salvation. Yeshua said that the kingdom was not about material possessions but a life of progressive righteousness and joy in serving the Father. He proclaimed the new and better way, assuring that entering the kingdom would bring divine rest, abundant blessings, and eternal life. He made it clear that the kingdom of heaven was not dependent on earthly power struggles or liberation from physical bondage.
Yeshua concluded by expressing that he had come to call sinners and those who sought righteousness to enter the kingdom through faith, believing in the infinite love of the Father. The people who heard his words were astonished, though they had varying responses: some believed, some rejected the spiritual concept of the kingdom, and others struggled to comprehend his teachings.
From these verses, we can draw several lessons:
1. Yeshua recognized the right moment to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom, demonstrating the significance of being attuned to God’s timing and direction in our lives.
2. Yeshua taught that the Father’s kingdom welcomes people from all backgrounds, regardless of social status or ethnicity. It teaches us to embrace inclusivity, treating all individuals with love, respect, and equality.
3. Yeshua made it clear that his kingdom was not of this world and that he did not seek earthly power or glory. This teaches us to prioritize spiritual values such as righteousness, peace, and joy over material possessions or pursuit of power.
4. Yeshua highlighted that entering the kingdom requires making moral choices and achieving spiritual victories. This reminds us of the significance of personal growth, character development, and aligning our actions with our beliefs.
5. Yeshua explained that the kingdom of God is not a physical realm but a spiritual reality. It is where the spirit of God teaches and guides individuals. This encourages us to focus on nurturing our spiritual lives and seeking a deep connection with the divine.
6. Yeshua taught that greatness in his kingdom comes through service and a willingness to serve others. This emphasizes the importance of humility, compassion, and selfless actions in our interactions with others.
7. Yeshua likened the kingdom to a seed that grows gradually, leading to the full fruit of everlasting righteousness and salvation. This teaches us patience and perseverance, understanding that personal and spiritual growth takes time.
8. Yeshua taught that the kingdom of heaven is not about material possessions but a life of progressive righteousness, joy, and eternal life. It reminds us to focus on spiritual wealth and the pursuit of divine truth.
9. Yeshua called sinners and those seeking righteousness to enter the kingdom through faith and belief in the infinite love of the Father. This encourages us to have childlike faith, trust in God’s love, and strive for righteousness.
10. The reactions of the people who heard Yeshua’s words highlight the diversity of responses to spiritual teachings. It reminds us that individuals have different levels of understanding and acceptance, and it encourages us to approach others with patience, empathy, and respect.
Today’s reading invites us to embrace the values of inclusivity, spiritual growth, service, and faith as we seek to align ourselves with the kingdom of God. We have an open invitation to participate in a higher spiritual reality.
Questions for Personal Study
1. What event took place shortly before Yeshua and his apostles embarked on their first preaching tour?
2. How did Yeshua respond upon hearing the news of John the Baptizer’s arrest?
3. What did Yeshua request the following day, and was it granted?
4. What did Yeshua emphasize about the establishment of the Father’s kingdom and its worshipers?
5. How did Yeshua describe his kingdom in relation to worldly power and glory?
6. What were the means by which Yeshua said one could enter the kingdom?
7. How did Yeshua differentiate between the physical realm and the kingdom of God?
8. What associations did Yeshua make with the kingdom of God?
9. How did Yeshua describe the process of growth and fruition in his kingdom?
10. What did Yeshua emphasize about the nature of the kingdom, particularly in contrast to material possessions?
11. How did Yeshua proclaim the invitation to enter the kingdom and what was required?
12. What were the varying responses of the people who heard Yeshua’s words?