1. The Kingdom of God
What is the kingdom?

2. The Kingdom of God - Parables
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE CENTRAL TEACHINGS OF JESUS!
It is clear from the gospels that “the Kingdom” is a difficult thing to explain.
Remember, the Jews expected a very specific type of Kingdom to be ushered in by the coming of the messiah.
Jesus has to re-teach them what the Kingdom is all about. He Often uses Parables to do so.
Parable: Compares something very familiar to an unfamiliar idea about God’s kingdom
Challenges us to use our imaginations, emotions, and minds to grapple with the truth being taught
Able to convey truth in a more interesting and memorable way than teaching by reciting cold facts
Forces hearers to look at reality in a fresh way

3. What is the Kingdom? Parables about the Kingdom
Parable of the mustard seed (Mat 13:31-32)
Parable of the yeast (Luke 13:20-21)
Parables of the treasure in the field and the pearl of great price (Mat 13:44 and 13:45-46) 
Parables of the weeds among the wheat (Mat 13:24-30)
Parable of the Sower (Mat 13:1-23)
What do these tell us about the kingdom?

4. Parables of Jesus Special Features of Kingdom of God
It is for everyone
It involves a life of service
It is of a loving, God the Father
It is united by the Holy Spirit
It is a free gift from a merciful God

5. Most Important! Jesus is the Kingdom! Luke 17: 20-21
The Kingdom of God is in Your Midst!
How is the Kingdom of God in our Midst even today?

6. How do we know It came?
Miracles give proof to the claim that God’s kingdom was at hand and confirmed that God the Father sent Jesus to earth
Four categories of Jesus’ miracles:
Physical Healings
Nature Miracles
Exorcisms
Raising from the Dead

7. more about the kingdom? The Parable of Prodigal Son Luke 15
Luke 15
Parable of the Lost Sheep
Parable of the Lost Coin
What do these stories tell us about the Kingdom?

8. The kingdom
Kingdom (reign) of God
Refers to God’s active participation in life both in heaven and on earth
The Kingdom involves our participation. We are like the laborers in the field.
Jesus is the main principal agent of this kingdom
The Kingdom is wherever Jesus is working!