The King’s Speech
by Andy Baker
Being God’s Son, that is, God’s chosen King, Jesus made many speeches to help people know what the kingdom of heaven would be like (Matt. 3:17; Ps. 2:7; Heb. 1:5). Matthew in particular details these speeches to help his Jewish audience know about the King and His kingdom. Each speech section ends with: “When He finished these sayings…” (Matt. 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). Notice characteristics of what Jesus emphasized about the kingdom of heaven:
The King’s Speech #1 – Matthew 5-7: Righteousness in the Kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount begins with a blessed character of heart that is molded and shaped by God’s will, and the sermon ends with a warning to always hear and do God’s will (Matt. 5:1-12; 7:21-27). This type of righteousness stands in stark contrast to the righteousness of the Pharisees as detailed through the main body of this sermon (Matt. 5:20-7:20). Jesus wants His kingdom to know that true righteousness does not consist in an outward show, but rather that right actions will proceed from an obedient, submissive heart to God’s will.
The King’s Speech #2 – Matthew 10: Preaching about the Kingdom. The main thrust of this lesson is for those (specifically the apostles) who are preaching the good news of the kingdom (Matt. 10:6-8). Jesus very clearly identifies that the preaching of the kingdom will bring persecution, pain and hardship to those who preach. However, Jesus shows that a steadfast reliance on God, His care, and His promised reward should always be the focus of those who preach (Matt. 10:9-10, 18-19, 28, 39, 42).
The King’s Speech #3 – Matthew 13:1-53 – Growth of the Kingdom. The great parables chapter of the Bible is devoted to describing what the kingdom consists of, and the growth it undergoes. From something very small such as a seed, a mustard seed, leaven, and a speck of sand, the kingdom’s growth potential is massive. Despite hearts that are not what they ought to be, a ruthless enemy, or difficulty in finding the kingdom, Jesus assures His followers that the kingdom of heaven will grow as it ought if the Word of God is only sown.
The King’s Speech #4 – Matthew 18 – Relationships in the Kingdom. Jesus uses this speech section to focus upon particularly upon the “little ones” of the kingdom (18:3-4, 5-6, 10, 14). The stress is upon the humility of a little child. The King emphasizes that there should be concern for causing someone else to stumble (18:4-10). There should be concern for a brother or sister who has lost their way (18:11-14). There should be concern for right relationships with each other (18:15-20). Forgiveness, compassion, and patience should always be exercised with our brethren (18:21-35).
The King’s Speech #5 – Matthew 23-25 – Inheritance of the Kingdom. These three chapters move us from a condemnation of those who “shut up” the kingdom of heaven in place of their ritualistic, self-centered, hypocritical religion (Matt. 23), to being prepared for the destruction of the religious center of the day (Matt. 24), and the ultimate return of the King to receive the kingdom (Matt. 24-25). Jesus emphasizes that it is the servants who know the Bridegroom, Lord, and King, and are faithfully serving and expecting Him who will ultimately inherit the glorified kingdom of heaven (Matt. 25:1, 14, 34). Are you in the kingdom and ready for the King to come?