Since needing glasses for reading, the experience of slipping them on my face and having everything come into focus is such a relief! But for my glasses to fulfill their purpose, the lenses need to be clean (and of the appropriate prescription), the frame needs to support them, and the arms ("temples") need to hold them in the right place.

Similarly, meditating on three important themes from Jesus' stories (and teaching) can also bring the Kingdom of God into focus for us.

First, we see the Reign of God's Kingdom (ok, this one is obvious :-) ).

The parable of the Bags of Gold -- there, opening with the words "it [i.e., the Kingdom] will be like", Jesus indicates that the most important things are received from God, and our destiny depends on how we handle those things.
The parable of the Laborers -- "But the Kingdom is like"; God is represented by the employer -- the employees represent us.
The parable of the Unmerciful Servant -- "the Kingdom can be compared"; and again, God is the master; we are the servant(s).

Second, we are reminded of the Requirements of God's Kingdom.

The parable of the Tenants -- God requires that we deliver to him a portion of his harvest.
The parable of the Sower -- As good soil, we are required to receive the message of the Kingdom, so that we can bear fruit.
The parable of the Fig Tree -- As good trees, we are required to bear fruit for our owner.
see also this teaching of Jesus.

Third, we are made aware of the Representatives of God's Kingdom.

The parable of the Judgment -- The King treats the "least" as his representatives, and our destiny depends on how we treat them.
The parable of the Unmerciful Servant -- The master's reaction to the between-servant conflict suggests that he takes the mistreatment of the lesser servant personally. In effect, the lesser servant is treated as his representative.
The parable of the Tenants -- Here, once again, our destiny is connected to our reception of God's representatives.

God's reign; God's requirements; God's representatives -- surely this is (at least) a (partial) summary of the message of the Kingdom that Jesus taught. This is the seed (mentioned in the parable of the Sower) that can take root in our lives so that we yield fruit.

Focus

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