We have seen a repeated theme about the kingdom; Jesus taught it can be like a tiny seed that bears great fruit. Something small that is planted, nurtured, and grows into something massive. We are also taught to pray for God’s kingdom to come (Luke 11). But how does it come?

In Matthew 13:44-45, Jesus again gives two small back-to-back parables that speak of some foundational kingdom realities.

The kingdom of God while in the earth has mixed company. Two parables back-to-back (Matt. 13:24-32) actually help us better understand this foundational kingdom reality.

The first kingdom reality explored in yesterday’s devotional is that Jesus is King. The second kingdom reality can be demonstrated in the relationship between the kingdom and the human heart.

Jesus mentions the kingdom of God or heaven over one hundred times in four gospels. He mentions the church twice and being born again once. That should reveal what was important to Jesus.

Jesus is amazing! After four gospels filled with supernatural power, love, and sacrifice, the last verse of the last gospel tells that we are only getting a glimpse of all He did. John supposes the world could not contain the record of everything He did. Jesus is uncontainable.

Jesus is the lover of our souls, a friend closer than a brother, our Savior, but also our Lord. The relationship between Jesus and Peter is being restored, but Jesus is still Lord, and Peter isn’t. Lordship is a position of authority.

Have you ever met someone who made some bad decisions, mistakes, or failures, and never recovered? Do you know of a person who has made some bad decisions, mistakes, and failures, yet for them it seemed to turn into a blessing? Would you like to know what made the difference?

Guilt is not good for you. Most people understand that; but when asked if they should never experience guilt, most people still think they need it. This is called neurotic. Guilt leads to condemnation, and condemnation leads to death.

We live in an egocentric culture, and egos are fragile. To ask Peter three times if he loved Jesus would be considered rude by some. But not to Jesus. It was love, and it was help. Jesus was not concerned about Peter’s ego but his restoration.

Peter may have swum to the shore that day for many of reasons. One may have been that he had yet to have a private moment with Jesus to discuss his betrayal. He could have hurried, simply to have a moment alone with Jesus.