Living in the Kingdom of God

Scripture Texts: Matthew 13:31-32; Matthew 5:38-42

The last few Sundays we have heard parables describing the kingdom of God. And today we hear one more parable comparing the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows to be a huge tree with large branches that offers shelter to birds. Jesus talked a lot about the kingdom of God, and he used parables to describe it. But what exactly is the kingdom of God? Jesus has said what it is like and described it, but what is it and how do we live in this kingdom?

At the Thursday Bible Study we had a discussion about how people often make comparisons between different ethnic groups on social media. And there is this idea that one ethnic group is better than others. Where does this come from? From a sociological perspective I think this is a remnant of tribalism. We naturally want to be in groups and community and so our ancestors formed different groups of tribes. Also we are naturally always comparing and assessing other groups so that we know if there is a threat to our existence. Much if not all of our prejudice today, I believe, comes from this way of thinking. And so we compare what is different  and unique about our tribe and we tell stories and create practices that reinforce this way of thinking. Often we are not even aware of the ways our thinking has been shaped by these stories and practices until something or someone interrupts this way of thinking.

So what are the stories that we have been formed by? How have we been raised to think our tribe is better than others? Stories are powerful in forming and shaping us, so it is understandable that the main device Jesus used in teaching was stories. 

Remember that Jesus was a Palestinian Jew living under Roman occupation. He was speaking to people who every day encountered a system that told them they were inferior. And he was raised in a religious system that was central to his identity and view of God. The second text we read today, from Matthew, is a part where Jesus talks about the law, and like any good rabbi he reinterprets it for his audience. He quotes the law, “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” A statement that was first intended to set a limit to the retribution one could cause when wronged. But a statement that continued the retributive cycle of violence against each other. So what does Jesus say to break this cycle? 

He gives this shocking statement to turn the other cheek, to also give your coat, and to walk 2 miles instead of 1. At first these sound like Jesus is saying to give in to the system and let others abuse you. But if we look at each of these in their context they are actually radical ways of peacefully subverting the system and pointing out the injustices it causes.

Slapping with the back of the hand was a sign of superiority over another person. So when you turn the other cheek you are making the person decide, either to stop the abuse, or to slap again with the open hand and in this way elevate and make the person an equal. If the law said you had to offer your shirt, giving the coat as well leaves you naked and points out the injustice of the law. Legally Roman soldiers could force a Palestinian to walk 1 mile, but walking 2 was more than they could require and thus also points out the injustice of the law.

So what is the kingdom of God and what does it look like? Jesus tells us this is a counter-cultural community who refuse to abuse others but also stand up against the abuse caused by others. It is a community that takes small but decisive actions in the hopes of creating more just communities for all. It is people who despite being treated unfairly respond in kindness. It is not simply taking rudeness or injustice as normal but thinking of creative ways to respond that show the truth. It is not returning anger with anger or violence with violence. And it certainly is not easy. It goes against our primitive nature. It takes practice and it takes time to cultivate. Like a small seed that slowly grows into a plant and then a tree.

Jesus’ description of the kingdom like a mustard seed is not realistic at any point. Mustard seeds are not the smallest of seeds and they certainly do not grow into large trees. But who thought the death of one man would change the world? An action, that was not small and insignificant for him but became revolutionary. The death of an innocent person points out the inherent violence in our systems. Jesus was willing to make this sacrifice because he believed living his life out of love was a better way to confront violence and injustice.

So how is it that we live together in the kingdom of God? First, do we let this story of sacrificial love shape and form us? Do we let a story motivated by the well-being of neighbor as well as self transform us? Second, as a community we help cultivate and nurture in one another a different way to live and respond to injustice. We need each other for support and encouragement. Finally, we need each other to help think of creative ways to respond to the problems we face. Some of you have shared with me the challenges you face in the current systems. I don’t have answers right now for how to respond, but I believe that we can work together and with others to address these issues. The call to live in the kingdom of God is not a call to acceptance of injustice. Rather it is a call to live in ways that subvert the system, pointing out the injustices, and working to bring a change that is more just and peaceful for all. Amen

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