The establishment of the Kingdom of God was the major mission of Jesus, and Jesus asked His discipline to carry it out. In today’s gospel, Jesus presented two perspectives on the Kingdom of God. The first perspective is illustrated from verses 26 to 29. In this model, the kingdom likely looks like someone who is scattering seeds on the ground. This perspective is in collaboration with nature. It needs the help of the environment to establish the Kingdom of God, just as humans take care of the earth (Genesis 1:28–30).
The earth is the provider for the needs of humans in establishing the Kingdom of God. Both the earth and humans are collaborating together to sustain and maintain the Kingdom of God. If so, anyone who is against this perspective is creating their own kingdom, which the evil force has dreamed of. Further, this model guarantees humans the ability to collaborate with nature and the environment to sustain the grace of God because the creation and the existence of the Kingdom of God are manifestations of the grace of God.
The second is likely a mustard seed (verses 30-32). Based on the biblical narrative, this model needs human involvement to enhance the Kingdom of God in the world. Humans need to actively participate in spreading the gospel around the world. Without the participation of humans in this model, the Kingdom of God will not be experienced. The participation of humans starts with the smallest things and becomes larger and larger. It is the human factor that spreads out of the Kingdom of God into the world. Also, humans need to grow themselves to carry out the tasks. No one will be left out of this task because the evil forces are doing the same to maintain their reign.
From these perspectives, many Christian denominations are debating what the ideal model is, for how to establish, maintain, and sustain the Kingdom of God. In fact, Jesus never required us to consider what perspective we were employing to experience the Kingdom of God. It differs from our preference based on culture and situation. No one may say that one perspective is right and the other is wrong. It varies according to the contextual situation of the community of believers that may adopt, which is the appropriate model for them contextually. The community of believers who lack resources may utilize the first perspective. Meanwhile, those who have more resources may use the second perspective. Jesus never suggests that first and second are the right perspective; rather, it defers to the acceptance of the community of believers.
The concept of the Kingdom of God is significant for Christian communities. It strengthens the spiritual unity of the believers to address the misunderstandings, misapprehensions, and differences among the community of faith, as well as building relationships with other communities.
Today, we celebrate the day of our fathers. They have an important role in building the reign of God in every place. Allowing our fathers to carry out this task together with their families may spread the reign of God throughout the entire world. I am praying for our fathers to continue adopting the model or perspective of building the Kingdom of God among us. And remembering our forefathers for sharing their responsibility as the builders of the Kingdom of God anywhere in this world.
A joyful celebration for the Day of All Fathers!
