The Kingdom of God has come in insignificant form, like that of a mustard seed, but it is the Kingdom of God and is therefore of inestimable value. It is like a treasure whose value transcends all other treasures; it is like a pearl whose acquisition merits the loss of all other goods. (Matthew 13:44-46). The fact that both of these items are purchased has nothing to do with the basic truth of the parables. We cannot buy salvation (it's cost is beyond our ability to pay), it is a gift from God and must be received by faith (see Matthew 20:1-16). Yet as a gracious gift, it may cost one his earthly possessions (Mark 10:21), his friends, family or even his life (Luke 14:26). It merits any cost yet the one who receives it is cautioned to count the cost (Luke 14:28).
Although the Kingdom of God has come in an unexpected manner, it will nevertheless usher in the final judgment - the separation of the good from the wicked and the destruction of evil. This day is not yet; it belongs to the end of the age (Matthew 13:49). The parables of the wheat and tares and of the draw-net indicate that both in the world at large and in the visible aspects of the Kingdom there will be both good and evil living side by side. In the Kingdom, they are the false teachers about which there are so many warnings, in both the Gospels and the Epistles. "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves." (Acts 20:29-30) This explains how, now matter how hard a church may try to preserve a Biblical purity of membership, people will nevertheless be found in its midst who have interests contrary to the Kingdom.
The mystery of the Kingdom is also found in Mark 4:26-29. Just as in the parable of the mustard seed, the element of growth is not the main point, rather the fact that once sown, the earth bears fruit of itself. The Kingdom of God is a miracle, a supernatural act of God. It remains man's G0d-appointed duty to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, but the actual working of the Kingdom belongs to God. From the time of Christ's humble entrance in the earth, the Gospel of the Kingdom has come (the miracles of Christ and the signs and wonders accompanying the Word not withstanding) quietly, without fire from heaven, without a blaze of glory. It comes like a seed sown in the earth. While it may be rejected by hard hearts, withered by pressure and persecution, or choked out by cares and deceit, it is the Kingdom of God. And it brings the miracle of divine life among men. The blessings of divine rule begin to manifest in new hearts of flesh as the sons and daughters of Almighty God await the revelation of the Kingdom in power and glory, forever and ever......Amen!
