The Kingdom Of Heaven Suffers Violence

In Matthew 11:12, Jesus addresses the challenges that come with embracing the kingdom of heaven. He begins by referencing the time from the ministry of John the Baptist up to the present moment. John played a crucial role in preparing people for the coming of the Messiah. His message, focused on repentance and the arrival of God’s kingdom, was the starting point of God’s plan of salvation unfolding. Through John, God’s promises to His people were beginning to come true, signaling that the kingdom was no longer a distant hope, but something that was now actively being proclaimed.

When Jesus says, "the kingdom of heaven suffers violence," He is referring to the resistance the message of God’s reign has faced since the beginning. The kingdom of heaven isn’t just a future promise; it’s a present reality that believers can experience now. However, from the moment the kingdom was proclaimed by John the Baptist, it has been met with opposition. This opposition isn’t just physical; it’s also spiritual, coming from forces that oppose God’s rule over the earth. It’s not that people are physically fighting against the kingdom, but they are resisting the message of the kingdom in many ways, whether through rejection, denial, or even force.

Jesus then adds, “the violent take it by force,” which can be understood in two main ways. First, it may refer to those who violently oppose the kingdom of heaven, those who resist God’s reign because it challenges their power and control. In Jesus’ time, religious leaders like the Pharisees and Sadducees saw His message as a direct threat to their authority. Politically, the Roman Empire also viewed the rise of this new movement as a potential cause for rebellion. Those in power often attempted to suppress the spread of God’s message, using force or intimidation. This kind of “violence” is a direct response to the kingdom being announced because it threatens the existing systems of authority.

On the other hand, “the violent take it by force” could also describe those who are eager to take hold of the kingdom of heaven. These are the people who, despite facing opposition or persecution, are determined to pursue the kingdom with all their heart. It’s not about using physical violence, but rather having a passionate resolve to seek God’s kingdom no matter the cost. They are willing to endure hardships, rejection, and even suffering because they recognize the immense value of God’s reign and want to be a part of it. Jesus might be encouraging believers to pursue the kingdom with the same intensity and commitment—pressing forward even when the path is difficult.

Living in God’s kingdom isn’t easy. Jesus’ teachings were counter-cultural and went against many of the traditions and norms of the time. He was calling people to a new way of thinking, living, and believing, which often meant leaving behind old habits, desires, and ways of life. Those who chose to follow Him had to make a radical shift in their lives. They were called to turn away from self-centeredness, pride, and greed, and embrace humility, love, and service to others. This transformation wasn’t just an external change—it was an internal one, requiring people to alter how they viewed the world and their place in it.

In a world where power and control were highly valued, the message of God’s kingdom was radically different. The kingdom was about love, justice, peace, and humility, and it was not a message that was easily accepted by those in power. Those who sought to follow Jesus had to be ready to face challenges, often in the form of rejection or persecution. The kingdom of heaven called people to live in a way that was different from what the world valued, and it came with a cost.

The phrase “the violent take it by force” could also be seen as a call to action for believers. It urges people not to be passive in their pursuit of God’s kingdom, but to actively seek it with passion and urgency. The kingdom of heaven is not something that can be obtained casually or half-heartedly. Jesus is challenging His followers to pursue the kingdom with an unwavering determination, even in the face of difficulty. This “force” is not about physical aggression, but about an inner strength and resolve to press on, no matter what obstacles arise. Jesus is inviting His followers to seek the kingdom with all their heart, recognizing that it is worth the effort and sacrifice.

This call to action aligns with the broader theme of Jesus’ teachings. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus talks about the narrow gate and the difficult path that leads to the kingdom of heaven. He says that few will find it, suggesting that the journey to the kingdom is not easy. It requires perseverance, sacrifice, and a willingness to give up the things of this world for the sake of something much greater. The kingdom of heaven isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s for those who are willing to push through hardship, challenge their old ways of living, and commit to a new way of life in God’s reign.

Ultimately, Matthew 11:12 is a reminder that the kingdom of heaven is not easily obtained, and following Jesus requires a deep commitment. The kingdom has faced opposition since its announcement, and believers will face challenges too. But the message of the kingdom is worth pursuing, even in the face of resistance. Jesus is encouraging His followers to seek God’s kingdom with urgency, passion, and determination. The challenges may be great, but the reward, being part of God’s eternal kingdom—is far greater. Those who are willing to endure hardship, sacrifice, and opposition will experience the true peace, freedom, and life that only God’s kingdom can bring.

I hope this message blessed you. If so, please leave a comment. I look forward to hearing from you.

Anna M. C. Hazen  2024

The image is AI generated on chatgpt.