Our sense organs 45

– a man who sowed good seed in his field”
(Matt 13:24).
– a mustard seed“ (Matt 13:31).
– yeast“ (Matt 13:33).
– treasure hidden in a field“ (Matt 13:44).
– a merchant looking for fine pearls“ (Matt 13:45).
– a net“ (Matt 13:47).
– a king who prepared a wedding banquet for
his son“ (Matt 22:2).
The soul-searching conversation with Zacchaeus
ends with a reference to eternal salvation: “Today
salvation has come to this house. ... For the Son
of Man came to seek and to save what is lost”
(Luke 19:9-10).
Jesus does not promise children an easy life on
this earth, but he promises them heaven: “Let
the little children come to me, and do not hinder
them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such
as these” (Luke 18:16).
When Jesus sees the paralytic he does not tell
him first “Get up and walk!”, but “Your sins are
forgiven” (Matt 9:2). It is once again clear that
a decisive freedom from sin is a prerequisite for
heaven and is of the utmost importance to Jesus.
rejoice that your names are written in heaven”
(Luke 10:20). Jesus gives absolute priority to this
particular reason for joy. 1 Peter 1:8 refers to this,
saying: Rejoice “with an inexpressible and glorious
joy.”
If we show the way to glory to just one other
person, it will result in insurmountable joy in
heaven: “In the same way, I tell you, there is
rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God
over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).
This means:
– The most important task God’s children have is
to spread the word that will lead people to
heaven. This heavenly assignment still has
utmost priority.
– Until the return of Jesus, the eternal goal must
remain the main topic of biblical preaching
and pastoral care.
– Knowing that we have a home in heaven
(Phil 3:20) should form the substance of our
lives and infect others with our joy.
The Sermon on the Mount is so often misquoted
today, but heaven is its main subject:
– “Blessed are those who are persecuted because
of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven” (Matt 5:10).
– “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness
and all these things will be given to you
as well” (Matt 6:33).
– “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is
the gate and broad is the road that leads to
destruction, and many enter through it. But
small is the gate and narrow the road that
leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matt
7:13-14).
As the disciples returned from a missionary journey,
they rejoiced to know that even the demons
submitted to them. Jesus reminded them that
they had a much greater reason to rejoice, “Do
not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but
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