While doing research for an article (scheduled for publication in the fall), I noticed that the phrase “kingdom of heaven” is only found in the Gospel of Matthew. The other Gospels used “kingdom of God.” Is there a difference in the phrases?
According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was sent to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. The Gospel of Mark tells us that Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God is near but Matthew used the phrase kingdom of heaven. When we look at parables that are mentioned in other Gospels besides Matthew, we see the same thing. So it seems the phrases are synonymous.
In chapter 19, the apostle Matthew used “kingdom of heaven” in verse 23 and repeating himself in the next verse, used “kingdom of God.” Therefore, the phrase is interchangeable. So, why did Matthew use the word heaven instead of God?
As we read the book of Matthew, we notice a lot of references to the Old Testament. The first chapter has the genealogy of Jesus linking Him to King David and to Abraham and a quote from the prophet Isaiah. There are several places where Matthew says that a prophecy has been fulfilled. So Matthew was writing to Jews who would be familiar with Old Testament teachings.
Therefore, Matthew may have used the phrase “kingdom of heaven” to keep his audience from getting confused with the Old Testament idea of the kingdom of God. In the Old Testament, God promised Abraham a place where his descendants would be ruled by Him. The Jews thought God would send a descendant of David to free them from their oppressors, the Romans, and rule over them.
The other Gospels were written to those who were not Jews or who were not familiar with the Old Testament. So they would not have a preconceived idea of what the kingdom of God is about. Does this make sense?
Prayer
Almighty God in heaven,
Thank You for the Gospel according to Matthew which tells us how the Old Testament proves that Jesus is Your promised Messiah. Help us to dig deep into Your Words so that we understand Your truths. May we follow Jesus’ commission to expand Your kingdom.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Verses
Luke 4:43 Jesus said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God”
Mark 1:15 Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”
Matthew 4:17 Jesus began to preach this message, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19 Parable of a mustard seed
Matthew 19:23 it’s hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven
Matthew 19:24 It’s difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God
Isaiah 7:14 this young woman will give birth to a son and call him Immanuel which means ‘God is with us’
Matthew 1:22 All this happened to fulfill the Lord’s message through the prophet
Genesis 12:1-3 God said to Abram, “Leave your country and family and go to a place I’ll show you. I’ll make you a great nation and bless you. You will be a blessing to others.”
2 Samuel 7:12 God told David, “When you die, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own son, and I will make his kingdom strong.”
Song
“King Of Kings” by Hillsong Worship is a great song about the kingdom Jesus brought to Earth.
Call To Action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then read the book of Matthew to see how Jesus fulfilled the promises in the Old Testament.