INHERITING THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN:

SOME NOTES FROM ST MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

1. TWO SONGS ABOUT THE KINGDOM

1.1 From St Matthew 6:33 with 4:4
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Alleluia (6 times)
Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Alleluia (6 times)
1.2 From St Luke 23:42
Lord Jesus, remember me when you come in your Kingdom (6 times)

2. THE LORD’S PRAYER is about the Kingdom (6:10ff). The Kingdom is both
present and future.

Thy kingdom come…Deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom…

3. ETERNAL LIFE is a result of inheriting the Kingdom: “The righteous will go into
eternal life.” (25:46).

4. BUT WHO WILL INHERIT THE KINGDOM?

 the poor in spirit (5:3) Compare 19:23f

 those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (5:10)
 those who do the commandments and teach them (5:19)
 those whose righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees (5:20); compare
13:38ff
 those who seek the Kingdom FIRST (6:33)
 those who do the Father’s will (7:21)
 those who understand and keep the word of God (13:19)
 those who are converted and become as little children (18:3f); compare 19:14
 those who forgive from the heart (18:35)
 those who repent(21:31f) and respond(22:10-14)
 those who bear fruit (21:43); compare 21:19
 those who are ready by preparation to greet the Bridegroom (25:1-13); compare 24:13
 those who trade with their talents and can give an account (25:16)
 those who care for the least of the Lord’s brothers and sisters (25:40); compare 12:50.