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 Bro.
Turner:
What
is meant by Jesus’ statement: “the kingdom of heaven
suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force”? Matt.
11:12) Tennessee
Reply:
My
brother and I know everything, but this is one of the things
that he knows — I hope. I’ll try to help you.
Two
other related passages are: Lu. 16:16 “. .every man (all, in
metaphorical sense) presseth into it” or “entereth violently
into it”; and Jn. 6:15 “Jesus perceived that they would come
and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again
into a mountain himself alone.” The relation of the passages
has a certain obviousness in English, and in Greek this is
enhanced by common terminology.
John’s
record shows that Jesus did not approve whatever it was that was
taking place — and I believe there are two reasons for this
disapproval; the Jew’s misconception of the nature of the
kingdom, and their efforts to establish a “kingdom” by the
wrong tactics. Luke puts the statement in the midst of teachings
to covetous, selfish Pharisees. Matthew puts it following an
upbraiding of people who refused to see the true significance of
the work of John the Baptist; and follows it with Jesus’
thanks to the Father that although “wise and prudent” had
not understood him, babes (those who loved heavenly things more
than earthly power and wealth) understood his teaching.
The
Roman occupation of Jewish territory
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in the time of Christ was
but one of many such periods. Leaning on a
materialistic interpretation of the O.T. prophecies, the Jews
looked for a “deliverer” or national leader who would arise
to restore independence. They foolishly followed false prophets
who claimed such a position (Acts 5:35-39 Matt. 24:23-24).
Jn.
6:14 reads “Then those men, when they had seen the miracle
that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that Prophet that
should come into the world.” It was then they sought to “take
him by force” and make him a king. It seems obvious to me that
the motives were wrong (loaves and fishes) as well as their
understanding of the nature of His kingdom. I am reminded of
some today who “rush into the kingdom” (so far as externals
are concerned) under the influence of a big CAMPAIGN FOR CHRIST.
They rally to the BIG thing, the SPLASH, the emotional impact of
high-pressure salesmanship. But the understanding (Mk. 12:34)
and inner change (Jn. 3:3,5) essential to genuine participation
in Christ’s kingdom is missing. The kingdom “cometh not with
observation” but is “within you” (Lu. 17:20-21).
“Take
it by force” indicates only what. they sought to do,
not what actually took place. Jesus was not deceived by the
triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Jn. 12:12-f), and though the
Pharisees said “the world is gone after him” (v. 19), Jesus
knew he was coming to the cross (v.32-33). Today “violent men”
roar and toot their horns to “take the world for Christ:”
but the Christ of the New Testament slips away from such. He is
quietly at work in humble, sincere hearts.
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