Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Pharisees, you can in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:20).

Yeshua has made an emphatic statement to the crowd on the mount! Together, ‘me thinks’ that we have seen the emphasis! There is more to say on this topic, but we’ll only address one more issue with the basileia of Heaven: can you be booted out of the Kingdom of Heaven club?

Before we address what Yeshua has to say about that, let me encourage you to go back and reevaluate our Messiah’s teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven. Normally, those are taught from a ‘how to become a believer’ stand point. However, upon further examination we see that they have to do with ruling and reigning. Hence, we see in all 40 references that there is faithfulness and responsibility on the part of the recipient.

When Yeshua begins teaching in parables concerning His Kingdom He initiates the truths of His reign with the parable of the Sower and the seed (Matt. 13:24-30). Each of the seven (7) parables spoken in this discourse are connected to one another and add additional insight to the previous parable. Each aspect of the first four parables deals with how the enemy attempts to keep individuals from bearing fruit to prevent them from reigning in the coming Kingdom. The last three (3) focus on the price that was paid for those individuals who will rule and reign and the separating out of those who don’t.

The first parable, the Sower and the seed ends with the good seed bringing forth fruit some 30, 60, 100 fold. The second parable begins with the good seed being surrounded by tares planted by the enemy (Matt. 13:24-30). This parable confuses the disciples and they request additional information (Matt. 13:36). Yeshua grants their request and explains the details (Matt. 13:37-43).

He identifies the two types of seed, one Sons of the Kingdom, sown by Yeshua, and the other Sons of the wicked, sown by the devil (Matt. 13:38,39). The reapers that will harvest both at the end of the age are the angels (Matt. 13:39). The tares, the proud, imitators of the wheat, will be gathered together first into bundles to be burned (Matt. 13:40,42) and then those that are ‘wheat’ will shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father (Matt. 13:43).

I want to highlight the verse that makes the distinction between the two seeds: Matt. 13:41, ‘The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His Kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity.’ This verse begs us to ask multiple questions. 1. What are the tares doing in the Kingdom? 2. What was their offense? 3. Why does ‘offense’ cause disqualification? 4. What is iniquity?

Though Matthew 13 does not identify the names of the people who are described as the ‘Tares’, later in Matthew 15 we have their identity revealed as the Pharisees (Matt. 15:12-14). The Pharisees were the most powerful influence of their day sitting in Moses seat (Matt. 23:2). However, because of their disobedience in managing the vineyard (Isa. 5; Matt. 21:33-43), their hatred for the Torah and those who represented it, the Kingdom of Heaven was taken from them and offered to a group of individuals that would bring forth fruit (Matt. 21:41-43).

We have seen their offenses in a previous study on Matthew 23 where their offenses are listed. Because the reign of Heaven is a position received upon faithfulness, the Pharisees proved clearly they were not willing to live the prescribed criteria and sought to wield their power and authority on earth, which is not where the Kingdom manifests its reign (John 18:36).

As we have seen in previous studies, ruling and reigning with Yeshua is a privilege, not an unconditional gift. Many are called to this position, but few will be chosen. The path to rule and reign is straight and narrow and few that will find it. It’s a prize that must be strived for. It’s a fight to the end! And those who endure to the end will find the prize of reigning with Messiah for a thousand years worth every ounce of faithfulness (Rev. 20:4).

In the last days, the hearts of men will grow cold because iniquity, anomia, Torah-less living, will abound (Matt. 24:12). The Pharisees were advocates of replacing the Torah-based lifestyle with a man-made tradition lifestyle (Matt. 15:1-8). They sought to be the power brokers and replace the Prophets of their day (John & Yeshua).

In Matthew 7:21-23, Yeshua identifies the false prophets (cp. Deut. 13:1-8) and why they won’t enter the reign of heaven.

‘Not everyone that says to me, Master, Master, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Master, Master, have we not prophesied in your name? And in your name have cast out devils? And in your name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.’

We will get to these verses in greater detail as we approach the end of the Sermon on the Mount, but for now let’s notice that these verses speak of a future judgment day. These individuals identify Him as their Master (cp. 1 Cor. 12:3). They list their righteous activities (prophesying, exercising demons, wonderful works) in Yeshua’s name. Yet, Yeshua says ‘I never knew you’! Depart from me, you workers of anomia, Torah-less living.

Remember, the Pharisees replaced the commandments of Elohim with the traditions of men. 1 Corinthians 8:3 tells us what it means to be known by Yahweh Elohim. It is those who love Him. Those who love Him keep His commandments (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6). Those who keep His commandments are the ones who know Him (1 John 2:3) and abide in Him (1 John 3:24). It’s how we display our love for the brothers (1 John 5:2). If we say we know Him, but don’t keep His commandments we are lying and the truth is not in us (1 John 2:4).

Scripture explains one reason why ‘we’ don’t keep His commandments and live the lifestyle of Yeshua: Satan hates it and he attacks those who do (Rev. 12:17; 14:12). But for those who recognize this and endure to the end, they will be granted access to the Tree of Life and are granted access to enter the gates of the City (Rev. 22:14); privileges and positions of ruling and reigning.

Let’s press on for the prize together!

Rak Chazak Amats! Be Strong and Courageous!

Alan