In his Gospel, Matthew quotes Jesus using a phrase 32 times that occurs NO WHERE ELSE in the Scriptures. What is the phrase?
...(wow, so glad you asked)...the unique expression in Matthew is: "the Kingdom of Heaven." The other Gospels (Mark, Luke, and John) all prefer the phrase "Kingdom of God." Why the difference?
Most commentators point out that Matthew's original audience were primarily Jews; Jews with a long history of reverence for the name of God---Jews who went to great lengths to steer clear of even the appearance of misusing the name of the Lord. Thus, one plausible explanation for Matthew's unique term is simply an effort to eliminate possible confusion and offense by using the word "Heaven" in place of the name "God." Plausible indeed.
But...unfortunately FOR US...that favorite phrase of Matthew...often creates a great deal of confusion. Many of us read Matthew's Gospel and attribute Jesus' comments about "the Kingdom of Heaven" to be referring to some far-off destination after we die. But take a moment to look closer at such passages as:
Matthew 6:9-10
Matthew 6:25, 32-33
Matthew 10:5-8
Matthew 12:22-26, 28
Matthew 13
Mattthew 18:2-3
These make a strong case for "Heaven" (our eternal destiny with God) and "Kingdom of Heaven" to be two distinct topics.
Have you heard many sermons that point out such a distinction?
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