All this is a taste of the kingdom. Jesus was wooing men to accept King and kingdom. To-day, as in all Church time, bodily healing is a privilege for those who can take it, and a gift for the rare few who can be entrusted with it. In these Gospel pages it was freely bestowed on multitudes, and the gift exercised with power by many. Even so it will be in the kingdom time.
[168] Mark iv. 26-29. Matthew xiii. 31-32.
[169] Matthew xiii. 33.
[170] Matthew xiii. 3-9, 18-23.
[171] Matthew xiii. 24-30.
[172] Matthew xiii. 47-50.
Most of the parables are found to be connected in their first meaning with explaining about the kingdom. The kingdom will follow the law of growth that is common in nature, sowing, waiting, cultivating, and reaping.[168] Its influence will spread gradually until all feel its presence and power.[169] It must meet and deal with the obstacles presented by different men's temperaments and dispositions and temptations.[170] There will be opposition, gradually overcome, but never fully.[171] Many will be carried along by the current of the day. It will be a good current, for righteousness will be the common thing then. But in their hearts many will long for something else, something different.[172]
[173] Matthew xiii. 44.
[174] Matthew xiii. 45-46.
But to many, the new blessed kingdom message will come as a treasure accidentally stumbled upon, not being looked for, but now valued as very precious.[173] To others it will come as the thing they have been eagerly seeking for, and which satisfies the deepest yearnings.[174] One who has had any touch with the pathetic yearning of years found in non-Christian lands can better appreciate the results of this kind in these glad coming days.