Breaking news. The phrase “breaking news” has been inflated in recent years. Years ago, “breaking news” meant a story so important it was worth interrupting other programming. Now, in the cable news era, the words “breaking news” pop up at regular intervals, several times an hour.
In that sense, they’re like the “new and improved” moniker on food products displayed on supermarket shelves. Judging from the number of “new and improved” labels, you’d think the American food industry was engaged in a perpetual frenzy of innovation.
“News” sells. “Breaking” news even more so. Even if it’s not really breaking.
The news that Jesus breaks is astonishing and incredibly good news. In fact, this is the way the announcement is framed in the gospels. Breaking news: Good news! The kingdom of God is upon us! The kingdom of God is within you! Or, as John the Baptist would thunder, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Jesus himself, after his baptism and temptation in the wilderness, began his ministry by announcing the news: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
Most people — after hearing breaking news — want details. Many have an insatiable thirst for more details, more information, more background or more understanding. We want to know more.
This is what Jesus does often in the gospels. He provides context. He tries to give the disciples understanding and insight. The kingdom of God has broken into history. What does this incredible, amazing and daring action mean?
Jesus explains with parables and metaphors.
Okay, he says, the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed.
Or, try this: It’s like yeast.
Or, here’s another way of looking at it: It’s like treasure in a field.
It’s also like an expensive pearl.
Finally, it’s like a fishing net.
The mustard seed. This seed is so small, yet from this virtually invisible seed, a huge shrub develops, large enough for birds to flit about, nest and rest.
This is an image of the kingdom of God. Its power is so great that no matter how small the work, no matter how small the seed that is sown, it results in something great and amazing. The metaphor also reminds us that we cannot do everything. All we can do is plant seeds.
Yeast. That which is small, virtually invisible, yields an astounding product much larger than itself. In this case, the emphasis is not on external material growth, but something that is happening inwardly. The leaven works within the dough.
Dough without yeast is heavy, thick, inert and tasteless. Dough into which leaven has been introduced is completely different. The kingdom of God is a changing agent; it causes expansion, development, movement, a metamorphosis.
The treasure in a field and an expensive pearl. It was not uncommon in the first century A.D. for someone who had something quite valuable to bury the precious item in his backyard or field. The object was thereby protected from marauders and thieves.
Jesus’ parable supposes that someone has found a treasure in a field accidentally. What is he going to do? He buys the field so he can legally claim the treasure in the field.
The purchase of a priceless pearl is a different matter. The pearl is not discovered accidentally. The pearl is discovered by someone who is shopping for precious gems, or something similar. He finds this incredible pearl, and knowing its value, sells off everything he owns to purchase it.
Breaking news! The kingdom of God is more precious than anything in this world. Give up everything to possess the kingdom!
A fishing net. The message that someday the kingdom of God will triumph over evil. The “breaking news” of the kingdom of God is the announcement that the kingdom is not just a present, spiritual reality, but also an inevitable future physical reality. This is indeed good news for these people as it is for us today.
For many people today, the times in which we live are dangerous, confusing and crushing. We are beset by so many ways of thinking. Evil and unrighteousness are all around us. We are often beleaguered and “hunkering in the bunker” of despair and uncertainty.
This message reminds us to step out into the light of the certain victory and triumph of righteousness. Breaking news! We can leave all of this in the hands of God and go back to being the church, being a mustard seed, being the yeast in the loaf.
We are agents of the new kingdom! We are heralds and messengers breaking the best possible news upon a world eager to hear some good news!
