Proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven

“As you go, proclaim the good news: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is here!’”

We continue the exciting series of Forum discussions for readers who want to learn more about Jesus: a fourth synoptic question has been posted in the JP Discussion Forum. This is part of our ongoing effort to keep our Forum subscribers engaged and challenged. Each month we present a new synoptic riddle.

This month’s question is: “What were Jesus' twelve disciples to do when they arrived at one of their preaching points?” What did Jesus command these twelve emissaries to say to the townspeople and villagers they met, and how were they to behave? Here are the four parallel accounts of Jesus’ instructions (according to the NRSV):

“As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.” (Mt 10:7, 11-13)

“He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place.‘” (Mk 6:10)

“Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there.” (Lk 9:4)

“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” (Lk 10:5-9)

Forum members who participated in the last three months of discussions probably are exhausted, having worked so diligently. Even the many who followed the discussions, without posting their thoughts, have studied hard. All are happy, though! Nothing is more rewarding than learning more and more about Jesus!

Throughout the last month, we discussed the question: “In healing Peter’s mother-in-law, did Jesus touch her?”

The previous month’s discussion question was: ”What did Jesus forbid his twelve disciples to take with them on their famous training mission of healing and proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven?”

The month before last, JP Forum participants enjoyed an exciting discussion on the topic, ”Where did the wicked tenants kill the son?”

To date, there have been more than 8,000 views of these three topics.

The above 4 discussions (along with 411 others) are ongoing and completely open and without charge. Join the more than 700 members of the JP Forum. If you are not a registered member of the Forum, please read this FAQ: ““How do I register for the Forum?”

Join fellow disciples of Jesus as they try to better understand Jesus’ words. Read the thoughts of others, and contribute your own ideas.