The message of Daniel: “Daniel encourages the faithful by showing them that though Israel was exiled from the Land of Promise, they will be restored to the realm of life at the resurrection of the dead, when the four kingdoms are followed by the Kingdom of God, so the people of God can trust him and persevere through persecution until God humbles proud human kings, gives everlasting dominion to the Son of Man, and the saints reign with him.” (With the Clouds of Heaven, James M. Hamilton Jr.)

 Outline of passage

• King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream, which the magicians can neither reveal nor explain (2:1–13)
• After prayer, God’s reveals the mystery to Daniel (2:14–23)
• The dream and its interpretation: four kingdoms, and then everlasting dominion!  (2:24–45)
• The king’s response: he confesses God’s greatness, and exalts Daniel and his friends (2:46–49).

Mathew 13:24-43

The New Testament Concept of “Kingdom”

• Universal/Saving (in its relation to people)
• Already Here/Not Yet Come (in its relation to time)

Question: How can the Kingdom of Heaven be present in the world without wiping out all opposition?

Answer: The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds

• In his inaugurated Kingdom, God permits the righteous and the wicked to coexist until the end of the age.
• The wicked will eventually be separated out and judged – in hell.
• The righteous will be gathered together, rewarded, and brought into God’s presence.

Question:  What is the Kingdom of Heaven like?

Answer: The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast

• God’s Kingdom begins humbly, but becomes glorious