“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near!’

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.

From that time Jesus began to preach this message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

“The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son.

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my one dear Son; in him I take great delight.”

I tell you, many will come from the east and west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,

From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and forceful people lay hold of it.

He replied, “You have been given the opportunity to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but they have not.

He presented them with another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a person who sowed good seed in his field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea that caught all kinds of fish.

At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!

Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

“For this reason, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven!

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.

“But as for that day and hour no one knows it – not even the angels in heaven – except the Father alone.