Matt. 11:12 (AMP), “And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize — a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion].

Luke 16:16 (MSG), “God’s Law and the Prophets climaxed in John; Now it’s all kingdom of God — the glad news and compelling invitation to every man and woman.”

Again, it’s very plain as to what it means to be violent about the kingdom of God.

“The law and the prophets were until John.”

The law and the prophets continued to be the sole teachers till John came. And he was the first person who began to proclaim the glad tidings of the kingdom of God, GOOD NEWS; and now, whosoever wishes to be made a partaker of the blessings of that kingdom must find his or her way by force, rush violently with speed into it.

Now just to make a point here as well why Jesus was saying this to them. It was more like ‘take note that there is but a short time before an utter destruction shall fall upon that wicked evil generation that was always seeking for a sign, before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70’

So those who wished to be saved must of necessity imitate those who take a city, the kingdom, by storm-rush into it, without delay, as the Romans are about to rush into Jerusalem.

“And every man presseth”means the Publicans and sinners, all those discriminated against by the Pharisees , the priesthood and the scribes, are eagerly pressing into it. Whereas they are just there showing off their forms of religiosity and an economy system of legalism that is passing away, because they are unable to “discern the signs of this time.”

Therefore, they are to be left behind with the new thing in the making, the establishment of the kingdom, being found stranded because of their monumental blindness and obstinacy of heart.

And in addressing them He said in:

Luke 16:15, “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. 16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”

Now what is the spirit of those pressing into the kingdom?

It is first all, of those who have come to have the accurate knowledge of the value of the kingdom; Jesus puts it this way;

Matt. 13:44, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” Hence scripture says,

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding,” Prov. 23:23 KJV).

By implication you can’t trade the truth of the kingdom of God for anything else. Your religious zeal can’t equate the truth and values of the kingdom of God if you truly know what it stands for.

You can invest in the kingdom without being forced to do so like I mentioned in the case of Joseph of Arimathea (Mark 15:43);

(“Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.”) who gave his tomb to Jesus to fulfill scriptures,

“And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death…” Isa. 53:9.

Those who truly understand the kingdom will never debate whether to tithe or not. Whatever they have belongs to God in the kingdom.

The likes of Mary Magdalene, the harlot, saw value in the kingdom and invested by breaking such a precious ointment on the feet of Jesus preparing Him for His burial, but His disciples could not see that.They queried her for wasting such an amount of money.

Yes your being in church doesn’t equate the fact that you know what the kingdom stands for. Those who have seen the kingdom are the ones who are in partnership with the ministries of the sent ones like the Philippian church;

Ampl. Phil. 4:15, “And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with me and opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only.

16 For even in Thessalonica you sent [me contributions] for my needs, not only once but a second time. 17 Not that I seek or am eager for [your] gift, but I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account]… 19 And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

The likes of Rahab the harlot saw value in the kingdom and preserved the spies sent into Jericho and end up becoming one among the streams that proceed the Messiah.

Seeing the kingdom and pressing into it is more than ranting religiously. It is a life of commitment to the Lord even secretly in your service. You may not even be popular for it. 2 Tim. 2:19; “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.”

The End