In a previous article (https://exponential.org/what-the-kingdom-of-god-is-like/), we explored how the multiethnic church represents the clearest earthly expression of the prayer Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Drawing from Revelation 5:9 and 7:9, we established that heaven itself is multiethnic where a redeemed people from every tribe, language, people, and nation are united as one in Christ and around His throne. We then considered the first five Kingdom parables in which Jesus repeatedly described the Kingdom of heaven as something expansive, transformative, inclusive, and growing.
- Like a mustard seed becoming a great tree, healthy multiethnic churches grow into visible expressions of the Kingdom where people of different backgrounds find belonging together in Christ.
- Like yeast working through dough, the multiethnic church movement has quietly grown from the margins beyond early doubters to become one of the most influential movements shaping the trajectory of the local church in this century.
- Like wheat growing among weeds, healthy multiethnic churches are formed not by avoiding tension and complexity, but by leaning into them for the sake of the gospel.
- Like a net gathering all kinds of fish, healthy multiethnic churches are not narrow, selective, or centered on one type of person but more broadly engage others beyond human preferences.
- Like a banquet table expanding to welcome unexpected guests, healthy multiethnic churches embody the inclusive nature of God’s Kingdom where diversity is not erased but united in Christ.
In this second article, we turn to five additional Kingdom parables that deepen the vision. Here Jesus reveals not only the inclusive nature of the Kingdom, but also its value, cost, stewardship, readiness, and shared reward. Together, these parables further demonstrate why the multiethnic church is not merely one expression of the Kingdom among many, but perhaps the most visible and compelling foretaste of heaven on earth.
6. The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like a Treasure Hidden in a Field
Jesus said the Kingdom is like a treasure worth selling everything to obtain (Matthew 13:44). Building a multiethnic church often requires sacrifice. It may involve giving up familiar worship styles, preferred leadership structures, or cultural comfort. Yet the reward is worth it.
When believers choose reconciliation over convenience, they demonstrate that the kingdom is more valuable than preference. They show that unity in Christ is worth the cost.
7. The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like a Merchant Seeking Fine Pearls
Similarly, the merchant sells everything to obtain the pearl of great value (Matthew 13:45–46). The multiethnic church represents such a pearl. It reflects the beauty of the gospel made visible. It demonstrates that Christ has broken down dividing walls. It reveals the power of the cross to create one new humanity.
This is not merely theological. It is practical. When the world sees diverse believers loving one another, it becomes credible evidence of God’s love. Jesus prayed in John 17 that unity would cause the world to believe. The multiethnic church answers that prayer.
8. The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like Workers in a Vineyard
In Matthew 20, workers arrive at different times but receive equal pay. The Kingdom disrupts assumptions about status and privilege. It affirms equal dignity and shared identity.
The multiethnic church embodies this equality. No ethnicity dominates. No culture defines the whole. All stand equally at the foot of the cross. Leadership is shared. Voices are heard. Gifts are honored.
9. The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like 10 Virgins
The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25) emphasizes readiness. The church must be prepared for the coming Kingdom. Building multiethnic communities is part of that readiness. It anticipates heaven. It aligns the church with the future God has promised.
10. The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like Talents Entrusted
In the parable of the talents, servants are entrusted with resources and expected to multiply them (Matthew 25:14–30). Diversity within the body of Christ is one such resource. Cultural perspectives, experiences, and gifts enrich the church. A multiethnic church multiplies these gifts for greater Kingdom impact.
Revelation and the Parables Together
When we read Revelation alongside the parables, a clear picture emerges. Heaven is multiethnic. The Kingdom grows inclusively. It gathers diversity. It forms unity. It expands the table. It values reconciliation.
Healthy multiethnic churches therefore express perhaps the most faithful, credible, and compelling witness of the Kingdom of God “on earth as it is in heaven.” While not at all perfect or easy, they are profoundly biblical.
More than this, healthy multiethnic churches push back against the divided patterns of the world. In a culture increasingly fragmented by politics, race, class, ideology, and fear, they demonstrate a better way forward through the reconciling power of Jesus Christ. They remind us that the gospel is not merely about individual salvation, but also about the formation of a new humanity in Christ. As Paul declared in Ephesians 2, Jesus Himself ‘is our peace,’ having torn down the dividing wall of hostility to create ‘one new humanity’ from many peoples.
Why This Matters Now
In a divided world, the credibility of the gospel is often questioned. Words alone are not enough. The church must demonstrate reconciliation. When believers of different ethnicities worship together, it becomes visible evidence of Christ’s work.
This is why the multiethnic church matters. It is not simply about diversity. It is about witness. It is about the Kingdom becoming visible. It is about heaven touching earth.
When Jesus taught us to pray, “on earth as it is in heaven,” He invited us into this work. He invited us to build communities that reflect the future. He invited us to embody the Kingdom now.
A healthy multiethnic church is that embodiment.
- It is a preview of heaven.
- It is a sign of the Kingdom.
- It makes the gospel visible.
- It compels diverse others to come and see.
As more churches embrace this calling, the prayer of Jesus moves closer to fulfillment:
“Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
