Read “And Finally . . . the Kingdom of God Is Like This . . . .” Note how the author encourages readers to find contemporary metaphors for the Kingdom of God.

Write an essay (1,000-1,250 words) on contemporary metaphors for the Kingdom of God. Choose one parable or other metaphor used by Jesus to describe the Kingdom of God. Explain how this metaphor would have made sense to the 1st century audience of Jesus. Note its historical or cultural relevance. Note the meaning and impact of this message on his original audience. Finally, imagine how this same meaning and impact might be communicated in your contemporary context.

A successful paper will:

1. Take into account the historical/cultural significance, theological intent, and the impact of the parable or metaphor on the original audience.
2. Explain how the changed metaphor is faithful to the teaching of Jesus on the Kingdom of God while changing the metaphor for your audience.
3. Explain how this updated metaphor communicates to your audience the characteristics of the Messianic Kingdom of God as Jesus taught and modeled it.
4. Demonstrate your understanding of the teaching of Jesus on the kingdom and your ability to communicate that teaching in a contemporary setting.

In addition to the Bible and the assigned article, you must use at least two other scholarly sources.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

This benchmark assignment assesses the following competencies:

BA Christian Studies

Domain 1: Biblical Foundation

Competency 1.2: Demonstrate an understanding of the history, literature, and theology of the New Testament