In my play, ROAD TO BETHANY..The Passion Play, I refer to the Kingdom of  Heaven as being "like a mustard seed that a man plants in his garden..it grows itno a tall tree, birds nest in its branches”, paraphrasing Jesus,  in describing the“Kingdom”.

Now, I’ve often wondered about that, because  I purchased a pack of “mustard seed” on my trip to Israel.   The seeds  are smaller  than a grain of sand, but when planted,  apparently they grow into a tree.

The idea of the parable is to show how the “Kingdom” grows, but also,I believe that  He is telling us that the “Kingdom” is one that is nurturing.  Birds nest in trees that  are  nurturing, provide comfort.

Does that mean it grows in population or in size?

I would say, it means growth in population.

In Daniel the size  and scope of the “Kingdom” is spelled out.

Let’s examine other parables that  Jaesus used in comparing  the “Kingdom” to other  objects, well known to His listeners..”leaven bread”,  “treasure”, “merchant”,  “dragnet”.

Aagain, with the “leaven bread” it has to be with growth, the way  dough  rises.

The parables of “treasure” and “merchant” all seem to emphasize the great value in  being in the “Kingdom”. 

The “dragnet” would seem to show that , like fish, souls are gathered , and then the sorting of the “good” and the “bad” begins.

He used these parables  to make his listenerss  aware of the awesomeness  of the “Kingdom” so as to make them seek to be a part of such a wondrous  place.

But always, Jesus makes it clear that it is a place  to which all should aspire, but not one in which all will become a member.

Again in my play,  using the gospel, Jesus responds some what   cryptically, when asked how one would enter, with   “The way is narrow.many will  try and many will fail.. after the door is closed you will strike it, and cry out, Lord, Lord, let me in..I ate and drank in your prsence, you taught me in the streets. “ And He will say, “Go away I do not know you.” 

This is followed by.. “There will be great wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

I explained this earlier, but I suppose it warrants repeating.

 I believe that  Jesus is telling them that they think they have  been  taught in His ways , but that they are mistaken,  and have been misled by charlatans/evil-doers..

Paul uses the “Kingdom of God”in refering to the kingdom that will be established here on earth, intermittently with that  of the “Kingdom of the Heavens”.

Initially the Kingdom will be ruled by Jesus the Christ,  upon His return to earth.  

Following  His rule, whereupon all  living souls will have turned to God and peace will reign, God will descend  and rule here on earth, and Jesus and His followers will ascend  to bring order in the heavens.

Who else will reside is not completely known, of course, but Paul says that  members of the Ecclesia  will  certainly be among those chosen by God, because we are a “part of the body of Christ”.."wither He goeth, so goeth we”..paulnbob