Matthew 11:12 (ESV) – From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.
Luke 16:16 fully unlocks what Jesus really meant by this phrase
Luke 16:16 (ESV) – The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.
The Amplified Classic translation helps give more language to help unveil the true meaning
Luke 16:16 (AMPC) – Until John came, there were the Law and the Prophets; since then the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone strives violently to go in [would force his own way rather than God’s way into it].
Matthew 11:12 (AMPC) – 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].
So here is the rephrasing of Matthew 11:12 so it makes perfect sense:
– The kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent (try to) take it by force, but they can’t
To enter into the kingdom we only have need to go through simple trust relationship with Jesus, not by human physical force or strength
Matthew 18:3 (ESV) – and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
– Little children are weak, not strong. It doesn’t take any work to receive a free gift
Matthew 7:21 (ESV) – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and cast out demons in Your name, and do many mighty works in Your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Luke 13:24 (ESV) -“Strive to enter through the Narrow Door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the Master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then He will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ 27 But He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from Me, all you workers of evil!’ 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out.
– They will violently gnash their teeth at Jesus as they will be livid in fury against Him
– This is the kingdom suffering violence
Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
– Sons and daughters don’t need to use force, they simply inherit a free gift