Todays Reading Matthew 13:18 – 58
How great it is that we get to read the parables of Jesus from the bible. We get to read them in context. The bible tells us why Jesus speaks in parables. The bible even explains the parables. The parables tell us who is for us and who is against us. Where treasure and wealth are found. They even tell us the future.
The Sower
In the parable of the sower, He tells us that the devil is against us (along the path), our own fleshly desires are against us (on the rocky ground), and the world is against us (among the thorns). But there is hope for the good soil. But what is the good soil? The one who hears and understands the word! So, then I have to ask myself, what am I doing to hear and understand the word? Am I doing enough?
The Wheat and the Weeds
We as believers in Christ (the wheat) are growing in the same field (the world) as the weeds (from the devil). God’s plan for us is to grow in the same field but not feed on the same food. After all, once upon a time we were weeds ourselves, feeding on the bread of the world. But God worked through someone to change our lives. They fed us with truth. By the grace of God, we are now fed by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Also, by His grace and mercy we will be separated from the weeds at the end of the age and shine like the sun. In order to serve others as someone has served us, we must feed on the Bread of Life so that we may have what we need to feed others. I ask myself these questions. What are you feeding on? Who are you feeding and what are you feeding them? We can’t give what we don’t have lest we get it from somewhere else.
The Mustard Seed and the Leaven
The impact of something small can make all the difference in the world. Granted the life of Jesus wasn’t small. He has made an eternal impact on the world. What other man can lay claim to that? Jesus said the kingdom of heaven was like a mustard seed and leaven. Both are small things that can grow and affect everything around it. Jesus is the kingdom of heaven, so he was comparing himself to something small that would affect everything around him. And we can see it today. His leaven has spread across the whole world. He ministered for over three years and his ministry is still carrying on through his followers. Am I part of the leaven that is spreading out affecting everything around me?
The Great Treasure
The parable of the hidden treasure and of the pearl are one in the same. Both parables show that gaining the kingdom of heaven is worth any price. Whatever is lost in pursuit of the kingdom of heaven is a small price to pay, considering the value of what is gained. What have you given up for the kingdom of heaven? What do you need to give up?
New and Old Treasures
This parable is a little different than the previous ones. It is about the scribes or the teachers of the kingdom of heaven. The master of the house is a teacher that will bring out his old and new treasure. His old treasure is the Old Testament, and the new treasure is the life and teachings of Jesus. Which will become the New Testament. The teacher who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven understands the new revelation from Jesus and how it fulfills the Old Testament promises. This parable tells us that the Old and New Testament are built on each other.
The Rejection
Jesus, through several of these parables, has told us how valuable his kingdom is. He also illustrates that some would find this kingdom and be richly blessed. Others would miss it for various reasons. Those who miss it would hear but not understand and see but not perceive.
When Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth, he taught the people there with wisdom and authority and they were astonished. He even performed mighty works. Yet they rejected him because of their pride. How could a carpenters son teach with more wisdom and authority than the scribes? But the truth didn’t matter to them. Because they built up in their minds who Jesus was, they did not believe that he could do great things, even though they saw it.
Jesus is who the bible says he is. When we hear or think something we should always test it against the scriptures.
