Matthew 13 - The Kingdom Parables of Jesus

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Matthew 13 is the chapter of parables. There are no less than seven of them in this chapter. I am going to offer a few thoughts for each one. 

The term "parable" comes from the Greek word "parabole", which literally means "throwing" (bolē) "alongside" (para-), by extension meaning "comparison, illustration, analogy." This is a common teaching method used by Jesus. Sometimes he explains the meaning of the parable to his hearers, sometimes only to his disciples, or not at all. Sometimes the meaning is obtuse or seeminly hidden. Jesus will often say the answers come only to those who seek to truly understand them and put into practice. Usually the parable has one main point, which sheds light on what it means to operate in God's kingdom. 

The Parable of the Sower

This is one of the most famous parables and the subject of many fine sermons. Some also call it the "parable of the soils", because it is the soil condition that determines the fruitfulness of the seed. 

1. The sower of the seed (God's Word) sows generously just like a farmer would sow in his field. The idea is that some seeds will take root and others won't. If you sow or forecast it generously your chances increase.

2. There are four soil conditions given and only one that is conducive to the seed taking root and producting the fruit it was intended to produce. In the first three scenarios something blocks the seed from taking root. I.e. The hard path/birds eating it up, the rocky shallow soil, and the thorny soil which choked out the potential growth. 

3. In the good soil, the seed took root, grew, and produced a yield of 30,60 or 100 times over. 

I think the main point is that Christian are meant to be the good seed, which multiplies After the seed takes root and is watered by God's Word, it produces and multiplies itself many times over. This is a metaphor of disciples who make disciples. Christians are meant to bear fruit in showing themselves to be a followers of Christ, but also to be part of the reproduction process by sowing seeds of the gospel through our words and deeds. 

Note for evangelism purposes not every seed falls on good soil and produces fruit. Not every time we share our faith and try to plant a seed will it come to fruition. But we never stop sowing knowing that at some point it will fall on the good soil. 

Are you bearing fruit for God and Jesus? If not, what are the distractions or the things getting in the way of God's Word taking root and bearing fruit in your life?

The Parable of the Weeds

Using the same scenario of seed being sown in a field, Jesus teaches them another parable about what the kingdom of heaven is like. This time he describes an enemy who deliberately sows weeds in the field among the wheat. Note initially they looked the same, but the outcome is very different. The presence of the weeds represented a threat to the health of the wheat.  So when the servants (who represent Jesus' disciples) go to the owner (God/Jesus), they ask them if it is right to pull the weeds out.

But then the story takes an interesting twist. The owner tells them to leave the weeds in the field until the appointed time, so that in pulling up the weeds they will not prematurely take out some of the healthy wheat with them. They are told to wait for the harvest which is presumably the end of the world when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead. 

I think the main point though is that it is not our job to judge the soul of any man or woman. At the harvest time those who have accepted Jesus and those who have rejected him will be separated. But as the scripture says, "God does not desire for anyone to perish but for all to come to a knowledge of the truth!" 2 Peter 3:9

Who are some people you can reach out to who to the best of our knowledge and discernment don't know the Lord?

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast

These two metaphors refer to the fact that things are not always the way they seem in God's kingdom. Someone may have a small beginning, but may grow to do big things. Though our faith may be tiny, as we act on it, it can grow. We often call this "baby steps of faith."

With each "baby step", we see God providing for us in ways we could not ask or imagine. And,we want to trust him more with bigger matters. Before I became a pastor, there were many little steps of faith I took trusting in God though I wasn't sure of the outcome. When God provided each time often not in my timing or way, I became more confident. If God didn't let me down here, then why not step out in faith here. 

God gives us the gift of faith. As we trust in Him and act accordingly, our grows us to the point to become like a shady tree providing shelter for others. Our lives take on significance, as we make a difference in other people's lives. 

What step of faith, big or small, is God asking you to make this year? Tell someone about it (maybe in your small group) and ask them to pray for you! 

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

This parable is about finding something of such significance that everything else in your life pales in comparison to it. When you find Jesus and realize the power of the kingdom, which is available to you as his disciple, you will find it is the greatest treasure you could ever have. All other things that the world treasures: fame, fortune, and folly will all leave you empty when it becomes your treasure. 

While we might not be able to "sell everything we have", we can certainly give all of ourselves to God in response to his great gift to us. 

Where are you relying on the things of this world for your happiness? What do you need to let go of so that you can operate more in God's kingdom?

The Parable of the Net

This parable is very similar to the parable of the weeds. Our job as Jesus' disciples is to try to catch as many fish as possible by preaching and teaching the gospel. The job of the Holy Spirit is to convict people of their sin. We do our part and God does his part. At the end of the day the fishermen (representing angels who represent God) will decide who are the good fish and who are the bad fish. 

I think sometimes we spend too much time trying to find out what fish God wants to keep rather than spending more time fishing and catching fish. 

A Prophet Without Honor

If Jesus was not always accepted by the people he preached to, especially those who you might have thought would have, we should not expect everyone we preach to accept it either. Also, it says Jesus could not do many (meaning he did some) miracles there because of their lack of faith. Almost any time miracles or healing are mentioned in Jesus' ministry it usually a result in people's faith to believe Jesus could do that miracle. I believe it is the same today. 

Is it hard sometimes for you to share Jesus with those closest to you?