Revisiting the Kingdom of God Parables (Matthew 13)
Scripture
Matthew 13:10-13 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables.
Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
Thought for Today
This day, let’s review the marvelous parables spoken by Jesus when He was on earth, particularly those found in Matthew the 13th chapter. The seven parables the Lord taught in this chapter all centered on the Kingdom of God, the recurring topic during our 2024 prayer and fasting season.
Jesus always spoke to crowds in parables to illustrate spiritual truths and lessons in morality. In Matthew 13, he used them to offer insight into the Kingdom of heaven and earth. He knew that no matter how he delivered the lesson the crowd would not understand (see or hear). He reminded His disciples that the prophecy of Isaiah (chapter 6) was being fulfilled. Though they had full use of their physical eyes and ears, their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah blinded their spiritual comprehension.
True believers receive knowledge of even the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven. A periodic review of these parables during your personal study reveals deeper insight into the kingdom of heaven on earth.
The Sower (Matthew 13:3-13)
Jesus tells a story of a farmer who plants seeds for his crop in different types of soil. Their growth (if any), depended upon where the seeds landed. While some of the seeds yielded a bountiful crop, others produced nothing at all.
In verses 18-23, Jesus taught that a kingdom mindset and vision may be lost if it is not firmly rooted, tribulation arises, or it is smothered by the bondage of riches and the cares of this world. Kingdom seeds sown in healthy ground retain the Word and bear the fruit of the righteousness of God.
The Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30)
The Lord likened the kingdom of heaven to a man who planted good seeds of grain in his field, only to find weeds (tares) among his crop when they sprouted. When asked why, he said that the weeds were planted by an enemy. He declined the offer to pull the weeds out since the wheat could also be removed by mistake. His servants were told to let them grow together and he would separate the two at a later time.
Later, starting in verse 36, Jesus sends the crowd away. His disciples asked him to explain this parable. He explained that the good seeds were the righteous of the kingdom. He revealed the identities of the sower, the field, the tares, and the enemy and what will be their eventual outcome.
The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31,32)
Comparing the kingdom of God to a mustard seed, Jesus pointed out that it is the tiniest of all seeds. However, it grows into a magnificent tree capable of providing shelter for the birds of the air. Can you agree that the earthly kingdom of God, which began when the Lord handpicked a few humble fishermen, has thrived so much that it provides spiritual shelter for crowds that seek the Savior? What part can you play in producing even more growth in the kingdom?
The Yeast/Leaven
Again, Jesus illustrates how much the kingdom on earth can yield from a mere small and inconspicuous beginning. The woman in this parable mixed a bit of yeast into small portions of dough. The result was that the entire batch was leavened. In other words, it rose higher and was transformed for the better.
More Kingdom Parables in Matthew 13
To study God’s kingdom is to build a foundation that can never be shaken. It will also help when God uses you to introduce people to the Gospel of Christ. The seven parables spoken by Jesus in just this one chapter cover a variety of topics for edification as well as for teaching. The parables of the hidden treasures and the beautiful pearl express the value found in the Kingdom of God. These men sold everything they had to get what they so greatly desired, just as you seek kingdom values.
You are a kingdom representative of Christ on earth and follow His example. Jesus did not try to entice His listeners by preaching that the kingdom of God was a place of material wealth, perfect health and unlimited peace. He did not force a political agenda to draw followers. His purpose was to offer the Way to enter, and presented Himself as the Door to do so.
“But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear.” Matthew 13:16
Time to Pray!
Father God, we are grateful that you have blessed us with the ability to see and hear the mysteries of the Kingdom. Let us use your teachings to remind us of our citizenship and ways we can serve and increase Your kingdom on earth. In the name of Jesus. Amen
