Matthew 13 & Luke 8
Devotion by Shelly Millard (Nebraska)
Storytime when putting the grandchildren to bed is the best. One of my favorite books is called “Tale of Two Beasts”. In the story, a little girl is walking through the forest and finds a small beast hanging upside down from a branch. She decides to take this little one home and turn him into a pet. The book first tells the story from the perspective of the little girl. The second part of the book tells the story from the perspective of the little beast. Gradually, the two tales come together in a happy ending as they learn to appreciate one another despite their differing perspectives. I love the book because it teaches something I think is important and that is to step back and consider the perspectives of others throughout life. Many, if not most, children’s books attempt to teach a lesson through storytelling. In Matthew 13, we see that Jesus knew the power of stories in teaching abstract principles through parables. He knew that using parables was an effective way to communicate profound truths about faith and life. He merely looked around him and identified familiar elements and characters like farmers, fishermen, bread making, and harvesting crops that could be used to help his listeners understand deeper spiritual truth. Using learning principles that we’ve identified today, he uses metaphors and similes to draw comparisons of the everyday to deeper spiritual truths. These stories stay with us and help us to understand and remember what Jesus wanted us to know. The stories told over 2000 years ago still have relevance to us today.
The beautiful thing about parables is it teaches a truth that at first glance seems simple yet allowing for increasing layers of understanding. Like the layers of an onion, a parable provides layers of depth and nuance that with reflection and application can reveal increasing insights while challenging individuals to grapple with the truths and grow from them. Jesus is using these stories to turn the listener into a participant rather than just the audience—the best way to learn. Parables Jesus shared are sprinkled throughout the gospels; Matthew 13 contains several significant ones teaching about faith and the Kingdom of God.
Parable of the Sower: A sower scatters seeds on different types of soil; the path, rocky ground, thorn and good soil with each type of soil representing different responses to the message of the Kingdom of Heaven. It asks, “How do you receive the message of the kingdom?”
Tares and the Wheat: The combination of tares and wheat together teach lessons about the coexistence of good and evil in the world, emphasizing the importance of discernment and patient waiting. It asks, “How do you understand and identify between good and evil?”
The Mustard Seed: Just as a tiny mustard seed can grow into a large plant, even the smallest amount of faith can be transformative. It asks, “How does your faith, even if it is found in small belief and actions, lead to significant outcomes?”
The Leaven: A woman mixes leaven into the dough causing it to rise and transform into a delicious loaf of bread just as the message of the Kingdom of Heaven can gradually and irreversibly alter the world. It asks, “How can you be influential by sharing the message of the Kingdom of Heaven?
Hidden Treasures: A man discovers a treasure and recognizes its value, selling everything to buy the field where the treasure is hidden. The discovery of the message of the Kingdom of Heaven is a remarkable treasure that is worth sacrificing everything to obtain it. It asks, “What are you willing to sacrifice to pursue the incomparable value of the Kingdom of Heaven?”
Costly Pearl: A merchant is actively searching for fine pearls and when he finds one of great value, sells everything he has to purchase it just as a person searches for truth and spiritual connection. It asks, “How are you diligent in your search for truth and are you willing to give up everything to make it yours?”
The Dragnet: The fisherman casts out a net that gathers in all kinds of fish, just as the message of the kingdom will gather in all types who will eventually be subjected to God’s judgment. It asks, “How do you respond to the “all types” gathered together by the gospel message”?
As you engage in these stories, immerse yourself in the “world” that Jesus is creating for us. If it is the Parable of the Sower, imagine yourself walking through the field and seeing where the seeds you scatter are landing. If it is “The Leaven”, imagine that you are the one making the bread and leaven to make it rise. Becoming a part of the story will allow you to deeply engage with the lesson Jesus is teaching. Approach them with an open heart and mind, asking, “What can I learn and take away from this story”. Reflect on the story and connect the teachings with your own life asking, “How is what I am learning impacting my faith, my relationships and my behavior”? The ultimate test is to begin to apply what you have learned and allow those insights to change how you live.
Questions for reflection
Which of these parables resonate most closely with you?
Focus on one parable. Imagine yourself in the context of the story and immerse yourself for a moment in the action. How does that impact your understanding of the parable?
If Jesus was walking through your world today, what might he choose to build a parable around?
How do you think a parable might increase your faith?
Seek Grow Love 