Matthew 13 – Seek Grow Love

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?

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Your Hometown

Old Testament: Genesis 41 & 42

Poetry: Psalm 18

*New Testament: Matthew 13:53-58

When I moved away from my home in Illinois to Atlanta Bible College (12 hours away), I was equally excited and nervous. I longed for adventure and to see the world outside of my hometown, especially since there were only about 1200 people in the town I graduated from. However, I gained much more from having stepped outside my comfortable realm of family and friends: I gained eternal life in Jesus Christ. I had to get away from my comfortability to see my need for Jesus, for I wasn’t even a Christian at that point (a non-believer going to a Bible college still sounds silly to me, but it is what happened). However, I always had the intention of returning home one day with my newfound knowledge, and hopefully reaching the troubled friends that I used to run around with… but I still haven’t made it back yet…

I believe God has been deliberately keeping me from returning back to my old stomping grounds because of Jesus’ statement in our passage today: “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” See, I’ve had the opportunity offered to return home and even pastor my home church: TWICE. And yet, both times that I’ve been offered, there was something going on that prevented it from happening. Having to say no both times was a definite challenge, complete with tears and pain, especially having our son being a distance from his grandparents, but there was definitely divine protection involved.

Ask yourself this: if Jesus couldn’t do it, do you think you can? I used to reason in my head that Jesus didn’t really mean what he said: but I was wrong. If Jesus was even rejected by his own people, why would I assume that I would be any different? Would the friends and family that saw me partying in high school automatically start listening to me about eternal life and morality? Would my parents and grandparents automatically start listening to me about how to live?
Would they be convinced that my life had changed, or would they only remember what I used to be like? As painful as it is to admit, sometimes the last people who we can convince are family and former friends, like Jesus… and yet, we’ve gained so much more by choosing his path. We have new friends and family all throughout the world, all those who have made the same decision we have: choosing Jesus. He is fulfilling his promise in our lives that he made to Peter in Matthew 19:29, granting us a hundred times as much in this life and in the age to come.

My encouragement to you today is to consider exploring what options are out there that Jesus is drawing you towards. It is scary and challenging some days, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives. There is a large world out there that needs you and what Jesus has instilled in your heart: don’t be afraid to leave home and pursue the kingdom of God.

Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

Are there times when you have already stepped out of your comfort zone and beyond your hometown circle of family and friends to pursue the kingdom of God and share with others? If so, what was the hardest part for you? And, what blessings have you received from doing so?
Are there some people you can practice giving more honor to, perhaps from your own town or family?
Where might Jesus be calling you to go with the message of the kingdom? What are the challenges and the advantages to going beyond your current hometown and family?

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When Giving it All is a Wise Investment

Old Testament: Genesis 37 & 38

Poetry: Psalm 16

New Testament: Matthew 13:44-46

Some of my favorite commercials have come from the Klondike Bar ice cream company. Their catchphrase is “What would you do for a Klondike?”, followed by some of the most extreme examples of people doing something to get their ice cream bar. One of my favorite commercials involved a man willing to shave off one of his eyebrows and looking ridiculous for the ice cream (I apparently am not willing to do much, because I’ve never actually eaten one).

We are asked a similar question in our devotion today, but not involving ice cream: this involves the kingdom of God. In Matthew 13, the kingdom of God is compared to two gentlemen willing to sell everything that they possess to acquire it, like a hidden treasure or a precious pearl. They recognize two things: the kingdom of God is something of tremendous value, and that everything they own cannot compare with its marvelous wonder. Although they are sacrificing much, they are making the wisest investment of their life. Imagine if you had the opportunity to possess a winning lottery ticket that would give you 100 million dollars: all it would take is to sell all your possessions… would you take that deal? Would that lottery ticket not be able to buy back everything you had and more?

See, Jesus also promised that if we give our lives for the kingdom of God, we would receive a hundred times as much in this life and in the next age (see Matthew 19:27-30). He wasn’t asking us to simply give up everything just because he felt like it: he promised infinitely more than we could ever imagine, if we would simply trust him and follow his kingdom-way. You would
be making the wisest investment of your life if you chose the kingdom of God over every possible path that this life has to offer, and you would gain much more than this life could ever offer. So, “What would you do for the kingdom of God?” What are you willing to risk for eternal life?

Perhaps a more direct question is in order as well: “What are you NOT willing to risk for the kingdom of God?” We all have something we hold dear, whether that be personal possessions, a deeply-held family connection, or a desired career path. There are some things that will be difficult to let go of to pursue Jesus and the kingdom of God, but that’s the point: he wants you FULLY committed, willing to give him everything because he gave everything for you. This is something that we must consistently ask ourselves and reflect on what we are holding back from our Lord.

What would you do for the kingdom of God?

Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

Both men in today’s parables recognized the kingdom of God as something of great value. What value do you place on the kingdom of God? Why?
What have you already given up to pursue Jesus and the Kingdom of God?
What are you having a difficult time letting go of in order to gain the kingdom of God?
Explain how giving it all can be a wise investment.
What is the wisest investment you can make with your day today, and with the week ahead of you, if you are fully committed to living for the kingdom?

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Good Seed, Weed Seed

Old Testament: Genesis 33 & 34

Poetry: Psalm 14

New Testament: Matthew 13:24-43

“The Kingdom of heaven is like…”Six times we will read that phrase through the rest of Matthew 13 as Jesus shares parable after parable, with the purpose of explaining the Kingdom of heaven, first to the large crowd on the shore and then more directly to his disciples. Jesus knows that they are expecting a Messiah to come rule and set up a kingdom that will overthrow the Roman army and government. Jesus wants them to know the Kingdom he is teaching about is far greater and very different from what they are looking and hoping for.

It is interesting that Matthew is the only Old or New Testament writer who will use the phrase “kingdom of heaven”. Many of the same parables will also be told in Mark and Luke and they will use the phrase “kingdom of God”. John doesn’t include all of Jesus’ parables in his gospel account, but does write of the “kingdom of God.” So, why is Matthew different? As a Jew himself Matthew was writing to convince the other Jews that Jesus was indeed the Messiah promised to Jews long ago. His original audience was very aware of God’s laws about misusing His name and so they cautiously omitted referring to God by name and replaced God’s name with the place God dwells – heaven. Matthew was not trying to create confusion about where this Kingdom would take place. As we read these parables and continue throughout the gospels and New Testament let’s look again and again to see if the hope of the kingdom Jesus taught is to be whisked away to live in clouds or to inherit and possess the land. And when does it take place?

A word repeated many more times than “kingdom” in Matthew 13 is “hear”. Open up your ears and really listen to what Jesus has to say. Don’t assume you’ve heard this sermon before so you can check out. He has mysteries to reveal about the kingdom, but so many will miss it because they don’t really listen to the words of Jesus. So, this year instead of reading through Matthew 13 in one day we thought it would be profitable to slow down and take the parables one day at a time. Many times through the year in our SeekGrowLove Bible reading plan when we come to a new parable we will give a day to the reading and thinking and hearing of that parable. Sometimes the devotion might be written about one of the other Bible passages, but you can still take the opportunity to soak in what Jesus is saying and teaching, often about God’s kingdom.

So, today’s parable is about weeds (we’ll go back and hit the mustard seed and yeast tomorrow). Who doesn’t love a good weed story? And, with this particular weed parable we get the benefit of hearing Jesus’ explanation when the disciples questioned Jesus after the crowds were gone. But the story didn’t start with weeds – it started with the Son of Man planting good wheat seeds in the world. But then the devil sneaks in at night and plants weed seeds. And so the sons of the kingdom and the sons of the evil one grow up together. This is your neighborhood, your school, your office environment, your world. Side by side. Sons of the kingdom and sons of the evil one. Growing older and taller, together. All mixed up, together. Side by side. Wheat and weeds. Righteous and wicked. Until…

Why do we have to wait? Can’t we just take out the weeds NOW? No, Jesus says. Both will grow together until the time of the harvest at the end of the age. Will the weeds and the wheat be sorted out when they each die? No, Jesus says. Both will grow together until the time of the harvest at the end of the age. We aren’t there yet, but every day we are a day closer. What will the harvest look like? Let’s hear what Jesus has to say: “The Son of Man will send out his angels and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 13:41-43).

Wheat or weeds? You are one or the other. There isn’t a third choice. Which do you want to be?

Son of the Kingdom or Son of the evil one? You are one or the other. Which do you want to be? Which will you strive to be? What will it look like?

Fiery furnace or shining like the sun? Which will the harvest reveal as your destiny?

Have you heard the words of Jesus? How will you respond?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

What have you been taught about the Kingdom of God/Kingdom of Heaven? Does it line up with Jesus’ words and teachings?
How can we better listen to and actually hear and then respond to the words of Jesus?
What encouragement and warnings do you find in the parable of the weeds?
How can you grow as a Son of the Kingdom living amongst the sons of the evil one?
What are some of the “everything that causes sin” that you look forward to being destroyed at the harvest at the end of the age?

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The Good Soil

Old Testament: Genesis 31 & 32

Poetry: Psalm 13

New Testament: Matthew 13:1-23

Today’s reading in Matthew covers the parable of the sower. I want to focus on one of the soils. The last of the four types of ground that the seeds fall on is good soil. This soil allows the seed to grow deep roots without competition from neighboring weeds. Roots play a crucial role in the life of a plant – both anchoring it to the ground and absorbing important nutrients. Jesus explains later in the chapter that the good soil is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom and understands it.

There are a couple of other places in the New Testament that use the idea of being rooted. One of those places is Ephesians 3:16-19, which says that Christ dwells in our hearts and that by being rooted and grounded in love we may fully grasp the incredible love of Christ. I love using plants and roots as a metaphor for our lives as believers, both individually and together. When we hear the message of the Kingdom and it takes root in our lives, the power of God’s spirit strengthens us in our inward being. We have a union with Christ, as well as a union with each other as brothers and sisters in him. What does this mean for us?

The idea of being “rooted and grounded in love” seems to imply the love of the believers around us. That together we can fully know the love of Christ. “Grounded” can also be translated as “to lay the foundation.” It is actually the same word used in Matthew 7:25 when Jesus talks about the wise man’s house being founded on the rock. This foundation, this ground that we are rooted into is love.

Reading these verses made me think of the tree called Pando. Have you heard of this tree before? It is a one-tree aspen forest in Utah. There are over 47,000 trunks all connected through ONE root system. On the surface, they look like individual trees, but underneath, you see that they are all one–together. Crazy, right?

I think this is a beautiful representation of the body of Christ. When the word of the Kingdom is planted in your heart you join the foundation called the Church. We are built up, encouraged, and loved by each other.

As you read this parable, I want to encourage you to think about how the gospel has taken root in your life. Can you see how your faith has grown? How are you being rooted and grounded in love in your local church body? Is there one way this week that you can build those roots further?

-Katelyn Salyers

Reflection Questions

Can you see how your faith has grown? How are you being rooted and grounded in love in your local church body? Is there one way this week that you can build those roots further?
Can you give an example of each of the other types of soil in the Parable of the Sower? Have any of these been a problem for you?

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What Kind of Dirt Are You?

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 23 & 24

Psalms Reading: Psalm 14

New Testament Reading: Matthew 13

Genesis 2:7 tells us, “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”

In Genesis 3:18, God told Adam, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

What kind of dirt are you?

Many years ago, our family built a house. Once construction was done, we needed to seed the yard so we could have a lawn. I tilled the yard and raked it out. My son Chris (who was about 4 at the time) and I then broadcast grass seed. Some of the seeds fell on the driveway, some fell under spruce trees along our property line, and some (most) were scattered on dirt. We talked about which seeds we expected to grow, and why. I then told Chris a story Jesus told, as recorded in Matthew 13, about a farmer who scattered seeds.

In Jesus’ story, there were four places the seeds fell. The first seeds fell along the path, and birds ate them up. Jesus explained in Matthew 13:19, “When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.”

The second example of seeds fell on rocky places where there wasn’t much soil. It sprang up quickly but then withered. Jesus explained in Matthew 13: 20-21, “The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”

The third seed fell among thorns, that grew up and choked the seed. Jesus explained in Matthew 13: 22, “The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.” (Luke 8:18 also includes “pleasures” causing choking.)

The final seed fell on good soil. Jesus explained in Matthew 13:23, “But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.”

In Jesus’ story, the seed was the good news about the Kingdom of God. In each of these examples, the seed was good; the difference in productivity was because of the soil. So I’ll ask again, what kind of dirt are you?

Do you understand the magnitude of the good news about the Kingdom of God and what that means for you if you follow God wholeheartedly?

Are you easily discouraged in your Christian walk when difficulties arise?

Are you distracted from wholeheartedly following God by worries? Or pleasures? Or wealth? Or the good things this life has to offer?

Or are you bearing a crop for God? And if you are, what does that look like? Here are some examples:

Winning others to Christ (Romans 1:13)
Giving money to further God’s work (Romans 15:25-28)
Doing good works (Colossians 1:10)
Growing in Christian character (Galatians 5:22-23)
Continually offering a sacrifice of praise to God (Hebrews 13:15)

And if you are bearing a crop, how productive are you? Are you bearing 100 times what was sown? 60 times? 30 times? I think we all need to work on this.

In closing, since you’re just dirt, you might as well be the best dirt you can be. Go bear much fruit.

-Steve Mattison

P.S. It was hard for me to decide what to focus on for today’s devotion. Since I’ve previously written a devotion (How to get a Spouse) based on the Genesis 24 reading for today, I thought I’d focus on Matthew 13 instead.

Reflection Questions

All four seed/dirt examples first required hearing the word. What are you doing to hear the word of God about the good news of His Kingdom?
Examine your life – what type of dirt have you been previously and are you now? ON THE PATH -hears the message, doesn’t understand -evil one snatches it away ROCKY GROUND – no root – trouble and persecution – fall away IN THORNS – choked out by worries, deceitfulness of wealth and pleasures GOOD SOIL – hears and understands – produces a good crop
What kind of dirt do you want to be? What will it require if you are currently a different type? What type of fertilizer and additives can you add to your dirt? What can be strained out and removed from your dirt to help you grow a better crop?
What might Jesus have wanted us to learn about God, the ultimate giver of the Kingdom message, today?

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Tag: Matthew 13

Storytime in the Gospels