MATTHEW 13
JESUS CONTINUES TEACHING USING PARABLES
Jesus continues teaching and shares a parable about a sower distributing seeds across four different terrains, each representing a response to the message of Jesus.
First, Jesus describes seeds that fell along a path and were quickly eaten by birds. These seeds represent those who hear God's word, but do not understand. The enemy attempts to distort or snatch away the Good News, leaving people without comprehension of God’s word.
Jesus describes the second group of seeds, which fall into rocky ground with little soil. Immediately, these seeds sprout up, but are unable to establish deep roots and become scorched in the heat. These seeds are representative of those who hear God’s word, respond quickly and intensely, but do not engage deeply and fall away once trials arrive.
The third group of seeds are scattered among thorns. Although these seeds grew, they were eventually suffocated by the thorns. These seeds are representative of those who hear God’s word, but become distracted by other pursuits.
Finally, Jesus describes the seeds that fall on good soil and produce grain. These seeds produce fruit one hundredfold, representative of those who hear and understand the word of God.
Jesus explains that the parables are a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 6, saying that many would see Him, but would not perceive. Jesus says that the disciples are blessed to have heard, seen, and understood. When speaking to the crowds, Jesus quotes Psalm 78:2, saying that He will speak in parables and utter the words that have been hidden to the world.
In His next parable, Jesus tells of a field of wheat. Although seeds of wheat were sown in the field, an enemy also planted weeds. In order to avoid uprooting the wheat, the weeds remained in the field. Both grew together until it was time to gather the wheat. Eventually, they were all harvested and separated. When God’s kingdom is restored, the wheat and the weeds will be separated, but until then the good and the evil will coexist on earth.
Expressing the same message, Jesus compares God’s kingdom to a great net which separates the righteous from the rebellious. Jesus taught that a small amount of faith can have a great impact, using the example of the tiny mustard seed growing into a large tree and a small amount of leaven raising a large amount of flour.
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure. God’s Word is so valuable; it is worth everything that we have! Similarly, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to fine pearls of great value.
Jesus tells the disciples that every scribe working for the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner, collecting both new and old treasures. The Gospel writers are capturing both the new message of Jesus and His fulfillment of the ancient scriptures.
After Jesus taught in Nazareth, some were amazed, but others were offended. Jesus was rejected in his hometown and did not perform miracles due to the people’s disbelief.
