Introduction
Matthew 13:44–58: Jesus gives more parables about the Kingdom of heaven, comparing it to a hidden treasure, a fine pearl, and a net filled with all kinds of fish. Today’s reading concludes with an account of Jesus returning to Nazareth, his hometown, where the people reject him.
Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 13:49a GNT
[Jesus said:] “It will be like this at the end of the age: the angels will go out and gather up the evil people from among the good.”
Read
44 “The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man happens to find a treasure hidden in a field. He covers it up again, and is so happy that he goes and sells everything he has, and then goes back and buys that field.
45 “Also, the Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man is looking for fine pearls, 46 and when he finds one that is unusually fine, he goes and sells everything he has, and buys that pearl.
47 “Also, the Kingdom of heaven is like this. Some fishermen throw their net out in the lake and catch all kinds of fish. 48 When the net is full, they pull it to shore and sit down to divide the fish: the good ones go into the buckets, the worthless ones are thrown away. 49 It will be like this at the end of the age: the angels will go out and gather up the evil people from among the good 50 and will throw them into the fiery furnace, where they will cry and gnash their teeth.
51 “Do you understand these things?” Jesus asked them.
“Yes,” they answered.
52 So he replied, “This means, then, that every teacher of the Law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who takes new and old things out of his storage room.”
53 When Jesus finished telling these parables, he left that place 54 and went back to his hometown. He taught in the synagogue, and those who heard him were amazed. “Where did he get such wisdom?” they asked. “And what about his miracles? 55 Isn’t he the carpenter’s son? Isn’t Mary his mother, and aren’t James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas his brothers? 56 Aren’t all his sisters living here? Where did he get all this?” 57 And so they rejected him.
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is respected everywhere except in his hometown and by his own family.” 58 Because they did not have faith, he did not perform many miracles there.
Reflect
Over the last three days we have read several parables describing the Kingdom of heaven. Choose one and explain what it means and why it resonates with you. Use an example from your everyday life and complete this sentence: I think the Kingdom of heaven is like….
Pray
Lord Jesus, you have ushered in the Kingdom of heaven here on earth and have shown us the way to live. Like a precious pearl, I treasure your teachings to guide me each day as I journey and grow in faith. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Matthew 25:1–13: In a parable, Jesus teaches about being watchful and ready to greet him when he returns.
