God’s Saving Word: Wisdom
Introduction
Matthew 13:18-35: Yesterday’s reading was about the parable of the sower. In today’s reading, Jesus explains the parable. Today’s reading also includes the parables of the weeds, of the mustard seed, and of yeast.
Scripture Reading
Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower
18 “Listen, then, and learn what the parable of the sower means. 19 Those who hear the message about the Kingdom but do not understand it are like the seeds that fell along the path. The Evil One comes and snatches away what was sown in them. 20 The seeds that fell on rocky ground stand for those who receive the message gladly as soon as they hear it. 21 But it does not sink deep into them, and they don’t last long. So when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, they give up at once. 22 The seeds that fell among thorn bushes stand for those who hear the message; but the worries about this life and the love for riches choke the message, and they don’t bear fruit. 23 And the seeds sown in the good soil stand for those who hear the message and understand it: they bear fruit, some as much as one hundred, others sixty, and others thirty.”
The Parable of the Weeds
24 Jesus told them another parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man sowed good seed in his field. 25 One night, when everyone was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 When the plants grew and the heads of grain began to form, then the weeds showed up. 27 The man’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, it was good seed you sowed in your field; where did the weeds come from?’ 28 ‘It was some enemy who did this,’ he answered. ‘Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?’ they asked him. 29 ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because as you gather the weeds you might pull up some of the wheat along with them. 30 Let the wheat and the weeds both grow together until harvest. Then I will tell the harvest workers to pull up the weeds first, tie them in bundles and burn them, and then to gather in the wheat and put it in my barn.’”
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
31 Jesus told them another parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man takes a mustard seed and sows it in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up, it is the biggest of all plants. It becomes a tree, so that birds come and make their nests in its branches.”
The Parable of the Yeast
33 Jesus told them still another parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A woman takes some yeast and mixes it with a bushel of flour until the whole batch of dough rises.”
Jesus’ Use of Parables
34 Jesus used parables to tell all these things to the crowds; he would not say a thing to them without using a parable. 35 He did this to make come true what the prophet had said,
“I will use parables when I speak to them;
I will tell them things unknown since the creation of the world.”
Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 13:23
[Jesus said:] “The seeds sown in good soil stand for those who hear the message and understand it: they bear fruit, some as much as one hundred, others sixty, and others thirty.”
Reflect
Yesterday’s reading was about good seed that is planted in good soil. How does Jesus explain the parable of the sower? Today’s reading includes a parable about weeds being sown among good seed. Who sows the weeds? Why does Jesus say that the wheat and weeds should grow together until the harvest? What is your understanding of the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I want to hear your message and understand it. Nurture my faith so that it grows like a mustard seed and gives glory to you. Amen.
And now, join us in praising God that the power of God’s Word is transforming lives across Central Africa. People across Central Africa have experienced horrific violence and trauma, but thanks to Bible-A-Month partners, they are experiencing the healing power of God’s Word. Listening to the gospel through audio Bibles, people are hearing God speaking to them in their heart language, and every Bible that is placed in the hands and hearts of men, women, and children is making an eternal difference in their lives. Thank you, Lord God, that hurting people are now finding peace through the Holy Scriptures. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Matthew 13:36-58: Jesus continues teaching about the Kingdom of heaven by means of several more parables.