Parables of the Kingdom – Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 13, verses 24 to 52
4 gospels, the heart of the Bible.
What is a parable?
A story that shows a particular truth. Jesus told many parables. Here He uses several to show what the Kingdom of God is like.
The inevitable growth of the kingdom.
31 He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.’ 33 He told them still another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about thirty kilograms of flour until it worked all through the dough.’
Matthew 13:31-33
Seen in common events of the day.
Small beginnings: A tiny mustard seed grows to a big bush, and the birds can rest on its branches. Slow and unseen: It spreads like yeast in a batch of dough.
The Treasure that IS the kingdom.
44 ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45 ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46
Seen in uncommon events.
Treasure and pearls.
Belonging to the Kingdom of God is the one thing that is worth everything else, so store up for yourself treasure in heaven.
Separation from the Kingdom
24 Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed ears, then the weeds also appeared. 27 ‘The owner’s servants came to him and said, “Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?” 28 ‘“An enemy did this,” he replied. ‘The servants asked him, “Do you want us to go and pull them up?” 29 ‘“No,” he answered, “because while you are pulling up the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: first collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.”’
Matthew 13:24-30
The weeds and the wheat:. A mixture of good and bad now, but separated in eternity. There will be a definite end, the end of the age.
Thank God there is a way out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of heaven.
Will you take Jesus warning and advice? He made the way by dying for you.
A Gracious warning from Jesus
43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
Matthew 13:43
