Day 32, Matthew 13
As the opposition from the religious leaders increases in ferocity, the crowds hungry for authentic teaching increase too.
Notice that Jesus teaches with stories: we are relational beings, and stories are easily relatable. And these are stories with a point: parables. The key to understanding parables (as the disciples discover when they ask Jesus for clarification) is that they are about comparisons: placing one thing alongside another thing to surprise, challenge, or contrast, and thus teach truth. The word parable comes from the Greek para ballo meaning “to throw alongside.”
The disciples are puzzled that Jesus uses methods that seem to hide truth from people, but Jesus explains that it is the condition of the heart that determines understanding. An open, teachable heart will understand stories and parables, while a heart set in its own understanding will not, even if the person is listening.
There are seven parables in today’s reading: (1) the parable of the sower, (2) the parable of the wheat and weeds, (3) the parable of the net, (4) the parable of the tiny mustard seed, (5) the parable of yeast, (6) the parable of the hidden treasure, and (7) the parable of the costly pearl.
As you read them with an open heart, willing to be challenged by comparisons and surprises, what do you learn today? And remember to believe what you learn - it’s only unbelief that hinders God’s work in our lives.
Have a great day!
Mark.