Our scripture this week is Matthew 13:31-43.
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 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.” He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Jesus shares more parables with the crowd. He teaches the people in this way not to confuse or “hide” the truth but to engage their minds, to make them think and discuss the lesson. Can you imagine hearing the Master speak and then talking about the parable with your friends on the way back to the village?
That was exactly what Jesus wanted them to do, to dig deeper into the message He brought them. Later in this passage, He explains the meaning to His disciples when they ask. Jesus wants us to talk about the kingdom among ourselves and bring our questions to Him so that we too may share His truth.
Do you study the scriptures and ask yourself “what meaning does this have for my life today?” Jesus calls us to use the gift of reason and intellect we have been given to better understand God’s plan for us. There is a task waiting for each of us to further the kingdom.
Gracious God, we are grateful that You reach out to us through the lessons Jesus brought. Help us to use the guidance You give to share Your love with all the world. Amen.