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.”
When Jesus and the disciples are alone, they ask Him to explain the parable of the weeds he had told earlier. Jesus tells them what each of the examples stand for in the lesson. Jesus never kept the meaning of His teachings secret, but people had to want to know more to get the full understanding.
Jesus came to be with us and show us God’s love, but it is up to us to respond to that invitation. We may hear the parable but if we don’t ask questions and discuss what that teaching means in our lives, it remains just a story. Jesus wants us to be active participants, not just passive hearers.
Consider how you can make God’s word more a part of your life and your life more a part of God’s plan. Spend time in scripture, share your understanding and your concerns about what we are taught with those close to you, and listen for what God calls you to do in the world. Through intentional obedience to God’s will and serving each other as Christ did, we can be the children He intends us to be.
Gracious God, we are often overwhelmed by events in our world and confused by the lessons we hear. Calm our fears, open our hearts and teach us to use the gifts You give us to share Your love with everyone. Amen.