Matthew Chapter 13
Most of us have heard the simple definition of a parable – it is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.
A parable generally only has one point that is being made and is not meant to be a deep allegory. We might ask the same question that the disciples asked Jesus, “why do you speak in parables?”
In the quiet moments of reading the Word of God early in the morning we sometimes find ourselves reading without comprehending or reading without paying attention. Our minds can wander to thoughts of the agenda of our day, and we can finish our appointed reading without really knowing what the Word said. It is when we allow our minds to drift off for days at a time during our Bible reading time that we become discouraged and allow ourselves to think that Bible reading is simply too difficult.
Jesus spoke in parables partly for this very reason.
He knew that a story with a Biblical principle behind it would be easier to remember than to just read a principle. He also knew that there were people who just were not ready to accept the Biblical truth He was teaching.
Rather than have that Biblical principle trampled upon in their minds, He gave them a story that they could easily remember and ponder. The meaning or principle might become apparent to them in a different season of their life.
The parables that Jesus spoke about in this chapter describe this very principle.
Let this be an encouragement to you.
Your heavenly Father knows that you might not understand all of His Bible, but He wants you to.
We also know that as we continue to read it the Holy Spirit can help us understand it more and more – we only need to ask for His help. The Word of God is alive, and the Holy Spirit will teach us its truths as we continue to read it.
Let's Reflect
1. Which parable in this chapter really speaks to you?
2. When people do not understand the words or truths of the kingdom, (the idea of they are just throwing up their hands and saying they do not understand), what happens to the words of the Bible they did hear? See verse 19.
3. According to verse 21 what happens to the person who joyfully accepts the truth of the gospel message but then is not willing to endure trials or hardships?
4. What happens to those who hear the truths of the gospel but then become more enticed by what the world has to offer them?
5. In verse 23 we come to the idea of the good soil. We know that it is the good soil where the plants will grow, and trees will bear fruit. So how does a believer cultivate good soil in their life? How do we make sure that the seed takes root?
6. Jesus came to announce that His Kingdom is at hand. If we believe this truth, then the value of His Holy Word should go up in value in our life. Jesus said that His truth is the most valuable thing that we could possess. What did He compare it to in the parable in verse 44 or verse 45?
7. What a privilege it was to be able to hear Jesus speak in person. People marveled at His wisdom. And yet they could not see who He really was. What did they know about Jesus that kept them from seeing who He really was? See verses 55-58.
People will often let their lack of understanding the truths of the Bible stop them from seeking more of Jesus. The Bible is more than just a book of stories. It is the very words of God and He has so much more that He wants to teach us.
Devotionals
