Bible Pathways 10/6/2000
October 6
Matthew 13 -- 14
Matthew recorded seven prophetic parables of Jesus concerning the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13:11). In the first parable Jesus described four kinds of responses from those who hear His Word. The true disciple of Christ is represented by the good ground that received seed which in turn brings forth fruit even to an hundredfold (13:8-23). This is in striking contrast to His second parable of the tares that grew in the same field with wheat but cannot produce fruit (13:24-30). The tares, also known as darnel, look identical to wheat as it grows. In its young stages, only the expert can tell the difference. But when tares reach maturity, the head reveals its lack of value. In this parable, the Master said: Let both grow together until the harvest (13:30). Jesus explains that the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the Kingdom (13:38), who produce fruitful lives.
The tares represent those who outwardly appear to be converts to Christ, but their true nature is entirely different, and, consequently, they are unproductive. Eventually, the Son of Man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His Kingdom . . . which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (13:41-42).
The third parable describes the Kingdom of God as like a grain of mustard seed. . . . Which, when it is sown in the earth, is smaller than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it grows up, and becomes greater than all herbs, and produces great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it (13:31-32; Mark 4:31-32). The very small mustard seed illustrates the King of the Kingdom of God, who began as a mere Babe in a manger, who, seemed at the time of His birth as insignificant as a mustard seed. Today, millions acknowledge Jesus as Savior and Lord. His Kingdom will continue to grow worldwide and, eventually, the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9).
In His fourth parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven with leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened (Matthew 13:33). Leaven is not seen in the bread. It works invisibly, yet the results are visible and transforms the loaf.
Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it (13:45-46). This illustrates the devotion of a wise person to forsake all this world's treasures to gain Christ and His Kingdom, the one pearl of great price. All else in life sinks into insignificance compared to eternal life. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (16:26).
Cross References:
For Matthew 13:14-15: See Isa. 6:9-10. Matt. 13:32: See Psa. 104:12; Ezek. 17:23; 31:6; Dan. 4:12. Matt. 13:35: See Psa. 78:2. Matt. 13:41: See Zeph. 1:3. Matt. 13:43: See Dan. 12:3.
Government Officials: Rep. Doug Bereuter (NE), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX), Gov. James Gilmore, III (VA), and Rep. John LaFalce (NY) · Pray for Bible Pathway Prayer Partners · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by Two of the Lord's Bible Missionaries · Country: Czech Republic (10 million) in central Europe · Major languages: Czech and Slovak · Religious freedom · 63% Catholic; 7% Protestant; 4% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Diligently seek the Lord in prayer and He will bless your efforts (Hebrews 11:6).
Memory Verse for the Week:
Hebrews 2:1
