Day 287

Parables of the Kingdom

Read: Matthew 13-14

A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus uses the physical to illustrate the spiritual. The parables tell us what the kingdom of heaven is like. Jesus came preaching the kingdom. He taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come.” The kingdom is the rule of God in the lives of people. The kingdom of heaven comes in two stages. When Christ came to earth, the King came; the kingdom was established. All who trust in him are citizens of his kingdom. When he comes in clouds of glory, the kingdom will come in its fullness and will last forever.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus teaches that the right response to his word is crucial, and that a response that is based on understanding will produce good fruit in the life of the hearer. In the parable of the good seed, he teaches that there is opposition to the sowing of the good seed, but in the end that opposition will be conquered. In the parable of the mustard seed, he teaches that though the beginnings of the kingdom may be small, the final results will be great. In the parable of the leaven, Jesus teaches that his influence is to permeate all of life. In the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, he teaches that a share in the kingdom is so valuable that every necessary sacrifice must be made to see to it that we are included in the kingdom. Are you?

PRAYER
Father, we rejoice that Jesus is King; may he rule in every area of our lives. In his name. Amen.