Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46 NASB
Read Matthew 13:24-58.
We read from the first half of the chapter that Jesus was speaking in parables on purpose as a way of screening those who had hearts to truly listen and understand Him. Most had no clue what these parables meant, but for Jesus’ followers, they were granted the right to grasp the mysteries of the Kingdom.
We went into detail about the first parable of this chapter as well, but Jesus often spoke in a trail of parables. Bam, bam, bam – one right after the other. These quick parables were often combined to reinforce one major point. This particular string of parables teach us about the Kingdom of God. It may be quite different than we expect.
Jesus teaches us a valuable lesson about the Kingdom through the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, or the Weeds, in verses 24-29 and 36-40. It is interesting that this came right on the heels of the Parable of the Farmer Sowing Seed, and the same thought continues. This time, we read of a field that had been planted with good seed. However, the enemy came over night and scattered weeds throughout, trying to sabotage the farmer’s crops. Eventually, the good crops and weeds grew up together.
The farmer decided that it would be best to allow both to grow together rather than risk ruining the crops by trying to get rid of the weeds ahead of time. Then, at the harvest, he would separate the two by storing the good crops in the barn and burning the weeds.
As Jesus explains this parable, He helps us see why things are the way they are in the world in which we live even today. We often wonder why God allows people to do bad things on this earth. Why doesn’t He just remove the creeps of this world and let the good people live in peace? However, what He explains is that if He were to remove all the weeds ahead of time, that is the unrepentant sinners, the good crops would be harmed. He allows both to remain in the world together until the end of time when the sinners will be separated from the children of God. So, we may have to live with the “bad guys” awhile longer, but we have the hope that justice will be served in the end. As Jesus says, the wicked will be thrown into the fiery furnace, and the righteous will shine like the sun. However, we may just be surprised who gets in. God is a God of grace and mercy! May the same be said of us!
The Parable of the Mustard Seed represents the smallest of seeds that grows into a mighty plant. Similarly, the Kingdom of God may have small beginnings but produces great results. Remember this when you feel frustrated by humble beginnings in your life. Don’t be discouraged. Keep at it and rejoice that the work has begun. Just like the mustard seed, if you nurture it, it will multiply into something significant.
Immediately, Jesus speaks the Parable of the Yeast. Yeast usually represents sin in the Bible, but here Jesus continues the same thought as the mustard seed. Just as a baker puts a minute amount of yeast into a batch of dough, it permeates the entire batch. The same goes with the Kingdom of God. It may have had a small beginning, but it would spread quickly, grow throughout the world, and have great impact.
Allow God’s Kingdom to do the same within your heart. Just some small seeds, or a dash of yeast from the Word of God, and it will grow and flourish in your life. God can use to you impact the world around you if you will allow His Word to take root and grow within you.
The next two parables portray to us the value of the Kingdom of God. It is more valuable than anything we could ever possess, and it is worth giving all we have to obtain it. The man in the field who finds the treasure came upon it accidentally. However, he knew right away that it was valuable, so he sold all he had in order to buy the field and claim legal rights to this treasure.
The man who finds the pearl was actually searching for a valuable pearl. When he discovers one of great worth, he also sells all he has and purchases it. Let us have this same yearning for the Kingdom and be willing to give our all to find it.
The final parable of this chapter is similar to the wheat and the weeds. A net is thrown into the sea and a multitude of fish is caught. The fishermen separate the good fish from the bad, just like the angels will do at the end of time with souls. We have no authority or business dictating who gets in, but we are to work on catching them all. As fishers of men, we are to minister to everyone God puts in our path instead of trying to guess who deserves the Gospel or not. We can then trust God to get it right at the end of time by being the one to do all the sorting. He will receive His children to their eternal reward, and the rest will be thrown into the lake of fire. He is the perfect judge! We are just his servants who do His will.
The chapter concludes with Jesus returning to His home town of Nazareth. However, they are not impressed with His teaching or His miracles. They just see Jesus as a home town boy, and they do not take Him seriously. He explains that a prophet is not typically honored in his home town because of familiarity. People have a hard time seeing past the man or woman they think they know. It is often the same for us just as it was for Jesus. It can be discouraging when our own family or friends do not believe in us or expect anything great from us. They see us as ordinary, just the same awkward girl they used to know. However, don’t let that hinder you. Jesus, the Son of God, went through the same thing! Be encouraged and don’t be afraid to step out in faith where God can use you in new and exciting ways! You are extraordinary in His sight!
