Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; Verse 32it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." Verse 33He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened."
Verse 44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Verse 45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; Verse 46on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Verse 47"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; Verse 48when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. Verse 49So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous Verse 50and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Verse 51"Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes." Verse 52And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."
Devotion
Jesus taught in parables. His stories encouraged his listeners to discern meaning for the time and circumstances of their lives. Jesus was using very practical theology. By asking, “How will you live your life?” rather than listing many arbitrary laws, he teased out what it meant to walk the “God road.” Some hearers responded with a “Yes;” others turned away.
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. Will you plant it with patience and see what grows? The kingdom is like yeast. Will you knead it and care for it, protect it? The kingdom is a fine pearl. Will you give all you have and hope for? The kingdom is like a fishing net thrown into the sea. Will you harvest the good and bad, proclaim the gospel and leave the rest to God? Have ears to hear, courage to dare, and hearts to discern God’s “good road” for you.
Prayer
Lord, there is so much we can’t control, however much we try. Teach us to turn to you, asking for mercy in the face of mystery. Help us to say “Yes” to your leading. Amen.