Sunday: Explaining the Tares — Matthew 13:36-39
This parable teaches that the source of successful growth for the Kingdom of God is the Word of God. The goal is the world. We may begin thinking that God’s ultimate purpose is the church, but it isn’t. Remember the teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14)? Too often we ask, “How can we make our church better? How can we have better programs with in these four walls?” But we should be asking, “How can we impact the world?” If we refrain from meaningful ministry in the world, the weeds planted by the evil one will end up choking out our relationship with the very source of life itself, God.
Monday: The End of the Age — Matthew 13:40-43
This passage is an encouragement to the church. Jesus is showing that there will be justice. God won’t be lenient on evil; there will be judgment for transgressions. What type of people will be “plucked out?” Those who are stumbling blocks, who drive others from their faith, who offend and cause hurt. They might even be in the church! Jesus makes it clear that whoever they are and wherever they are, they will not escape judgment.
Tuesday: The Treasure & The Pearl — Matthew 13:44-46
These two parables have one main thing in common: joy. In both, the protagonists—the farmer and the businessman—are moved by joy. These parables point out that joy is a motivator to change. And change, for the right reasons, can bring a blessing greater than what we had before. The emphasis here is not on the “sacrifices” each made, nor on how each man “discovers” the treasure, but the results of those sacrifices and discoveries made. This passage puts the emphasis on our response, rather than the cost, and mirrors how the righteous embrace following and honoring the Ten Commandments.
Wednesday: The Dragnet — Matthew 13:47-50
In this parable, the fish are people—both righteous and unrighteous. Jesus is the fisherman. The parable of the net emphasizes that failing to do everything possible to acquire the truth of the kingdom, results in the exact opposite reward to the resultant reward of the previous parables. Instead of unparalleled joy, there will be those whose reward is unending anguish.
Thursday: The Householder — Matthew 13:51-52
Jesus put the emphasis in these verses on the importance of being educated in the Scriptures. As Christians, we are disciples—students—of the Word of God. We are apprentices, always learning and improving in our stature. We aren’t independent contractors, neither do we “graduate” from schooling in God’s Word. We are undergraduates, always learning from the Rabbi, our one exclusive Teacher (Matthew 23:8).
Friday: Calm in the Storm — Matthew 13:53; 8:18, 23-24; Mark 4:35-37; Luke 8:22-23
Towards the end of a long and busy day, Jesus got into a boat to cross the sea. Exhausted from ministry, He fell asleep. When a squall rose up and the height of the waves threatened to sink the boat, Jesus slept on. We can have the same peace. Despite the storms, God gives peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Saturday: The Storm Calmed — Matthew 8:25-27; Mark 4:38-41; Luke 8:24-25
Jesus had a long, busy day teaching the multitudes. When evening came, He joined His disciples on a ship, intent on crossing to the opposite shore. Suddenly winds arose and the waves began to toss the boat. The disciples feared for their lives. Jesus delivered a word of peace and stilled the storm. When the storms of life beat on us, or when the tumult of trials or temptations come our way, Jesus is ready and able to speak, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39), into our lives and our storms will calm.