July 21: “The Merciful King & the Unmerciful Servant” (Matthew 18:21-35)

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant teaches us a few things about God’s kingdom. First, we see the seriousness of our sin and God’s lavish grace in forgiving our sins. Second, we see our responsibility to forgive others. Third, we see that the unforgiving cannot enter the kingdom of God. We are motivated by God’s […]

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July 14: “Kingdom of Joy” (Matthew 13:44-46)

The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl teach us three things about God’s kingdom. First, the value of the kingdom eclipses all others. Second, there is a great joy in discovering the kingdom. Third, we have to make sacrifices for the kingdom. But we don’t make sacrifices out of duty, but out of […]

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July 7: “The Parable of the Weeds” (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)

If God’s kingdom is here on earth, why is evil not eliminated? The Parable of the Weeds deals with the question of evil. The children of God and the children of the evil one will be distinguished and separated on the judgment day. So we are to wait for God’s judgment with patience. In the […]

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June 30: “The Parable of the Sower” (Matthew 13:18-23)

The parable of the sower reveals the hidden power of the seed, which is the gospel of the kingdom. Since the gospel is the power of God for salvation, our responsibility is to “under-stand” or believe the gospel. Our mission is to sow the Word patiently, expecting a final victory of the Word.

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June 23: “Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables?” (Matthew 13:10-17)

Jesus’ parables tell us about God’s kingdom or God’s reign. The parables are about what God is doing and will do through Jesus the Messiah. Jesus spoke in parables to bring both judgment and mercy. They harden some hearts but soften other hearts to create faith. In the end, the parables serve to illustrate God’s […]

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