Matthew 13:34-43
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today we are in the parable section of Matthew’s Gospel. Today Matthew offers an explanation of Jesus’ use of parables with the crowds and then allows us to listen in as Jesus explains the parable of The Wheat and the Weeds to his closest followers. Read Matthew 13:34-43 noting any reaction you have as you read.
Parables are stories that take us deep into a spiritual truth, and if we take the time to meditate on them, they can be transformative. When we sit with a parable of Jesus and allow it to permeate our thinking, we unearth the treasures of God that are all around us but not obvious at first.
Think back to the first three parables we read: The Wheat and the Weeds, The Mustard Seed, and the Woman and the Yeast. How have you been challenged by these parables? What have you sensed Jesus saying to you through these parables?
Talk openly with Jesus about your answers to these questions.
Read Matthew 13:34-43 again imagining you are among the ones listening to Jesus’ explanation of the parable of The Wheat and the Weeds.
As the generous sower of God’s Kingdom, Jesus’ invitation to turn from rebellion and experience shalom is open to all. But not everyone will choose the way of life. There are those who will continue to rebel openly even in the presence of the deep well of Jesus’ mercy and grace.
The gnashing of teeth can indicate pain, but it is also an indication of anger. There are those who will choose to growl and bite the very hand that seeks to save them from their destructive ways. This is a tragic reality. But the only one who can judge a person’s deepest motives, and the only one who can stop those bent on destruction is Jesus. And Jesus calls his followers to persevere in love for others until the day the Kingdom fully invades and transforms the world.
Take a moment to share any thoughts or feelings you are experiencing with Jesus. Then get still and quiet and listen.
How do you believe Jesus may want to transform your thinking through the parable of The Wheat and Weeds and his explanation of it?
Is there something you sense he is inviting you to do in response?
What will you do about that?
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