Matthew 13:24-58 Discussion Review
This past Sunday we split up into three large groups and discussed the parables in the second half of Matthew 13. This was a good exercise for group discussion, then we came back together to share our observations and thoughts.
There were several good points and observations in each group that were shared. The first group looked at the parable of the weeds in verses 24-30 and 36-43. One significant idea shared was “we are not weed pullers.” Different people come around church communities for different reasons, and it’s not up to us to “weed” out people, but to allow the Spirit to work in their lives. It shouldn’t surprise us that nonbelievers are among the church, that’s the best place for them to be, surrounded by faithful proclamation of the Gospel. And it would seem God knows this, and is ok with it until the day of final judgment. (v. 24–30, 36–43, 47–50; see also 1 Cor. 4:5). Nick’s encouragement on these sections was “Remain faithful, Jesus will exercise His Kingship over the world, the flesh, and the devil when he returns for the harvest.”
The second group discussed verses 31-33 about the mustard seed and leaven (yeast). Related to the parables of the sower and the weeds, we can see how a small thing, when used properly, will grow. This type of growth is described as a good thing because it is for other people in the kingdom. Trees bring shade and shelter and can be used to create things, and bread nourishes us and builds community. “The parable of the sower might suggest that much sowing is fruitless, the parable of the mustard seed shows how powerful and successful good sowing can be—its effect can be out of all proportion to its appearance” [OUM]. Nick’s encouragement here was “Kingdom growth cannot be stopped, no matter how small its beginning.” “The mustard seed may be the smallest of all seeds, and the yeast may be almost indiscernible in the baking mixture, but the effects produced in both cases are far-reaching and thorough” [OUM].
The third group looked at verses 44-46 and 51-52, discussing the parables of the hidden treasure, pearl of great value, and new and old treasures. On first brush the parable of the treasure and the pearl seem redundant, but there are subtle differences that speak to our various individual journeys into the Kingdom. The first story where the man happened upon the treasure, contrasts with the second of the merchant finding the pearl available on the market. The first uniquely responded with joy to this surprise discovery, selling everything to get it; the second, who had been seeking out just such a treasure, also sold all he had to acquire it. Both show a priority shift where they sell off their lesser treasures to get the one of highest value. “Jesus is reminding us that some people (like Matthew himself, perhaps?) find salvation in Jesus Christ when they are not looking for him; others make the same discovery through their careful use of the means appointed for that purpose” [OUM]. Nick’s encouragement here was “The treasure of the Kingdom is more valuable than any earthly treasure we chase.”
As a follow up to this theme of treasures, verses 51-52 show new and old treasures being brought out, showing that the truths of the Kingdom Jesus was teaching were to be sat alongside the Scriptures they already knew. The truths from the past as God revealed them in Scripture are to stand alongside the truths of the new covenant and Kingdom values Jesus was revealing to them. Like other things Jesus said, this likely was offensive to the religious leaders because only the old understandings were of value to them.
In all of this it is imperative to remember that God has a plan, just as a farmer who wisely waits to pull weeds to not damage the crops, “So also God wisely delays judgment that would remove all of Satan’s instruments, so that the followers of Christ and the purposes of God may reach maturity. Were God in this moment to root out all evil from the world, then not only would all institutions that are designed for human commerce, security, and health collapse, but so also would the cause of God’s mission in the world for the millions who have yet to claim our Redeemer as their own. Patience in judgment is a significant grace of God” [GTB]. In the meantime, we have a clear task to sow Gospel seed (Matt. 28:18-20), and reorient our priorities so that the values of the Kingdom are our driving motivations.