Matthew 13:53-58: Jesus Goes to His Own Country

Matthew 13:53-58 MKJV And it happened when Jesus finished these parables, He departed from there. (54) And when He had come into His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so much so that they were astonished and said, From where does this man have this wisdom and these mighty works? (55) Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brothers, James and Joses and Simon and Judas, (56) and his sisters, are they not all with us? Then from where does this man have all these things? (57) And they were offended in Him. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country and in his own house. (58) And He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

 

Jesus’ first and foremost mission in life was to save souls by teaching, and turning them to the love of the Father. He lived day to day, minute by minute in constant prayer, and listening to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, directing Him to souls in need, and providing the words to touch their hearts at that moment.

After Jesus taught His disciples how to understand the mystery of His parables, He journeyed back to Galilee where He grew up. Jesus prayed during the entire journey back to Galilee. He was unusually quite as they walked along the road. His disciples could tell Jesus did not want to be distracted on this trip back home.

It was nice to see the familiar rolling hills, market, homes and places where He spent time as a boy, but most of all, the people, especially His family. Jesus loved His mother, brothers and sisters. Joseph, his father had died years ago. Jesus still remembered the time they had spent together working in his shop. How his father patiently taught Him step by step, everything about carpentry, and allowed Him study time to go over the scriptures.

Jesus spent day after day at the local synagogue reading and comparing scripture. Jered, the priest appreciated Jesus’ enthusiasm and dedication. He often commented on how the world would be a better place if more young people followed Jesus’ example. Jesus arrived like clockwork. Jered often prepared the rolls for the young guest. They often spent many hours discussing a variety of subjects and how they pertain to the scriptures. Jered always looked forward to their study together, and the discussions often extending long into the night.

God had placed a priest with an open mind at the synagogue where Jesus studied. Other priests would have tried to convince Jesus to accept and concentrate on traditions. They would have offered books outside of the Bible to study. Such influences would have stolen precious time. God’s plan of salvation was on a time frame, spoken by the prophets hundreds of year earlier, and must be completed on schedule. Not one detail was over looked.

Jered never questioned why Jesus’ enthusiasm was not shared by His brothers. He believed it was essential to minister to each individuals at their particle level. He knew God worked on hearts on an individual basis, and real conviction and change could only come through a personal relationship with God. Jered remembered the discussions he had with Jesus concerning the mistakes king David made, and how God sent personal messages, and spoke with him in a close and personal manner. Even though David was king of Israel, he was not the only one God spoke to. His was not the only heart God was longing for. And let your heart be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes, and to keep His commandments, as at this day. (1 Kings 8:61 MKJV)

Jered remembered the discussions he had with Jesus about God’s love. God has always been, and will always be the most faithful provider a man could ever know. The sunshine, warm summer days, a gentle breeze, rain in due season, all of God’s creation was for mans benefit. He gave these gifts to the good and the bad. They talked about the balance God created on the earth. The seasons, untold assortments of fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables to satisfy physical hunger. Jesus told Jered how God satisfies spiritual hunger. Lessons are as numerous as the assortment of food God provides. God’s wisdom is beyond comprehension. As vast as the horizon, and as deep as the ocean. His wisdom provides solutions for little problems, such as a disagreement between friends, and great problems, such as dealing with the Roman occupation. Sure they can make life difficult by taking away, but God is always able to see His people through every hardship. God always has more to give.

Jered’s favorite subject was God’s forgiveness. He saw it went far beyond the sacrifice of animals. Jesus agreed, the lamb was a symbol of God’s love and care for His people. When he discussed these things with Jesus, he could feel God’s grace upon his heart. He knew he was forgiven whenever he faithfully confessed his sins to God. The sacrifice served as a transfer of sin, forgiveness comes with true repentance. He realized this when Jesus explained the death of David’s first son from Bathsheba. How David felt the weight of his sin lifted from his shoulders once he made a complete and personal confession to God.

Jered always marveled at Jesus’ concept of God as a loving Father. It was as if Jesus knew how God provided rest for the weary, strength for the weak, comfort for the forgotten, and hope for all those who trusted in Him. It never ceased to amaze Jered as he witnessed Jesus applying these concepts in His life. He never passed a beggar, merchant, laborer, child, dignitary, or elder in need without offering His services. He even took time to minister to the Roman guards, providing them with water, or what little food He may have had at the time. To some, Jesus supplied an example which changed their lives for the better. With others, His acts of kindness brought the contempt brewing deep within them to the surface.

And now Jesus was coming back home. Jered remembered His first return and the text He read on that Sabbath. “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me; because of this He has anointed Me to proclaim the Gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim deliverance to the captives, and new sight to the blind, to set at liberty those having been crushed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19 MKJV). He remembered how the other priests reacted. He thought for certain they were going to kill Jesus that day. He felt so embarrassed. He had invited Jesus to speak that day, but never expected such a reaction. Hearing the news of Jesus’ return, he wondered what the reaction would be this time. He began to pray.

Even before Jesus reached Galilee people began to gather. Jesus had been praying throughout the entire journey, but the Spirit had been unexpectedly quiet. This greatly troubled Him. It seemed He always knew what to expect. He always had an excited feeling of meeting people to share the message the Father had given Him.This trip to Galilee seemed different. Returning home, Jesus felt like He was entering into an unknown world. This made Him wonder why so many people were gathering around Him. Were they there out of mere curiosity, or were they seeking the truth?

It seemed strange to Jesus to communicate with people He had known all His life with little more than idle chit chat. How have you been? The weather has been nice. You have grown since I last saw you. How is the family? Jesus was used to the Spirit guiding Him to souls with a yearning need to seek a closer relationship with the Father, but today, none of the responses, or comments seemed to dwell upon a spiritual level.

His disciples gazed in wonder for a while. Only a few days ago Jesus had revealed so much to them, and others, on such a high spiritual level through simple parables. Today their Teacher seemed to be at a loss for words. They finally convinced themselves it had something to do with the fact these people had known Jesus all their lives. Maybe they had already heard His stories and parables. Maybe being home brought a level of comfort to Jesus they had not seen before.

Jesus’ arrival brought back memories. Beggars still gathered at the edge of town. Not even the arrival of Jesus could convince them to give up their choice locations on the side of the road leading into Galilee. Jesus glanced over at them, recognizing many. Over the years Jesus had shared His food with many of them. As they ate, Jesus taught. He wondered if His words had any effect on them. If the seeds He had planted had found fertile ground. Had the world hardened their hearts to a point, the Son of God could not reach them?

Passing through the market, Jesus noticed a number of pieces He had built for some of the local vendors. A table here and there, a fence He had helped His father install, a raised porch a wealthy vender had erected, so he could stand above the crowds to have a better look at potential customers. So many pieces brought back memories of the time He had spent working with His father, everything He had learned from him, and all the talks they had. Each piece brought back another memory.

Jesus looked at the faces of the vendors. He remembered the lessons and hope He had shared with each of them. They paid him little attention as they shouted out their repetitious sales pitches. A few of them called out, “how are you doing Jesus, bring your friends here to see if there is anything I can help them with.” To Jesus it seemed His homecoming had turned into a money making opportunity for many of the local vendors.

As Jesus neared the center of town, His silent prayers increased. His disciples instinctively stayed close to Him. They sensed He was troubled, but felt helpless to do so much as provide a word of comfort. Jesus’ silent prayers turned into a low mumble, and shifted to an outward praise to His Father. “Lord God, creator of all Heaven and earth. I know you are seated upon your throne watching me, and all your sheep you have entrusted to my care. Lord I ask you, let them not hear my voice, but yours. Lord give me the words to call your sheep back to the fold.” Jesus continued His prayer as He entered the town square where the priests and elders had gathered. One of them commented, “now He is preaching to sheep.” The rude joke brought forth a number of forced chuckles from a few of the priests and elders seated in their place of authority.

Jesus scanned each of the faces, among them, many familiar, few of them friendly. Jesus reached deep into His soul looking for the words He knew these people needed, but nothing came to mind. At last his eyes rested on His old friend Jered. What a welcome site. His feelings of anxiety quickly fled as a smile came to His face. Nothing could hold back the reunion as they both stepped forward, embracing in a hug. “How have you been young man,” Jered inquired? “I have been fine, going about my Father’s business,” Jesus relied. Jered gave Jesus an unexpectedly strange look as he gazed into Jesus’ eyes to see if His reply was serious. Jered knew Joseph had died years ago. He searched for the proper words to find out if Jesus was referring to who he though He was referring, but the attention was quickly shifted as Jesus commented, “I see you have been expecting me.” Jered answered, “we did hear a day or two ago that you would be headed this way, and yes, I have been looking forward to your visit.” These words brought Jesus a measure of comport He had been looking for. Jered quickly added, “I have heard many storied of your ahh, quest throughout the region. I would love to have you speak this Sabbath, and I will not take no for an answer.” “I will be happy to accept your gracious invitation,” Jesus quickly answered.

Jesus spent the night in prayer, waiting on the words to preach in the morning. The memory of the day it seemed the Holy Spirit did not answer Him was fresh on His mind. His thoughts also wondered to the episode following His last speaking engagement at Galilee. He suddenly remembered how the Sprit had saved His life that day. How He turned and walked through the angry crowd and curious onlookers. His mind once again traced those steps, resting on the mother and two young sons. A smile came to Jesus’ face which strengthened His heart as He concentrated on every detail leading up to the moment He healed the little boy with the crooked foot. He remembered how the little boy worked through his disability, trying to help in any way he could. As His heart soared with thankfulness for the power the Spirit granted Him that day, the words of His sermon began to flow like rivers of living water.

As Jesus took His place to teach in the synagogue, He uncharacteristically paid little attention to those seated before Him. Instead He gave His full attention to the words He was given by the Spirit to share with the people of Galilee. He opened the scroll and read from the Psalms of David, “O God, You have cast us off, You have scattered us, You were angry; take us back. You made the earth tremble; You tore it; heal the breaks of it, for it is shaking. You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us to drink the wine of trembling. You have given a banner to those who fear You, to lift it up because of the truth. Selah.” (Psalms 60:1-4 MKJV).

After reading He looked up to examine the faces, studying each one to test their reaction. This time the synagogue remained silent. Jesus continued, “Praise the Lord; for it is good to sing praises to our God; for praise is delightful and becoming. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds. He appoints the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names.” (Psalms 147:1-4 MKJV).

To illustrate the point Jesus added accounts of how the Judges delivered Israel in their time of need, the protection God gave Israel during the seventy years of captivity in Babylon, and how the Lord delivered Israel from Egypt. He told each story as if it was an eye witness account, adding in detailed descriptions of both the scenery, and emotions experienced during each event. He added a brief description of the moment Israel received the commandments from God on Mount Horeb, and closed His sermon with the Words of Solomon.

“These six the Lord hates; yea, seven are hateful to his soul: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked plans, feet hurrying to run to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and he who causes fighting among brothers. My son, keep your father’s commandments, and do not forsake the law of your mother; bind them upon your heart forever, tie them around your neck. When you go, it shall lead you; when you sleep, it shall keep you; and when you awake, it shall talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” (Proverbs 6:16-23 MKJV)

When Jesus had finished, He once again looked out over the synagogue. He could tell by the expressions on their faces they were deep in though. Jesus thanked His Father and the Spirit for providing the opportunity to serve. This is what Jesus had been praying about on the road to Galilee.

After the service Jesus walked among those gathered in the court, His ears carefully focusing on the conversations around Him. He could hear that some were astonished and said, “From where does this man have this wisdom and these mighty works?” Others were still skeptical saying, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brothers, James and Joses and Simon and Judas, and his sisters, are they not all with us? Then from where does this man have all these things?” And they were offended in Him.

Hearing this, His disciples began to question how these people could judge Jesus on the lives and actions of His brothers and sisters. The disciples who had children knew how each possessed individual characters and traits. Should the world be judged on the actions of Cain, or all of Israel on the lack of faith displayed by their forefathers delivered from Egypt? Have they not heard of the followers gathered to hear Jesus speak, the lessons He taught, those He healed, and raised from the dead? The questions quickly turned to understanding as the disciples began to see the roles these people portrayed in the parables Jesus taught.

The disciples observed Jesus’ reaction to the situation. Jesus simply said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country and in his own house.“

The disciples knew what Galilee meant to Jesus, and expected Him to begin performing a number of miracles, and healing everyone in sight to show them who He really was. The city watched Jesus grow as boy into a young man. They knew His character, but chose to compare Him to other members of His family. Instead of accepting the facts before their eyes, they searched for excuses. And He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

 

Matthew 13:52: Treasure New and Old

Matthew 13:52 MKJV Then He said to them, Therefore every scribe who is instructed to the kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a householder, who brings out things new and old out of his treasure.

 

Jesus had been teaching His disciples through parables for hours, although it felt like only a few minutes had passed. He told them the parable of the sower, and explained how the gift of understanding had been given to them. This was a gift many before them had prayed and searched for. Jesus explained the parable in great detail, impressing the lessons upon their minds with the use of simple, everyday items to illustrate spiritual lessons. The minds of His disciples had been opened, and their hearts were guided by God’s Spirit. Their thoughts directed them to a number of texts Jesus had been praying they would now understand. A new life, a deeper understanding was opening up to them. This was more than a lesson Jesus was teaching, it was a fulfillment of prophecy.

Jesus also taught them the parable of the wheat and tares. Jesus wanted them to see just how far reaching their ministry will grow with the seeds they would plant through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To illustrate how far their simple ministries would reach, He taught them the parable of the mustard seed.

After the crowds left, Jesus and His disciples went into Peters house. There His disciples asked Him to explain the parable of the wheat and tares. In this parable the disciples were shown the struggle taking place, but seldom noticed by most people. They began to realize how we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12 KJV).

There was so much to teach, and so little time. One of the most important lessons to learn was their role in the plan of salvation. This was revealed in the parables Jesus taught about a man who found treasure in a field, the pearl of great price, and the net which brought in good and bad fish. In these the disciples learned the need for prayer, trusting the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s plan, and cooperation between fellow believers. Each essential elements in God’s plan of salvation.

Jesus paused for quite some time. He wanted to give His disciples time to digest the spiritual food He had already given them while dinner was being served. After blessing the food, Jesus in His usual fashion took the bread, broke it in pieces, and passed it around the table. Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe who is instructed to the kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a householder, who brings out things new and old out of his treasure.”

All of His disciples considered this a most unusual parable. Some of them had already considered writing about the things Jesus taught about the Kingdom of Heaven. They considered this a great responsibility and thought this parable had been directed at them. They asked themselves the question, what did they, a scribe instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven have in common with the head of a household? They thought, the head of the household is meant to be the priest of the family.

Jesus could tell His disciples were deep in thought. Meals were usually filled with conversation, this evening, was different. Jesus gazed at each of His disciples, the orange glow from the light of the oil lamps dancing throughout the room, accentuating the lines of wisdom and experience etched into each face. He focused on the depth of their thoughts in their eyes where the reflection of the flame from the lamp was like looking into their soul. Jesus read the passion deep within their souls. Many ideas went through their minds, but nothing seemed to answer the question. Each of them went onto the second part of the parable in their own time. What could a home owner bring out of his house that would help to explain the Kingdom of Heaven?

Jesus smiled as He watched their eyes going from room to room. Some of the disciples gazed upon the table wondering if the table as a whole represented Heaven, or was it a single item? Others studied other rooms, the kitchen, bedroom, and living area. Not a single item in any of the rooms seemed to be able to explain Heaven the way Jesus did. Was that the answer? Was it Jesus? Was He the new Treasure a man will take out of a house to show others a true vision of Heaven?

The answer seemed so plain, so simple. Where else would anyone learn about Heaven? Who better to learn from than the Son of God?

This seemed to be the only answer that made sense, perfect sense. As they thought about how and what Jesus taught, each one was influenced by a different scene they had witnessed, or been told about.

Matthew thought about a story he had been told about Jesus when He was a young child. Three wise men traveled a great distance over many months, visiting Him in His house to honor Him with treasures of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11) Matthew thought about Jesus coming out of the house, helping everyone He met, and telling them stories about the Kingdom of Heaven like they have never heard before. Truly Jesus is the new treasure.

John thought about Jesus’ sermon on the mountain. His mind focused on one particular line Jesus spoke, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand. And it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 MKJV).

John thought about bringing Jesus out of a house as the light to the world. To John this was the answer to the parable. It made John think, Jesus’ followers are the light of the world. The light they carry is God’s Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4 KJV)

Looking at the walls of the house, Luke’s mind rested upon another parable Jesus told. “He is like a man who built a house and dug deep and laid the foundation on a rock; and a flood occurring, the stream burst against that house and could not shake it; for it was founded on a rock.” (Luke 6:48 MKJV)

Luke also thought about the Rock that followed Moses and the Israelites as he wondered through the wilderness. He could see the connection between Jesus’ care for those around Him, and how the Rock provided for Israel’s greatest needs. “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4 KJV). As he thought about this, John could see how a wise man will build his life upon the loving and caring ways of Jesus. This was what every man could take out of his house to teach the world about Heaven.

Peter of course thought about the time Jesus visited his house and healed his mother in law. And He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. And evening coming on, they brought to Him many who had been possessed with demons. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “He took on Himself our weaknesses and bore our sicknesses.” (Matthew 8:15-17 MKJV).

Peter was beginning to see and understand the prophecies Jesus had been fulfilling. He could see how he may one day teach others about Jesus, and the prophecies He fulfilled. This is what kept him so close to Jesus. Everyday he was amazed not only by the miracles, but the words Jesus spoke. Peter was most impressed when Jesus revealed the prophecies He was fulfilling. Peter wished he had access to the scriptures and the time to study them in more detail.

James focused on the exciting and tight places they found themselves in. He remembered one particular time when Jesus and His disciples dined in a crowded home when pieces of the roof began falling on the table. Four men lowered a paralyzed man on a bed down into the house. Among the guests were a number of Pharisees. To make a point, Jesus asked them, “For which is easier? To say, Your sins are forgiven you, or to say, Arise and walk! But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed and go to your house.” And he arose and departed to his house. (Matthew 9:5-7 MKJV).

James could see the connection between the faith the man needed to be healed, and the work Jesus performed. This put him into deeper thought, contemplating the spiritual connection between physical disease and sin, Jesus often illustrated in His parables.

One account all the disciples remembered was the time Jesus visited a young ruler’s house. They remembered how he came to Jesus, and pleaded with Him to come and cure his daughter. They also remembered the interruptions encountered along the way, and how the look of desperation increased in his eyes as time slipped away. They thought they would never forget the look on the man’s face when he was told his daughter died, or how Jesus tried to comfort him in his hour of need. That was nothing compared to when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, He said to them, “Go back, for the little girl is not dead, but sleeps.” And they laughed Him to scorn. But when the people were put out, He went in and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. (Matthew 9:24-25 MKJV)

What would the light, words, deeds, miracles, and forgiveness accomplish without the resurrection? Their minds filled with the awesome wonder of God as each in his own mind praised the Lord by meditating on His power over death, and relating this to His power of creation. Each one of His disciples reached a new level of love, respect, and knowledge for their Teacher, Friend, and Saviour, freely giving of His time to heal, physical and spiritual pain.

Each of His disciples have seen this power in their own lives only a few weeks before when Jesus commanded them to, “go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:6-8).

It was plain to see, they were the scribes instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven by the Son of God. Jesus was the New Treasure they were to take out of the home they were now in, and share it with the world. This parable marked a new beginning. What about the old? What old treasure in the house represents the Kingdom of Heaven? Once again they began gazing from room to room, item to item. Jesus noticing their eyes wondering and knew they were searching for the answer. All eyes were on Jesus as He quietly rose from the table, took an oil lamp in His hand, went to the door and opened it. It took only a second for each of them to discover the answer as the light from the lamp lite up the words of the commandments inscribed upon the door posts. Every mind pondered the inspired words spoken by God’s voice, and given on tablets of stone through Moses.

And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words which I command you this day shall be in your heart. And you shall carefully teach them to your sons, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. And you shall write them upon the posts of your house, and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:5-9 MKJV)

The old treasure is the commandments. The parable was so plain and simple. It is true, it did turn out exactly as Jesus had told them. “It is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear what you hear, and have not heard them.” (Matthew 13:11, 16-17 MKJV)

 

The plan of salvation includes all of Jesus’ followers. We are all disciples given spiritual gifts. Each one is different. One is no greater than the other. Each gift is designed and provided to lead someone to Christ. Jesus sends His disciples out into the world to preach the Kingdom of Heaven. This is the new treasure we take out of our homes to share with the world when the old treasure is written in our hearts. “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall keep My judgments and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27 MKJV)

Matthew 13:47-51: Kingdom of Heaven is like a net

Matthew 13:47-51
(47) Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea, and gathered some of every kind; (48) which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. (49) So it shall be at the end of the world. The angels shall come out and separate the wicked from among the just, (50) and shall cast them into the furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (51) Jesus said to them, Have you understood all these things? They said to Him, Yes, Lord.

It was the perfect night for fishing, no wind, no moon, perfectly quiet and calm. Simon and Andrew patiently let the net down into the water and put oil lamps out on poles to attract fish into the waiting net. With nothing to do but wait in silence, Simon thought about a better hope for tomorrow. His life has always been rough. Growing up with no hope for the future, but to inherit his father’s fishing boat, and a small plot of land was not a life he wanted. He stared into the darkness beyond the light of the oil lamps asking God if He had something better in mind for his life. Looking over at his little brother Andrew, he began to count the blessings in his life, family, food on the table, a roof over his head, and … there had to be more to life than this.

Hours passed before they saw the first hint of the sun, still below the horizon. A sliver of light blue quickly spread over the sky. Waking Andrew, they began pulling in the net. At first nothing seemed out of the ordinary. As they gathered in more of the net, they noticed an unusually heavy load. They toiled against the weight of the net for ten, twenty, then thirty minutes. The more they pulled in the net, the heavier it became. The sun appearing over the horizon lite the entire sky. Simon glanced over the edge of the boat to see if the catch was visible from the surface. To his surprise the net was filled to over flowing. He could see a number of fish escaping from the open sides. Every muscle in his body bulged as he and Andrew labored against the weight of the catch.

Once the catch broke the surface, the brothers knew it would be too heavy for the two of them to pull in over the side. Grabbing wicker baskets they began scooping fish out of the net into the boat. After filing the boat half full of fish Simon suggested, “let’s try pulling in the net now.” With arms budging and back muscles straining the two brothers put every ounce of strength into hauling the net into the boat. After a few minutes of straining against the weight, Simon decided it was beyond their ability. He secured the net in the highest position they were able to manage and told Andrew they had no choice but to head to shore for assistance. This meant sharing the catch, which already had exceeded their expectations. Simon knew returning with the net over the side would be a welcome site to the small fishing village. Fishing had been slow for the past few weeks. Sharing a catch like this is just what the small village needed.

It was difficult to row to shore with a net weighing down one side, not to mention making it impossible to put an oar in the water on the starboard side. Both Simon and Andrew hoped a wind would soon come, which would make getting to shore much easier. Their prayers were almost immediately answered as a mild breeze began to blow. After hoisting the sail, the journey seemed much more enjoyable.

It was no real surprise they were the last boat to reach shore. The village being like family, noticed Simon and Andrew had not returned. A number of people, including their father and mother stood on the shore watching for them. The view of a sail on the small boat in the distance greatly comforted them. As the boat drew closer, the sail exemplified the fact the boat exhibited a dramatic lean. Expecting the worst, other boats quickly made their way out to aid Simon and Andrew. They were greatly relieved and surprised to see the reason for the lean. Simon cast out lines to two of the boats nearest them, preparing to tow them into shore. A third boat positioned itself along side the budging net, scooping out baskets of fish to help lighten the load.

The entire fishing village gathered at the shore with a sense of excitement and anticipation. As soon as the boats were close enough they noticed the loaded net hanging from the side. With anticipation, people began scrambling for baskets to fill. When the loaded boat grounded in the shallow water, a number of men ran out to help haul the net to the shore.

With the entire village gathered around the net, Simon’s father held up his arms signaling for quite. When the excitement and chatter calmed down, he offered up a prayer to God. “Or kind Heavenly Father, I first of all thank you for the safe return of my sons, Simon and Andrew. I also thank you Lord for answering our prayers by providing this bountiful catch. Lord, you are the Creator of all Heaven and earth, the dry land, the seas, and everything in them. We thank you Lord for the kind and gentle mercy you have shown us this day.”

As soon as the prayer was finished, the people began sorting through the fish in orderly fashion, putting the good into baskets, and the bad in a pile along the shore.

“So it shall be at the end of the world. The angels shall come out and separate the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, Yes, Lord. Matthew 13:40-51.

The separation of the saints and sinners takes place when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him. All nations shall be gathered before Him. And He shall separate them from one another, as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats. He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats off the left. Then the King shall say to those on His right hand, Come, blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. He shall send His angels and shall gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven. They will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him a thousand years. Matthew 25:31-34, Mark 13:26, Revelation 20:6.

Whoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My Words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man shall also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. Mark 8:38

One day Jesus and the saints will stand upon the walls of the New City Jerusalem looking out at a vast army of the dead which will stretch as far as the eye can see. Although greatly out numbered, no fear will enter into the hearts of the saints. They have been with Jesus for a thousand years, and understand how the prophecies will be fulfilled.

 
The rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. When the thousand years expires, Satan will be loosed out of his prison. He will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle. The number of them is as the sand of the sea. And they went up over the breadth of the earth and circled around the camp of the saints, and the beloved city. And I saw the dead, the small and the great, stand before God. And books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And fire came down from God out of Heaven and devoured them. And the Devil who deceived them was cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet were. He also shall say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. This is the second death. And if anyone was not found having been written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the Lake of Fire. Revelation 20:5, 7-9, Revelation 20:12, 9, 10, Matthew 25:41, Revelation 20:14, 15.

Matthew 13:44 Treasure Hidden in a Field

Matthew 13:44 MKJV (44) Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which when a man has found it, he hides it, and for the joy of it goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

 

Lamech heard stories of Roman solders burying gold and silver in fields until relieved, and sent back to Rome. They would than recover the buried treasure before returning home. He took the stories seriously, and proved them true by uncovering a number of small deposits. He didn’t receive much money for the items he uncovered. It was not safe to shop around for the best price. Eventually he uncovered enough to trade for a small wagon and a mule in the hopes he would use it to transport the treasure he was searching for.

As time pasted, Lamech honed his skills, getting better at noticing tell tale signs of earth which had been disturbed. By examining the vegetation he noticed differences in the type and age of plants. He also learned to look for natural landmarks, which could later be used by the solders to located their buried treasure. No matter how his skills increased, he never used them as an excuse to abandon prayer.

One day Lamech noticed a depression in the ground, indicating a large rock had been moved. This was the time to pray. After praising God as creator of all Heaven and earth, Lamech asked God for His guidance, and blessings. Looking around he saw a stone which appeared to fit the depression. Lamech moved the rock, and began digging. A short distance down, he heard the familiar clank of the shovel hitting a metallic object. Lamech uncovered four golden plates the size of his hand. This alone was a find of a life time, much more valuable than anything he had found before. Lamech praised God for the find, and asked that he be given the wisdom to invest the golden plates wisely.

Lamech took the plates, wrapped them in a cloth, and hide them in the side of his cart. Looking around in the field, he noticed a number of other indentations, and rocks which clearly had been moved. Lamech figured his best plan would be to buy the field, and return when he felt it was safe to recover the treasure.

Lamech cut a bundle of grass and gathered some wood so he would not attract attention going into town. His first stop was a visit to Zidon, the merchant he often sold his finds to. Although the golden plates were worth a small fortune, Lamech received very little money for them. It did not matter to Lamech, based on the fact he had seen the signs and promises of much more treasure. Zidon also provided Lamech with the information he needed to buy the field.

It was a long process to purchase the field. He first had to go to the local synagogue to find out who owned the field. He then had to contact the owner to negotiate a price. After that it was off to see the local governor to receive authority for the purchase, which was recorded by both the governors office, and the scribes at the synagogue. Each required an unexpected fee. Once the fees were paid, Lamech realized, he did not have the funds to pay the land owner. He returned to renegotiate the price, but the owner would not reconsider. Lamech had no choice but to offer his mule and wagon as a portion of the payment. Once the transaction was recorded and witnessed, he received the deed.

Returning to the field with nothing more than his shovel, a piece of parchment to prove he now owned the land, and a prayer in his heart, Lamech had no choice but to dig for more treasure so he could eat that week. He began digging at the first rock he found. This time the shovel made quite a different sound when it struck the buried treasure. He quickly uncovered a leather pouch. Inside the pouch he found dozens of gold coins. This was better than he had expected, as coins would not require any type of exchange.

Lamech could not believe his eyes as he uncovered bag after bag of gold and silver coins. Each bag containing between twenty four and forty pieces. Looking at the treasure uncovered in one day, Lamech thanked God for this enormous blessing, and pledged a large portion of it to the synagogue. He also prayed the new found fortune would not change him, and the solders who buried the money would not return to reclaim it.

Lamech was so excited, he could not sleep, so he spent the night in prayer. At first he saw visions of the rocks marking each location where the treasure was buried. As he prayed his vision changed. He began to see vineyards, orchards, and fields of grain. Little by little a plan began to unfold in his mind. The river was the key. One text revealed the meaning of the vision. “For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters; it sends out its roots by the river, and it shall not fear when the heat comes, but its foliage shall be green; and he is not worried in the year of drought, nor will it cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8 MKJV

During the day Lamech had hardly noticed the river, except for the fact it was a boundary line for the field he purchased, it had no other meaning at the beginning. Now he could see, this was the answer to the blessing he had been praying for. God’s plan was so much better than his. The vision would allow him to share the wealth while at the same time, wisely investing in the future. The layout of the land was perfect for an irrigation project. It had a steep rise on the banks of the river, protecting against a possible flood. For the most part the land slopped gently down hill from the river, an essential feature for irrigation.

Lamech began to see how this would be a blessing to others in this depressed economy. People needed work, he needed laborers, and for the first time in his life, he had the funds to pay them. The field would have to be cleared and prepared for planting. Irrigation channels would have to be dug. Gates would have to be installed in the embankments to control the flow of water. He would need people to plant, and care for the vineyard, orchard, and grain crops. Wisely invested, the treasure would be a blessing to many families.

Almost immediately Lamech began to put God’s plan into action, praying every step along the way. He talked to people in town about irrigation. They directed him to Obed. Stories had been circulated he had learned new techniques in irrigation and flow control. Obed told Lamech about a new process and materials he had been using to construct gates to control the flow of water. They were stronger and more reliable. They used a new material known as concrete for a foundation, and iron gates sliding in oak runners. Lamech was certain he was led to Obed by God. He gave Obed a deposit to buy materials and hire the necessary workers.

Lamech began praying to find labors to clear the fields. As he walked about the city, his prayers once again were answered when he met a man pulling a cart which appeared to contain all his belongings. His wife and three small children were also with him. Abidan told him how he had lost his little girl on the journey, and how he had been evicted from his home with only a moments notice. Lamech had not considered building homes to house the workers. He had not even considered building a home of his own. Lamech knew God had guided their paths, that this meeting was not by shear chance. Lamech gave Abidan money to spend the night at the inn, directions to his land, and a request to join him in the preparation of the land. With a joyful heart Abidan accepted. All along the road Abidan had been praying to find enough employment to purchase a night at the inn, and enough food for the journey. Now he had been blessed with meaningful, and secure employment.

God’s plan was not revealed all at once, just as Noah was not told he would spend more than a year with his family on a boat loaded with animals on a raging sea. He was told the beginning and the end. Faith carried him through everything in between. It was like a test, to see if the promise is first accepted, and believed. God wanted to see if Lamech had the faith to take the first step. With each progressive step, additional details of God’s plan, and the lessons they taught were revealed.

The treasure was buried in this field for a purpose. God led Lamech to the treasure to accomplish much more than he had ever imagined. He had always prayed for God’s guidance, and promised to help others whenever he found any treasure. Over the years God had tested Lamech, and proved him. God provided the treasure after Lamech had applied the lessons to his life. Each lesson drew him into a closer relationship with God.

It wasn’t by chance the field cost Lamech everything he had. God needed him to return to the field alone, so He could reveal His plan, which was much bigger than helping a single servant in need.

Because Abidan had experience working on a villa, Lamech made him foreman, paying him five times what he earned when he worked for Machi. Abidan still wondered why he had to face the trials that brought him to this point, but he praised God for the blessings that came to him, and his family so quickly. With all the responsibilities he now had, he had little time to contemplate the pain, but dedicated himself to serving God, and doing his best to serve Lamech to the best of his ability. The prayers and praise he offered God helped him to accomplish goals beyond his abilities.

Within a short time the land was cleared, irrigation gates installed, ditches dug, vines and trees planted, and homes were under construction. What was an empty field a few weeks ago had now become a center of activity. More than one hundred people were now gainfully employed, each thankful and praising God throughout the day. As Lamech made his way from one project to another, he was totally amazed at the cooperative atmosphere as people greeted and helped one another.

When the work was completed, most of the money was spent. Lamech paid well, and had faith the Lord would see all the required work would be concluded. It would be years before the vines and trees would produce a crop, but the grain crops would be ready in a few months. This required a bit of planning and budgeting for the future. Lamech finally realized, the fields had been cleared, and the rocks removed. The excitement made him forget, there may have been more treasure buried in the field. The thought left his mind as quickly as it entered. He was certain God has, and will always have a better plan.

Years passed, and the villa prospered. The irrigation saw the vines and trees through a number of short droughts, allowing them to produce a bountiful harvest. Every first fruit was taken to the synagogue and offered to God. The poor knew they had a place they were always welcome. None of them ever took advantage of Lamech’s hospitality. The Lord blessed Lamech, his workers, and the land in every way imaginable.

 

Matthew 13:45-46 MKJV (45) Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls; (46) who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

 

Lamech developed a hobby of collecting pearls. When time allowed he traveled far and wide, seeking pearls of every color and size to add to his collection. He began with simple white pearls with a hint of iridescent color. As he learned about the quality and depth of color each pearl exhibited, he was taught how to examine them in the light, and look for the most consistent shades. He collected black, white, yellow, pink, green, and blue pearls of different sizes. One day he found a gray pearl which exhibited shades of silver when turned to the sun. Some of the pearls he purchased had shades of two, and sometimes three colors. He prized these above the others, even though they were not considered very high quality. Some of the pearls Lamech purchased were of enormous size, although to him, they lacked the splendor of some of the smaller pearls.

One day he heard a story of a man along the coast who had purchased a rare find. It was said this pearl was unlike any other, with an array of colors resembling a rainbow. Tales placed the size as one of the largest in the world. Others said it was of the purest white, with no hint of any discoloration. The conflicting stories aroused Lamech’s interest. He set out on a trip to find the truth.

Arriving in the port city Lamech’s excitement out weighed his need to seek comfort and a room for the evening. He went directly to the shop on the bay he had been told about. Inside he met the owner, Urbane. Lamech got right down to business, “I have heard stories of a special pearl in your possession.” Urbane answered, “I have a lot of special pearls, what exactly are you looking for?” Lamech was a little surprised at the answer, adding, “the one with the special colors, all the colors, arrayed with perfect consistency throughout the entire sphere. I have heard it is one of the largest, and most beautiful ever found.” Urbane looked over Lamech, trying to size him up in an attempt to establish a price. He could see by his dress, he was not a poor man, and considered him a serious buyer. After a moment of though, Urbane decided it was wiser to show a number of pearls, in the hopes he could determine the buyer’s true intent. Heading to a back room Urbane commented, “I will return in a moment.” Lamech looked around the tiny shop, noticing the merchandise was all natural materials including fine pottery, detailed woven baskets and mats, exquisite wood carvings, and cast bronze bowls, pitchers, and containers of all shapes and sizes. He also noticed, the lack of deities found in other shops of this stature.

In a few moments Urbane returned with a silver tray containing a number of small finely carved wooden boxes. Laying it down on the counter he lifted up the largest and most finely engraved. Opening it he gently lifted out one of the largest pearls Lamech had ever seen. His excitement reached a new level as Urbane handed it to him. He held his breath is he lifted it up to the light. The pearl gave off a silverish glow, like moon light on a crisp autumn night. He rotated it in his fingers studying the depth of the color and how the light reflected. All he saw was silver. It was a fine pearl, but not what he was looking for. Handing it back to Urbane, he said, “this is not what I am looking for.”

The result was the same for pearl after pearl. Many were of finer quality than those in Lamech’s collection, but he had a vision of the perfect pearl in him mind, and high expectations of finding it. Finally Urbane opened the last box. A small smooth light tan box, finely formed with a simple domed pattern. Lamech held his breath, and felt his heart jump as Urbane began lifting the pearl from the darkened box. As soon as the pearl was exposed to the light of the room, it showed brilliant shades of green and red. As Urbane placed the pearl in Lamech’s palm shades of blue and silver danced across the surface. Lamech stood at the counter, rolling the pearl in his palm for some time. He could not believe the way the colors blended from yellow to red, silver to blue, and then to purple, back to red. Turning his head Lamech located a beam of sunlight coming through the window. Taking the pearl between his thumb and forefinger he headed for the light.

Words could not describe the magnificent blend of colors and naturally polished surface. Colors seemed to jump from the surface, blending in a radiance never seen before. Lamech held the pearl directly in the light, looking at the outer surface he saw a rainbow surround the tiny sphere. This reminded Lamech of the covenant given to Noah. He wondered if the rainbow shown to Noah extended around the world. This pearl was special! It was smaller than most in his collection but the colors where beyond imagination, exceeding all his expectations.

As Lamech held the pearl up to the rays of the sun, and rotated it in his fingers he saw an unexpected sight. As the tiny sphere was rotated, the rainbow seen around he pearl remained consistent. No matter how the pearl was viewed, the shimmering rainbow remained. He knew this was a pearl beyond price.

Turning back to Urbane, he asked, “how much?” There was little desire to bargain. Lamech had already given away his desire with the look in his eyes. Urbane answered, “gold and silver I have, but the price required for this pearl you may not want to pay. I want to know, did you come prepared to pay the price?” Without a word Lamech handed the pearl back to Urbane, turned and walked out the door without saying a word. Urbane laid the pearl upon the silver tray and waited.

Lamech had considered the price long before planning for his journey. The breath taking beauty of the pearl was more than he had imagined, and the choice was an easy one to make. Reaching into his saddle bag, he pulled out a pouch, and opened it, looked inside, opened a few small pieces of cloth inside, examining the contents for a moment, closed the pouch, and headed back inside the shop.

Placing the pouch on the counter, Lamech said, “this is the price I am willing to pay.” He opened the pouch, turned it on its side, emptying the contents on the counter, exposing dozens of small pieces of cloth, each containing one pearl. “I will trade my entire collection for that one pearl.” Urbane unwrapped one of the pearls, a large black one which shimmered with a shade of silvery gray when held to the light. Without inspecting another Urbane announced, “done.”

The surprise on Lamech’s face was more of a reward to Urbane than the pearls he had just traded for. They shook hands to seal the deal. Urbane placed the pearl of great wealth back in its small, unassuming box, and handed it to Lamech. Filled with a joy seldom felt in this life, Lamech headed out the door.

The end of the day was drawing near. Lamech took a room at a local inn. After dinner he took the pearl from its case and held it up the light from the oil lamp. The yellowish, orange flame gave the pearl a rather warm glow, as the colors engulfed the tiny sphere. He gazed at it for hours before falling to sleep.

Awaked by a crowing cock, Lameck quickly gathered his things for the long journey home. He wanted to get an early start. He could not wait to share his excitement. As soon as he reached the street he noticed a long line of people heading for the shore. He watched one group after another pass, finally questioning a young woman, “where is everyone headed?” She replied, “Jesus is on the shore.” Lamech had heard about Jesus, and always hoped to hear Him speak, and maybe see Him perform a miracle. He left his horse, walking along with the others.

There on the shore he saw Jesus and His disciples. One of them helped Jesus into a small boat, and pushed it out a small distance from the shore. As the sun began rising over the lush green forests of the distant hills, reflecting off the water in the most vivid shades of red and blue, the purple sky giving way to colors of bright blue and yellow, Jesus began to speak, “Behold, a sower went forth to sow;”

The scene struck Lamech in the most unexpected way. He had never experienced such a beautify sunrise. The cloud formations stood still at just the right location, allowing the bright red sun, like a fireball to shine directly between them and the distant trees. For a moment, the sun was directly behind Jesus. As Lamech listened to His Words, he shaded his eyes from the glare of the sun. For a moment a rainbow appeared around Jesus just as a breeze began to blow. As the tiny boat raised and lowered upon the tiny waves, the rainbow raised and lower, outlining Jesus’ figure.

Each word struck at Lamech’s heart. At that moment it seemed he had been blessed with everything a man could ask for. He was blessed by his field, the company of his workers and friends, and now, he was having the scriptures opened to him like he had never imagined. Each Word from Jesus’ lips brought new understanding to Lamech’s heart. Now he had real treasure to share with those back home.

When Jesus left the boat, Lamech decided to leave for home. The time he remained was well spent, but he wanted to return home by night fall. On the long ride home he went over Jesus’ story again and again. Each time he discovered something about the parable he did not realize before. Lamech thought to himself, if only Jesus would visit my villa. I would like everyone to hear His words.

Lamech spent the next two years listening to Jesus speak whenever he learned He was near. Each time he took along a group of workers and friends. Each time he learned so many things, and saw so many miracles. The most vivid miracle which remained fresh in his mind was the rainbow that surrounded Jesus on the lake.

Matthew 13:31-32 : Parable of the Mustard Seed

Matthew 13:31-32 MKJV (31) He put out another parable to them, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; (32) which indeed is the least of all seeds, but when it is grown it is the greatest among herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.

 

Elam crossed over the ridge of the hill to his favorite place to praise God. From the top of the hill he could view the rolling hills of green grass, low shrubs, and scattered trees of his father’s land, handed down through generations. He knew the success of his plans relied upon God. Elam knelt down to pray. “Lord, you created the heavens and the earth. You set up and tear down kingdoms. Lord you watch over the strong and the broken hearted. Lord, I ask you to look over this tiny seed. Send your rain, and your sunlight. Protect the sprout, and the sapling Lord. Help this tree to grow, and be an effective witness to you and your power.”

Clearing the grass from a small area, Elam prepared the perfect site on the top of the hill. He took out a scrap of cloth from under his belt around his tunic. Unwrapping it slowly, his sharp young eyes searched for the seed the cloth had been protecting. Pressing the tip of his finger over of the seed, he lifted it toward his eyes. Once he was certain the seed was in place, Elam placed his finger into the ground, burying the seed at the depth his father had suggested. He make a tiny fence around his mustard seed, to mark the location, and protect the tiny plant once it appeared.

At the time, Elam was his father’s only son. As the eldest, Elam was in line to inherit the largest portion of his father’s land. Although Elam was only six years old, he felt a need to prepare for the future. He imagined the top of the hill as a natural landmark, for dividing the inheritance. His young mind pictured a large tree growing on the top of the hill as a landmark symbolizing the connection between him and his future brother. This tree would represent God’s miracle of birth and growth.

As Elam grew, so did his tree. It took weeks to appear. Nothing more than a tiny sprout, looking more like a sprig of grass than the majestic tree he had imagined. During the dry season Elam carried buckets of water, making certain his little tree received the best care, and was never left alone. He also replaced the hedge of tiny sticks with much larger ones, making a sort of fence to protect the growing plant.

As the years passed, the sprig took on the appearance of a shrub. Slender branches shooting out in all directions. On their way to tend their flocks, Elam proudly showed his pride and joy to his father, Assher. After carefully inspecting the small plant, Assher showed Elam how to trim a number of branches to help the plant to grow stronger, straighter, and quicker. It was a lesson Elam never forgot.

By age nine, Elam’s tree had grown almost as tall as him. By age twelve, his tree had reached a height taller than him, and would always remain so.

Throughout the years Elam carefully trimmed the branches. Assher would often pause at the tree and take time to compliment Elam for his care and dedication. Elam was always thankful for those moments.

At age fifteen Elam admired the size and shape of his tree. The truck of the tree was now large enough to withstand an attack from just about any of the local small creatures. One day a ram from the flock used the trunk as a rubbing post. It was nothing for the ram to break through the branches Elam had erected as a hedge. This left a distinct mark on the tree, which would remain as a permanent scar.

At age twenty one Elam’s tree had grown so tall, many of the branches were out of his reach. Visiting the tree which had grown to be more of a close friend, Elam looked up, and imagined himself as a young boy climbing trees. It made him wish his tree had been much larger when he was young. Looking back he had to admit, there was nothing he would have changed. Planting, caring for, and watching the tree grow would always carry special memories.

Elam married at age twenty four. The wedding was held under the branches of his old friend. His wife was touched by the stories Elam told about the tree, and how they had grown together. His caring warmth for his family, animals on the farm, his special tree, and His faith in God provided his wife Phebe with the sense of security she had prayed for.

His first child, Carmel was born when Elam was twenty seven. He dedicated himself and her to the Lord on the hill next to his tree. It was a simple, but heart felt ceremony with just the three of them. Elam asked the Lord to be with her, and help her to grow as straight and strong as his mustard tree.

When Elam reached age thirty three, his father died. Less than a year ago he had a large bolder near the base of the hill dug out for a grave. Elam could picture the day in his mind when his father pointed out the site, and asked Elam to promise he would grant this one wish. The hill had a number of large rock formations emerging from the ground. The rocks were almost pure white, and more than adequate in size. Assher had chosen one close to the tree, and hired workers to carve out the burial tomb.

After the funeral Elam sat down under his tree, and called Carmel to his side. Sitting her down on his knee, Elam looked up into the branches of the tree pointing out a birds nest in the tree, showing Carmel how the tree brought life to this world. It provides shelter and protection for the birds. Elam also pointed out the fruit hanging from every branch and asked, “have you ever seen a mustard seed?” Carmel answered, “no.” Elam stood up, pulled off one piece of fruit. Breaking it open with his fingers, he exposed a countless number of tiny brown seeds. He explained, “many years ago I planted a seed like this on faith, and asked God to help it grow. Today you can see it is producing many for seeds. Look at all the seeds from just one tiny fruit. Now look at all the fruit in the tree.” Carmel exclaimed, “there are more seeds in this tree than there are stars in the sky.” Elam replied, “now this is the faith of the mustard seed, that one day it will produce seed beyond measure.”

 

Matthew 13:33 He spoke another parable to them: The kingdom of Heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until the whole was leavened.

When Elam and Carmel returned home, Carmel’s grandmother was beginning to prepare bread. They all loved the smell of fresh baked bread, and Carmel always looked forward to helping her grandmother. As they measured out the flour, and other ingredients, Ruth explained the purpose of each. When the leaven, or yeast was added, Carmel began asking questions, “is this what makes the bread grow? How does it do that? How does such a small amount find it’s way to all the dough?”

After adding the proper amount of water, Ruth had Carmel stir the ingredients together, and explained, “you begin with stirring.” Once the ingredients were mixed and the dough reached the proper consistency, Ruth prepared the surface and plopped the dough out of the bowl onto the kneading board and said, “you know what to do.” Carmel began kneading the dough back and forth, flipping it often, and said, “I see now, it requires a lot of work, going back and forth, turning the dough often. This is what spreads the yeast through the dough. All the time and work.” Ruth agreed, “you are right. If we were lazy about the preparation, and only threw the ingredients in the bowl we would never see the result we see when we work at it.”

Elam had been watching the two work together. He admired the gift Carmel had for helping people, and the way she always wanted to learn. He remembered the lesson he had taught her in the morning about the mustard tree and its seeds. This seemed to be a good time to teach another lesson. “When we study the scriptures, we have to remember to put in the proper work by going back and forth, comparing what we read in one part of God’s word to another. It is like mixing the dough. If we take one part and do not compare it to another, to understand how it applies, we will never discover the applications God wants us to understand.” Carmel answered, “I think I understand. We can plants seeds, like the mustard seed, but we still need to study God’s Word to make sure the seeds grow.” Ruth added, “both bread and seeds need water. God’s Word is like water, a key ingredient in bread, and essential for a seed to sprout. Bread also needs heat to rise and bake, as well as a seed needs the warmth of the sun to grow. We cannot base our faith on only one thing or another. Nothing will grow if it is missing any of the required gifts God provides for growth. They must be present and freely accepted.” Ruth also added, “once the bread is baked, the ingredients become permanent. It is like the trials in life we face. Once we learn to apply the lessons, they become a permanent part of our lives.”

 

Jesus sat down for dinner with His disciples at Peter’s home, and continued to teach His disciples by parables. He wanted to take His time, giving them time to consider one parable, before introducing another. He had been praying they would see the relationship each parable had with the next. When the time was right, He put out another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; which indeed is the least of all seeds, but when it is grown it is the greatest among herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.”

 

With their minds still on the spiritual relationship seeds have with people, and God’s Word, they considered each application they had just learned. They considered the size of the mustard seed, and how it related to people. They could see, no matter how rich or poor, great or humble a man may be, with the Spirit, they are able to accomplish great things. As they considered the spiritual relationship between a tiny mustard seed and God’s Word, they remembered the many times Jesus spoke a few words to a person, and changed their lives. They remembered the Roman centurion, and the parents of the little girl Jesus raised from the dead. They wondered how Jesus’ words and His ability to heal were related. What good is a new life if it is not properly applied? These parables also showed the disciples how Jesus was able to teach a number of people a personal lesson using only a few words. Truly, the smallest word can have the most miraculous effect.

After the meal was placed in front of them, Jesus gave thanks, and blessed the food. As He broke the bread, He spoke another parable to them: “The kingdom of Heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until the whole was leavened.”

The disciples knew the work which went into preparing bread. They looked back at the parables of the sower, and noticed, the seeds make the flour used to make bread. They thought of the preparation required to make flour. It had to be harvested. The seed was separated from the chaff. Next the seed is ground. They could see how many hands were involved in the process, and how important each step in the process was, and one was no more important than the other. They were amazed to see how everyday tasks taught such essential lessons when Jesus taught His parables. In this parable the disciples could see how they needed to meditate upon God’s Word. It is not enough to consider a story and the application on the surface. When God’s Word is read, every Word must be considered. They looked at the remainder of the loaf on the table and thought about how it grew in size when baked. They thought of how these parables were being kneaded together in their mind and heart. They were certain each of them, and all of them together would help them grow spiritually.

Matthew 13:33-34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable, (35) so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”

Jesus had indeed opened their minds to things never seen before. By comparing one parable to another, the disciples were learning lessons they never would have understood without Jesus. At that moment they had no idea how these parables would teach them lessons they would use to teach others in the future.

Matthew 13:24-30: Parable of the Wheat and Tares

Matthew 13:24-30 MKJV He put out another parable to them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. (25) But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. (26) But when the blade had sprung up and had produced fruit, then the tares also appeared. (27) So the servants of the householder came and said to him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then where have the tares come from? (28) He said to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Then do you want us to go and gather them up? (29) But he said, No, lest while you gather up the tares you also root up the wheat with them. (30) Let both grow together until the harvest. And in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my granary.

Eli worked along side of his hired hands plowing the field one row at a time behind a yoke of oxen. It was hard tiring work, but at least the weather was cool. It was important to get the field prepared and seeded before the rains came. Plowing would be impossible in wet ground.

Every year plowing produced a new crop of different sized and colored rocks and boulders which were carried to the edge of the field, and stacked to make a sort of fence. This year was no different. Eli and his hired workers took turns carrying rocks and plowing behind the oxen. Eli stood in the field admiring the evenly spaced rows. Tomorrow they would be ready to sow the seeds.

The next day Eli and his workers walked back and forth along the rows dropping seeds at regular intervals. Others behind them kicking dirt over the seeds. It was another long tiring day. At the end of the day Eli gathered the workers, praising God he offered up prayer. “Dear gracious God, we thank you for the wonderful weather you have blessed us with to complete the preparation and planting of our seeds. We have labored these past few days preparing the ground, and laying the seed you provided. Now we place the seeds in your hands Lord. We pray you look upon our efforts and bless them according to your will. Lord God, Creator of all the earth and heavens. You know what the seeds need to grow and prosper. Only you can bring the rain and the sunlight. We ask you Lord to grant us your promises, that each seed will produce a bounty after its own kind. In this we ask in your precious name, Amen.”

Eli paid each worker and thanked them for their time. Now all he had to do is wait, watch over the crops, keep up with removing the weeds, and plan for the harvest.

The early rains were good. A few days of light gentile rain, followed by days of sunshine, as the temperatures rose as expected. After a few weeks the first signs of the bountiful crop began to appear as nothing more than tiny blades of grass. It never ceased to amaze Eli when the first signs of life began to appear. Each plant looked so simple. At a glance they all appeared exactly the same. Under ground each plant sent out a network of roots to hold the plant securely in the ground, and provide moisture and nutrients to the plant above.

As the plants began to grow something became evident. The wheat was not coming up in the rows at the predetermined spacing they were planted. As the plants began to first produce seed heads, many of them appeared to be tares. Eli went out everyday to inspect the crop. Each day it became more and more evident a large percentage of the crop were tares.

A few weeks before the harvest, the workers returned hoping to establish a schedule for the busy event. The growing season was unusually mild, but they knew this was the time for storms known to bring heavy rains. Even from a distance it was easy to see the field was heavily scattered with tares. The workers asked Eli, “, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then where have the tares come from?” Eli answered, “An enemy has done this.” The workers asked him, “do you want us to go and gather them up?”

Pulling the tares would have produced a number of complications. Because they did look similar before the seed heads appeared. There was a risk of pulling out a portion of the immature wheat with the tares. Pulling them by hand would be a difficult, tiring, and time consuming. If they attempted to pull tares by the roots, they would disrupt the root systems of the wheat, reducing their yield. There was also the risk of trampling the wheat, rending it useless. Eli replied, “No, lest while you gather up the tares you also root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. And in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my granary.”

As the crop matured the difference between the wheat and tares became more and more evident. Wheat produced much larger seeds. Wheat also matured faster than the tares. The proper time to harvest is indicated when the wheat turns a golden color while the tares remained green. This would make separation much easier, and more efficient.

The field appeared to be a total waste, but leaving the tares would ruin the entire field. If the tares were allowed to mature, and the seeds to germinate, they would produce more tares, which would produce more, and more, until the entire field was covered with nothing but tares. One tare can produce dozens more just like it. There was no other choice but for Eli to hire and pay the workers to gather everything, and later separate the wheat from the tares.

When harvest time arrived, the wheat and tares were gathered together and separated in the field. The wheat was processed and stored in his barns. The tares were piled up and burned so their seeds would never again be able to contaminate the field. Eli stared into the flames, wondering why an enemy would go through such lengths to destroy him and his business. All it did was slow down the process, but not stop it.

Matthew 13:36-43 MKJV Then sending the crowds away, Jesus went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field. (37) He answered and said to them, He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; (38) the field is the world; the good seed are the sons of the kingdom; but the tares are the sons of the evil one. (39) The enemy who sowed them is the Devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (40) Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it shall be in the end of this world. (41) The Son of Man shall send out His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who do iniquity, (42) and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (43) Then the righteous shall shine out like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Once again Jesus was invited to Peter’s home. This time He arrived with all His disciples. Peter’s wife and mother in law were more than happy to see Him. Memories of His previous visits were fresh in their minds. They were more than happy to prepare a meal for Jesus and His disciples, in the crowded little home.

While the meal was being prepared, His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” Jesus looked at them with a hint of disappointment in His eyes, which quickly turned to excitement, after viewing the hunger in their eyes. Jesus had just explained the parable of the sower, and had hoped the lessons had been applied. The patient Teacher began explaining the parable in detail. “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.” The disciples instantly knew Jesus was talking about Himself. He had often referred to Himself as the Son of Man, but where did He get that title from, and why didn’t Jesus use the title of Son of God? Peter could think of only one verse. “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.“Psalms 8:4-5.

The disciples waiting in anticipation to hear the interpretation of the remainder of the parable watched Jesus walk near the oven and the women so they could hear better, and said, “the field is the world; the good seed are the sons of the kingdom; but the tares are the sons of the evil one.“

The disciples knew the close association between the earth and the field found in scripture, especially in regards to the blessings God provides. “And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase. (Ezekiel 34:27 MKJV).

For a moment John was confused. He leaned over to James and asked, “didn’t the seed represent God’s word in the parable of the sower?” James reminded him, “seed also represents people, and their children. “As for Me, this is My covenant with them, says Jehovah; My Spirit that is on you, and My Words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the mouth of your seed, nor out of the mouth of yourseed’s seed, says Jehovah, from now on and forever.” (Isaiah 59:21 MKJV). John could instantly see the relationship between the seed of the field, which is used to produce more and more seed, and God’s Word when it is taught children, and their children produce fruit in the form of those who follow God. It was now easy to understand how the truth must grow, just as how God had intended it to grow. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from the heavens, and does not return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring out and bud, and give seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall My Word be, which goes out of My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall certainly do what I sent it to do. (Isaiah 55:10-11 MKJV)

They could easily understand, if the good seed represents people who follow God, the tares that tried to look like wheat for a time represent people who try to look like they are following God, but really do not serve Him. They all wondered, then who do they serve? They all knew the answer, but waited for Jesus to confirm it.

Jesus looked in the pile of kindling wood for a stick just the right size as He continued to explain the parable. “The enemy who sowed them is the Devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.“

By identifying the devil as the enemy Jesus triggered a number of thought processes which identified the work of the devil. The devil is the father of lies. A title he lived up to in the garden. Not only lies, but vengeful lies designed around hatred and oppression, meant to send people who spread them into total darkness, like those who have been dead for generations. Lies designed to exalt the liar above the victim. To cast iniquity upon them. Today we refer to it as character assassination.

Satan exalted himself above God. “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:14 KJV). He spoke out against God, the Sanctuary, and His plan of salvation. Satan’s lies included substitutes for each. For love he substituted self indulgence and persecution. His followers learned their craft from their master well. Like the tares, the father of lies has created children in his image. They became fathers, who have taught their children to follow their example. Their children create more children following the same example. Like tares taking over a field and choking out the wheat, Satan is directing his armies to conquer by the use of sheer force. Satan has a hundred lies available to battle one truth. What began as a series of lies in the garden has spread to fulfill his plan to engulf the earth.

The disciples knew the prophet Joel referred to the day of the Lord as the harvest. It was to be a day of destruction from the Almighty when He trusts in His sickle because the harvest is ripe in the valley of decision.

When the harvest is ripe, God will send His angels to gather His elect. “Then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” (Mark 13:27 KJV).

Jesus began stirring the fire with the stick. The flame grew high and the burning wood glowed orange as Jesus finished explaining the parable, “Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it shall be in the end of this world. The Son of Man shall send out His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who do iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous shall shine out like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.“

The disciples knew the time was close, and there were only two choices, eternal life, or death. They thought of their families and friends. They even thought of past friends, people they had disagreed with, and the possible cost. For a few moments their heart had a gloom about them, wondering what they could do to save wives, children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors. The job seemed insurmountable to them. Then their hearts suddenly grew light. They began to understand the parables, and how the Spirit worked in them to give them understanding. They began to see how the Holy Spirit will bring to mind scriptures and lessons in God’s Word to all those who hear Jesus’ Words.

Matthew 13:1-23: Parable of the Sower

Matthew 13:1-23 MKJV In that day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the seaside. (2) And great crowds were gathered to Him, so that He went into a boat and sat. And all the crowd stood on the shore. (3) And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, Behold, the sower went out to sow. (4) And as he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured them. (5) Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth. And they sprang up immediately, because they had no deepness of earth. (6) And the sun rising, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they withered away. (7) And some fell among thorns. And the thorns sprung up and choked them. (8) And some fell on the good ground and yielded fruit, indeed one a hundredfold, and one sixty, and one thirty. (9) He who has ears to hear, let him hear. (10) And the disciples said to Him, Why do You speak to them in parables? (11) He answered and said to them, Because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them. (12) For whoever has, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance. But whoever does not have, from him shall be taken away even that which he has. (13) Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not; nor do they understand. (14) And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which said, “By hearing you shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see and shall not perceive; (15) for this people’s heart has become gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes, lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” (16) But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. (17) For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear what you hear, and have not heard them. (18) Therefore hear the parable of the sower. (19) When anyone hears the Word of the kingdom and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown by the wayside. (20) But that which was sown on the stony places is this: he who hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy. (21) But he has no root in himself, and is temporary. For when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the Word, he immediately stumbles. (22) And that sown into the thorns is this: he who hears the Word; and the anxiety of this world, and the deceit of riches, choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful. (23) But that sown on the good ground is this: he who hears the Word and understands; who also bears fruit and produces one truly a hundredfold; and one sixty; and one thirty.

 

Jesus sat watching the sun rise over the hills, reflecting shades of blue and red from the tiny waves upon the water. The sky was already a light blue. The contrast made Him think of the images in His mind of Heaven with the translucent pavement of blue like a sea of glass mingled with fire. He let out a deep sigh, as a sign of being a little homesick. As His thoughts and prayers focused on the people He had served the day before, and began turning toward the coming demands of the day, He could hear people beginning to gather behind Him. Jesus remained in meditation with the Holy Spirit as the people respectively waited. Jesus already knew, this was not a day centered on physical healing, but spiritual. As the water turned to shimmering blue and silver every word of His sermon flowed through His mind. The Spirit was working in Jesus to pull in bits and pieces from different parts of scripture to teach a lesson many had prayed for, but few had experienced.

His disciple made their way through the crowd to be at His side. Jesus’ mind was still focused on the Spirit, His heart pleading for the time when the Holy Spirit will one day cover the earth and be heard again. A deep feeling impressed Him to provide a visual image of the Spirit of God moving upon the waters. Jesus got into a boat and cast out a little way into the water as the people gathered upon the shore.

Jesus looked upon the faces of the people sitting on the shoreline, and those standing behind them. He could see His prayers had been answered as He gazed upon the hunger and wonder in their eyes. He knew the Spirit had prepared the hearts and minds of each individual called to hear Him speak that day.

Jesus began His parable, “Behold, the sower went out to sow.” As He spoke, He motioned with His arms the movements of a farmer sowing his seed in a field. Jesus hesitated a little while, while He shifted His weight from side to side in the boat, making it rock, creating tiny splashes of water, like rain. This helped the people to see beyond His words, and the physical scene.

Timing was everything for the farmer. If he planted too early, he may risk a late frost on the tiny plants. Plant too late the crop may not properly develop. The sower spread his seed and relied upon God to send the proper amount of sunlight and rain.

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from the heavens, and does not return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring out and bud, and give seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall My Word be, which goes out of My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall certainly do what I sent it to do. Isaiah 55:10-11 MKJV.

Jesus continued His parable, “And as he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured them.” As He spoke a little boy threw a few bread crumbs in the air, which landed in the water, and were instantly scooped up by a few nearby sea gulls. One of them flew near Jesus, who made a motion like trying to catch the bird in a net.

A little laughter was heard from those gathered. Once it was silent Jesus continued, “Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth. And they sprang up immediately, because they had no deepness of earth.” As Jesus spoke, He bent down to pick up a few small stones lying on the bottom of the boat, and tossed them into the calm water. One after another they formed tiny rings which quickly expanded in the water. The people watched as the ripples intersected and then disappeared. Pointing up at the sun, Jesus continued, “And the sun rising, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they withered away.” The timing was perfect, as the sun reached an angle reflecting off the water into the eyes of those listening. They had to shade their eyes with their hands to see Jesus, His human image in contrast to the light of the sun shinning off the water. To God, the image of the symbols was as important as the words.

After the dramatic scene was accomplished, Jesus held up one corner of a fishing net as His next prop and said, “And some fell among thorns. And the thorns sprung up and choked them.” Some people remembered a field they have seen over grown with weeds. Some times in those fields, a flower will grow. The tiny flower will struggle to compete for sunlight, moisture and nutrients. The weeds will do all they can to smother the little plant. They will crowd around the plant to rob it of sunlight, while in the unseen struggle beneath the ground, roots will try to strangle the tiny plant from below. No one remembers what the weeds looked like, but most people will never forget the tiny plant with it vibrant color, and delicate pedals trying to survive in a world doing its best to gain complete domination.

Sitting down in the boat, Jesus finished His parable, “And some fell on the good ground and yielded fruit, indeed one a hundredfold, and one sixty, and one thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” He called out to John, who immediately began pulling Jesus and the boat in by the rope he had been holding. As Jesus neared the shore, He reached over and began splashing water onto those on the shore, each time sending hundreds of drops or water into the air, and onto those who came to hear Him preach.

Jesus sat down to a simple breakfast with His disciples with others sitting near and far along the shoreline. A cool breeze was blowing off the water, making for a comfortable setting when combined with the sunlight filtering in through the scattered clouds. As the clouds cleared away and the sun cast it rays, Jesus turned His face to capture the warmth, and the disciples said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” Jesus stood up, walked behind John, put His hands on his shoulders, and leaning over He answered and said to them, “Because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.” Jesus walked over towards Peter, picking up three cakes of bread on the way. Placing them on Peter’s plate He said, “for whoever has, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance. But whoever does not have, from him shall be taken away even that which he has.” Jesus positioned Himself in the middle of His disciples and continued, “therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not; nor do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which said, By hearing you shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see and shall not perceive; for this people’s heart has become gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes, lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” Walking among His disciples Jesus first touched Philip’s eyes, then Mark’s ears, “blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear what you hear, and have not heard them.”

Jesus gave the disciples a minute to think about what He had just told them, and discuss it in hushed tones. They could tell this was one of the most significant lessons Jesus would teach. Imagine, learning things from the Son of God the prophets yearned to hear, see, and understand. Their attention was now totally focused on their Great Teacher.

The disciples had been following Jesus for more than a year. They had seen Jesus speak, heal, and raise people from the dead, but never had they seen such an excited look in His face. The excitement on His face told them He was about to share something very important. They listened with joyful anticipation as Jesus began, “Therefore hear the parable of the sower. The sower sows the word.”

The disciples knew, Jesus is the one who sows the word. Jesus’ words and the Holy Spirit began to inspire John as he thought to himself, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being.” (John 1:1-3 MKJV)

Jesus continued, “When anyone hears the Word of the kingdom and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown by the wayside.” As the disciples listened they remembered how quickly the birds had snatched the bread thrown by the boy on the shore. They knew the devil would work on people quickly to steal the Word from them before the seeds had a chance to sprout in their hearts. Knowing this they wondered to themselves, how does Satan steal the Word away? They remembered the words of Hosea, “The prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.” (Hosea 9:8 MKJV) Satan used false prophets to mislead people. They also remembered how David used birds to represent people. “Our soul has escaped like a bird out of the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.” (Psalms 124:7 MKJV). The bird represented people who snatched God’s Word from their hearts. They also wondered why a bird sometimes represented a person facing a trap, and realized, a false prophet is one facing a trap laid by Satan.

The disciples also knew how David used a wayside, or road to represent life. “O Jehovah, keep me from the hands of the wicked; keep me from the violent man who purposed to trip up my steps. The proud have hidden cords and a trap for me; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set snares for me. Selah.” (Psalms 140:4-5 MKJV). The disciples began to understand they were never safe along life’s road. Using symbols which led to scripture, Jesus showed how quickly the Word can be stolen, how people used by Satan were stuck in a trap, and became a trap themselves for Satan to use. They began to understand how one error would lead to another. Realizing the road ahead of them will be filled by traps to steal the Word from their hearts, and their souls, they focused all their attention on Jesus’ words.

Jesus kicked at the stones upon the ground making a little pile in front of the disciples. He took a few seeds out from a plate, held them up over the stones, and let them drop one at a time as He explained, “that which was sown on the stony places is this: he who hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy.”

This instantly brought one or two verses to everyone’s mind. “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. And I will remove the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 11:19 MKJV). There was no doubt Jesus was referring to seed falling on a heart that was not prepared to accept it. As the disciple’s minds compared Jesus’ words to scripture coming to their memory, Jesus said, “he has no root in himself, and is temporary. For when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the Word, he immediately stumbles.”

The disciples could remember the struggles they faced inside themselves when they first heard Jesus’ words. Peter remembered His response to Jesus’ invitation, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.” (Luke 5:8 MKJV). These were words Peter wished he could have taken back. The memory of that day gave Peter the strength and determination to dedicate his life to Jesus.

The disciples knew the road they would travel will be full of temptations and trials. Logic told them they needed to concentrate on how to avoid and over come the trials and temptations. They knew worrying about them would do no good at all. With their minds focused on the word root, they knew it represented their dedication. Their minds were drawn to the words of Solomon. “A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.” (Proverbs 12:3 MKJV). They knew they had to be rooted in Jesus’ words and on the scriptures He taught.

Jesus walked to the edge of the clearing to a path of thorns growing just outside of the woods where He broke off a section of a thorn bush as long as His arm. Standing in front of the thorns and trees, He held up the crooked branch with long pointed thorns sticking out in all directions as He spoke, “that sown into the thorns is this: he who hears the Word; and the anxiety of this world, and the deceit of riches, choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful.”

The thorns had one meaning to Jesus, and another for His disciples. The thorns reminded Jesus of what He knew He had to suffer. Some of the disciples were immediately drawn to the consequences of the first sin in the garden. “And to Adam He said, Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it! The ground is cursed for your sake. In pain shall you eat of it all the days of your life. It shall also bring forth thorns and thistles to you, and you shall eat the herb of the field.” (Genesis 3:17-18 MKJV). This instantly brought to mind a whole new light upon the curse in Eden. It not only applied to the ground, but everyone would face trials in whatever occupation the worked at.

Others thought of scripture that identified people as thorns. “I will not drive them out from before you, but they shall be thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you. (Judges 2:3 MKJV) They could see how people living outside of God’s will cause trials which bring anxiety to others. Each of the disciples had personally experienced people bringing trials into their lives. They considered those trials and how they had become such distractions, they could not work, it effected family life, and other aspects in their lives. They could see how these distractions made them unfruitful in the past, and how they could effect their future ministries.

Seeing the expressions on their faces, Jesus knew they were really thinking about everything they had just learned. After a few moments, Jesus answered the question he knew was on their mind, “that sown on the good ground is this: he who hears the Word and understands; who also bears fruit and produces one truly a hundredfold; and one sixty; and one thirty.”

They all knew the seed represented the Word, and the ground the heart. They began to realize the Word needed to go past the ears into the heart. If the heart would not open, Words could not have the proper effect. The Word only has an effect when it reaches the heart and is applied, shared. The seed when planted in a fertile heart produces more seed. The Word must be shared. One person tells another, and another, until thirty, sixty, and a hundred people share in the experience of the Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit.