Matthew 13

MATTHEW 13: 1-3a

On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea.  And great multitudes were gathered there together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.  Then he spoke many things to them in parables…

MATTHEW 13:54-58

When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?  Is this not the carpenter’s son?  Is not His mother called Mary?  And His brothers James, Joses, Simon and Judas?  And His sisters are they not all with us?  Where then did this Man get all these things?”  So they were offended at Him.  But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.”  Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

These two passages caught my attention and they both tell their own story and give explanations on the actions of Jesus in each situation.

In the first passage, He says He spoke in parables.  Before this point in His ministry, Jesus used many graphic, detailed analogies and their meanings were clear in His teaching.  His message had been “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” However, from this point forward in the remainder of His Galilean ministry, He only spoke in parables or “stories.”  Jesus knew there were many unbelievers in the multitudes and they would not understand due to their spiritual blindness but He was actually giving them His mercy because in their continued rejection of His teaching, they would only be condemning themselves more.

Isn’t that just like our Lord and Savior?  They were still rejecting Him but He was still merciful.  Wow, what a God we have!

Now, in the last passage Jesus has come home to Nazareth to His family and friends.  Think how comforted we are after a trip and finally coming home and sleeping in our own bed!!  Nothing like home…  Well, Jesus goes to the His home town synagogue and begins teaching.  However, remember the old saying, “familiarity breeds contempt!”  They knew Him when He was growing up, so who does He think He is?  What right does He have to try to teach them?  He was nothing special. Then in verse 58, we see the sad result.  This is not to suggest that His power was somehow diminished by their unbelief.  He had the power to do more miracles but not the will because they rejected Him.  Miracles belonged among those who were ready to believe.

Have you ever been with family or friends and the opportunity presented itself for you to talk about your testimony and witness but it wasn’t received well?  That is very disheartening but we have to continue to witness because “The kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

Let’s pray:  Dear Jesus, when we gave our hearts to you, at that point we have everything living in us that we need.  So we ask now to help us let more of you take over our minds, open our ears and hearts that you will unveil more than a new understanding; reveal a whole new kingdom – the kingdom of heaven!  Amen and Amen