Sunday 26 July 2026
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field... " (v. 24)
Background
Chapter 13 of Matthew's Gospel features a series of parables from Jesus – all built around everyday experiences. One of them, the discovery of hidden treasure (v. 44) is traditionally connected to the joy of God’s presence and call (Isaiah 45.3).
Each parable is capable of illuminating the kingdom of heaven, which is a spiritual reality – God’s invisible and silent presence of pure love.
The kingdom of God is open to all: rich and poor, those who seek God and those God encounters ‘out of the blue’. The farm labourer may unexpectedly discover treasure buried in a field. But the wealthy merchant dealing in pearls, whose life’s work is to spot an exceptionally valuable pearl, may also find the kingdom. And everyone, once made aware of God’s presence, is called to radical commitment. As well selling all one’s possessions, it can mean, if necessary, surrendering one’s life.
The kingdom of God facilitates growth in different ways. Jesus tells the parable of the mustard seed: a tiny seed that grows to become a tree where birds nest (vs 31-32). It's a metaphor for Jesus’ mission extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles (non-Jews). God's kingdom also facilitates personal growth. A little faith is a catalyst, comparable to a little yeast (v. 33) mixed in with a huge volume of flour, producing enough bread to feed over 100 people!
The parable of the net (vs 47-50) picks up the common expectation in Judaism of a ‘Last Day’, when God will hold all humanity to account (like sorting a net full of fish of every kind). Up until that happens, people in the kingdom (the good) will have lived alongside political and social structures that are indifferent to God’s longing for justice and love for all (the bad). On the Last Day, however, there will be a decisive separation.
Finally we read a parable (v. 52) about the role of disciples who become teachers in the community of the kingdom (like the scribes among the Pharisees). They are to be like Jesus, holding together everyday human experiences (what is old) and new insights about the life of God in the hearts of believers (what is new).
To Ponder:
- When God’s presence and love engage our hearts, it is hard to put into simple words the change that has taken place and continues to develop deep within us. If you were asked to explain what faith means to you, what words or images would you use? Have you shared your faith story with anyone in your congregation?
- The Church lives alongside secular politics and all the conflicts in contemporary society. What best sustains the faith of your church community when your power to change the world around you is so limited? How can such sustaining resources or habits be further emphasised in your congregation?
Prayer
Lord, may I be like the yeast in Matthew 13:33. May my quiet faith and love help to positively influence the world around me in your name. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd David Deeks
David is a Methodist supernumerary presbyter, living in Bristol.