SOWING IN DIFFERENT SOILS Matthew 13:1-9 The varying results of gospel preaching are due, not primarily to the sower or to the seed, but to the ground. Four classes of hearers are described in this parable. (1) The wayside or path, trampled hard as the sower goes to and fro. It was once soft, rich... [ Continue Reading ]
TEACHING FOR THE TEACHABLE Matthew 13:10-23 Jesus defended His use of parables. He said that He carefully avoided stating the truths of the Kingdom too plainly, so as not to increase the condemnation of those who could not or would not accept them. But where the disciples cared to penetrate below... [ Continue Reading ]
OTHER PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM Matthew 13:24-33 The tare was a species of rye grass, which in its earlier stages, closely resembled wheat. In this world, and in the Church, professors are closely mingled with possessors. But there come great times of revealing, in the trials and difficulties of lif... [ Continue Reading ]
GENUINE AND COUNTERFEIT Matthew 13:34-43 Throughout the Synoptic Gospels-Matthew, Mark, and Luke-a consistent distinction is made between the outer ranks of the people, or disciples, and the inner circle of Apostles. May we not emphasize the same distinction still? We have among us many who are cl... [ Continue Reading ]
SECURING TREASURE; REJECTING THE BAD Matthew 13:44-50 The parables of treasure and pearl are a pair. They describe the various ways we come to know God's truth. Some happen on it suddenly. They are pursuing the ordinary vocations of life when suddenly the ploughshare rings against a box of buried... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW UNBELIEF HINDERS Matthew 13:51-58 God's truth is always new and always old. It is as fresh as the morning breeze for each coming generation. But however stated, the fundamental facts are invariable. Let us store our minds and hearts with holy and helpful thoughts, so as to deal them out as the... [ Continue Reading ]