Creative Space for Wanderers
“The kingdom of heaven is like…” is included in several parables in this chapter of Matthew and a few more times later on in the gospel. Mark and Luke write, “kingdom of God” in some of the parables they provide for us to learn. It stuck me as interesting this morning as I read news of troubles in this world. The kingdom that we are hoping for, that we are waiting for, is not like the kingdom of this world.
The Mustard Seed: Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32
Parable of the Weeds: Matthew 13:24-30, 13:36-43. Jesus continues to preach in parables, an attempt to engage those who might otherwise miss the great message he was providing.
The Growing Seed: Mark 4:26-29.
This parable is unique to Mark’s gospel record and it’s related to the Parable of the Sower, no doubt taught in the same context, but it’s a bit different. Whereas the earlier parable talks about different soil where the seeds fall, this parable focuses on the growth of the seed.
Scattering the seed. This is common enough among the people to be understood as one way to plant a field. Obviously, some seed would be wasted, but it’s hard to say just which seed would take root, so sow generously!
Synoptic versions:
The Sign of Jonah: Matthew 12:38-45
Jesus and Beelzebul: Matthew 12:22-37
Jesus Accused by His Family and by Teachers of the Law: Mark 3:20-30
Jesus’ other followers: Luke 8:1-3
Forgiven much: Luke 7:36-50
The Yoke of Jesus: Matthew 11:25-30, Luke 10:21-22