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Divided Then Conquered READ Matthew 12:25-26 25 Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 26 And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive.” The Pharisees accused Jesus of being able to cast out demons by the power of Satan, the prince of demons. Jesus pointed out how illogical it was to think what the Pharisees charged. That would mean that Satan’s kingdom was divided against itself. As a result Satan’s kingdom could not survive. The Pharisees had obviously not thought through their charge against Jesus. They hated Him so much their thinking was confused. REFLECT Notice that Jesus also said that a family feuding will fall apart. How is it with your family? RESPOND Referring to family, see what is said in Proverbs 6:16-19 about what God hates. Regarding the family, note especially verse 19. Talk with another believer about loving what God loves and hating what He hates. Confused Ideas READ Matthew 12:27 27 “And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said.” Apparently there were some among the Pharisees who were also casting out demons. If the charge of the Pharisees applied to Jesus, it would also apply to their fellow Pharisees. What would the Pharisees say about this by their charge of Jesus also accusing other Pharisees as well? REFLECT Sometimes an argument based on common sense is the best argument. RESPOND Consider that sometimes even the unsaved can do things that cause others to think they are true believers. Read Matthew 7:21-23 to see what Jesus will say to those who seemingly do good things but are not believing in Him for salvation. Judas Iscariot would be a prime example of this. Power Over Demons READ Matthew 12:28-29 28 “But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. 29 For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.” Jesus dispelled the charge of the Pharisees about His casting out demons by Satan’s power. Jesus revealed the other possibility—that He was the promised King of the Kingdom of God. He said this as He was standing in their midst. He said He was the stronger one who had tied up Satan and plundered his house. REFLECT Think how special it was in those days to have Jesus Himself standing in your midst. Yet with this privilege, many denied Him. RESPOND With a friend, read Luke 17:20-21. Some translations say the kingdom of God is “within you.” This gives rise to counterfeit religious groups who claim the spirit of God is within everyone. Jesus was referring to Himself being “in their midst.” See Romans 8:9 to be reminded if people do not have the Spirit of God living in them, they are not believers. For and Against READ Matthew 12:30 30 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” There is no neutral ground as Jesus said one is either for Him or against Him. One who is not with Jesus is seen as opposing Him. One who is not working with Jesus is seen as actually working against Him. This drew a sharp contrast for the Pharisees and it draws a sharp contrast for everyone today. REFLECT How is it with your friends? They need to realize not being with Jesus is not just being neutral but is actually opposing Him. RESPOND Visit with a fellow believer and determine that you will do all you can to speak out for Jesus. Pray for wisdom about knowing what to say and what not to say. Use 1 Peter 3:15-16 as a guide in answering. Blasphemy READ Matthew 12:31-32 31 “So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.” The Pharisees claimed that Jesus was casting out demons by the power of Satan (see Matthew 12:24). The expression “either in this world or in the world to come” is literally “in this age” and the “age to come.” The expression “this age” would refer to the time Jesus was living on earth and doing miracles. It is doubtful whether this sin is still possible to be committed after Jesus went to the cross and paid for sin. REFLECT Perhaps you know of some who fear they have committed the unpardonable sin. The assurance they have not is that they are bothered about it in the first place. If they had committed such a sin the Holy Spirit would no longer be working in them and convicting them of it. RESPOND There is one sin that is definitely unforgivable. That is passing from this life without having trusted in Jesus as Savior. Hebrews 9:27 indicates there is no second chance for salvation after death. Read 1 John 1:7-9. Notice the blood of Jesus cleanses from “all sin.” Only the living can take advantage of this.

A Tree and its Fruit READ Matthew 12:33-34 33 “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” Jesus rebuked the self-righteous Pharisees. Their words were bad and their actions were worse. Their words revealed what was in their hearts. Jesus said they were like a “brood of snakes” and were “evil men.” Because the Pharisees had not trusted in Jesus as the Messiah (Christ), they were simply unsaved religious zealots. REFLECT Think about the fact that if your heart is good, your words will reflect that. RESPOND Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 12 reminds one of what He said in Matthew 7:15-17. Talk with a fellow believer about hearing what a person says but then watching his life to see if it matches up with his words. The Treasury of the Heart READ Matthew 12:35-37 35 “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. 36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” Words reveal what is in the heart. The heart is like a treasury from which the words come. In the judgment, a person will give account for his or her words because they reveal what is in the heart of each person. The only way for the heart to be good is by believing in Jesus as Savior. At that time, His righteousness is placed in the believer’s life. The believer is declared righteous because the righteousness of Jesus is given to him or her. REFLECT Be thankful that your heart can become good by trusting in Jesus as Savior. Then your words will reflect your heart. RESPOND With a fellow believer, read Romans 5:1; 8:1 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. You are made right with God and delivered from all condemnation by trusting in Jesus as Savior. Then your words will reflect what is in your heart. Prove Your Authority READ Matthew 12:38 38 One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority.” Notice those who were doubting Jesus: “teachers of religious law and Pharisees.” These are the ones who should have known more about their Scriptures than the average Jewish person. Even though the writings of the Law and the Prophets told about the Messiah, they were blind to these prophecies. This also reveals that just knowing information about the Scriptures does not make one a believer in Jesus. REFLECT You may be embarrassed that you do not know as much information in the Bible as some others. Remember, it is not the information that saves one but believing in Jesus as Savior. RESPOND Read Luke 16:19-31 to see what the rich man was told at the end of the passage when he wanted someone to return from the dead to warn his brothers not to come to hades where he was at the time. The Sign of Jonah READ Matthew 12:39-40 39 But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.” This was Jesus’ answer to the teachers of the law and the Pharisees who wanted to see a sign. Jonah was a prophet to the northern 10 tribes of Israel who were being threatened by Assyria. Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. He preferred for God to judge the people. On his way he disobeyed and was swallowed by a great fish and spent three days and three nights in its belly (see Jonah 1:17). REFLECT You know more from hindsight about what Jesus said than the religious leaders did when He made these statements. RESPOND Jesus used the example of Jonah and the great fish to refer to His death, burial and resurrection (see 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Some debate whether it had to be three 24-hr days or parts of three days. If three full 24-hour days were meant, the next tick of the clock would have been the fourth day, and the Bible says he rose from the dead “on the third day.” Nineveh's Judgment READ Matthew 12:41 41 “The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent.” When he eventually obeyed and arrived in Nineveh, Jonah preached its coming destruction in 40 days and the people repented (see Jonah 3:3-10). Yet when Jesus—someone greater than Jonah—arrived in Israel preaching a message of repentance, the people refused to repent of their sins. REFLECT Think of the opportunity the people had to hear Jesus when He lived on earth among them, and yet they would not believe in Him as Savior. RESPOND Consider the opportunity people have today of having the inspired word of God in written form and yet many do not believe in Him. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:20-21, and thank God for the Scriptures He has breathed out to be recorded for mankind to read.

Greater than Solomon READ Matthew 12:42 42 “The queen of Sheba will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here—but you refuse to listen.” Jesus continued to rebuke the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees for their lack of faith. He had mentioned Jonah; here He referred to the queen of Sheba and Solomon. The queen had come a long way to learn from Solomon. Now Jesus Himself was standing in their midst but they would not take His words seriously. REFLECT In thinking of what Jesus said, consider how serious it is today to fail to pay attention to what the Bible says about Him. RESPOND With a friend, read James 1:22-25. Make sure you are reading and obeying what God’s Word says. Worse off than Before READ Matthew 12:43-45 43 “When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. 45 Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.” Jesus used the illustration of a person with an evil spirit to teach what it will be like for the evil generation He was addressing. For the evil spirit to find the home “empty, swept, and in order” seems to refer to self-reformation. The religious leaders took pride in their religious self-reformation but did not accept the Messiah. Their end will be worse than their beginning. REFLECT Examine your heart as to whether you have only rid yourself of bad habits or whether you have trusted in Jesus for salvation and eternal life. RESPOND Read Matthew 7:22-24 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5 to see that doing good and being religious is not enough to make one right with God. Family Visitors READ Matthew 12:46-47 46 As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 47 Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.” Some wish to interpret “brothers” as only “Christian brothers,” but that is not taking the Bible for its normal meaning. The brothers of Jesus--actually half-brothers—did not believe in Him while He lived among them (see John 7:3-5). They believed after His resurrection. The letters of James and Jude are considered to have been written by two of Jesus’ half-brothers. REFLECT What if you had been a family member of Joseph and Mary? How do you think you would have reacted to having a perfect sibling? RESPOND For those who believe Mary and Joseph never had intimate relations as husband and wife, see Matthew 1:25 and notice the word “until” in most translations. My Brother and Sister READ Matthew 12:48-50 48 Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49 Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 50 Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” Jesus revealed a relationship that is even closer than a blood relationship—it is a spiritual one. As seen earlier in Matthew 10:34-36, one’s spiritual enemies can be those in his or her own household. Matthew 12 seems to be pivotal in the Gospel as Jesus faces the rejection of Israel. The nation has rejected Him so now He will tell what will occur as spiritual relationships mean more than physical ones. REFLECT Do you have a Christian friend who seems closer to you than your biological siblings? If you do not have siblings, does a Christian friend seem closer to you than other friends who do not know Jesus as Savior? RESPOND Read Proverbs 18:24 and think about Jesus who is closer to believers than a brother. Talk with a believer about this and the friends you have who are this close to you. Prelude to Parables READ Matthew 13:1-2 1 Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. 2 A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. Matthew 13 is pivotal in that it includes the teaching of Jesus about what the Kingdom will be like between the two advents of His coming to earth. His first advent was when He came as a baby; His second advent will be when He comes as King of kings and Lord of lords. He was sitting in a boat teaching and the crowd was standing on the shore as they listened. REFLECT How would you liked to have been in the crowd that day to hear the actual words of Jesus? RESPOND Be prepared to hear parables that Jesus told to describe the time to come. Ask a friend to study Matthew 13 with you as you work through this study.

Of Seeds and Soil READ Matthew 13:3-5 3 He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. 4 As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. 5 Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow.” A “parable” is a short story to illustrate a point. The word literally means “alongside,” so it accompanies a story. As with illustrations, not every point needs to have some special significance. This first parable is of a sower. As the crowd listened to Jesus many may have wondered what He meant by His statements. REFLECT If these few verses were all you had, what would think Jesus is leading up to? RESPOND In reading the Bible, it is important to continue reading in order to find clues to what is unclear at first glance. Tender Plants READ Matthew 13:6-7 6 “But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants.” Jesus continued with His parable about sowing seed. By now it must have seemed clear to the crowd that Jesus was comparing what happened to the seed after it was sown. What were the results? Some wilted; others were choked out by thorns growing up with them. REFLECT What do you think was going through the minds of those in the crowd at this time? RESPOND Read Mark 4:1-9 and Luke 8:4-8 to see that Mark and Luke also recorded this parable. This is an example of comparing other Gospels if they record similar incidents. Abundant Crops READ Matthew 13:8-9 8 “Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” The story built to a climax as Jesus told about the abundance the seed produced in this situation. Then He gave the alert for those listening to understand what was being said. What were they to understand? But first, His disciples have a question. REFLECT Without Jesus’ explanation, think about what you understand from His parable. RESPOND Discuss with a friend what you might have thought at this point in Jesus’ parable. See how close your thoughts come to matching His later explanation. A Question READ Matthew 13:10 10 His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?” If you wonder about what Jesus meant by His parable, so did the disciples. In fact, they asked why He spoke in parables. This can reassure us that often our questions are answered in the Bible if we keep on reading. REFLECT Have you found times in the past when further reading in the Bible answered your questions? What is your example? RESPOND Notice that even the disciples who were around Jesus daily were not reluctant to ask Him questions. Neither should believers today be embarrassed to ask questions and see answers in the Bible and from more knowledgeable believers. Secrets of the Kingdom READ Matthew 13:11-12 11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” The word “secrets” has the meaning of “mysteries.” In the Bible, mysteries in the New Testament relates to what is not revealed in the Old Testament but is now made known. Those who understood the basic teaching of Jesus would have a good idea of what He was referring to in the parable. Those rejecting Him would have no idea what He was talking about. REFLECT Think about how the more you understand from the Bible the more you will be able to understand things that you used to find difficult. RESPOND Talk with a friend about passages of the Bible that have become more clear to you over time. How has reading the Bible more helped you understand formerly difficult passages?

The Purpose of Parables READ Matthew 13:13-14 13 “That is why I use these parables, for they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. 14 This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend.’” Jesus explained to the disciples why He used parables. It was to hide truth from those who had willfully rejected hearing it. He quoted from Isaiah to support from the Hebrew Scriptures why He was speaking this way. REFLECT We don’t know when it will occur in a person’s life, but it seems if one willfully rejects the truth his mind will be blinded to any reasoning offered by others. RESPOND React with a friend about this. Read Proverbs 1:20-33 to see what Wisdom cries out to those who have refused to listen. Hardened People READ Matthew 13:15 15 “‘For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’” This gives the reasons for Jesus speaking the way He did. The word “For” is often used in the sense of “because” and explains what has gone before it. The people had “closed their eyes” so now they will not see and hear. Neither will they understand. They refuse to turn to the Lord. REFLECT Remember this passage is a further explanation of why Jesus spoke in parables. RESPOND In your Bible study with a friend, examine some other passages where “for” is used in the sense of further explaining. See John 3:15-16; Romans 3:19-20, 22-23, 6:22-23, and Ephesians 2:13-14. Blessed Senses READ Matthew 13:16-17 16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.” Jesus told His listeners how blessed they were to be living at a time when they could see and experience what the prophets and righteous people in the past longed to see. He said those listening had eyes open to seeing and ears open to hearing. He was referring to more than physical hearing. Spiritual seeing and hearing were the most important. REFLECT How is it with you? Are your spiritual eyes and ears open to seeing and hearing the things spoken in the Bible? RESPOND Pray with a friend that God will open your eyes to see spiritual truths in the Bible. Check Psalm 119:18 as an example. The Seeds Explained READ Matthew 13:18-19 18 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 19 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.” Jesus had explained why He spoke in parables and then He explained the parable of the sower that He had just told. The first example had to do with the seed that fell on the path that represented those who heard the word but did not understand it. This allowed Satan to snatch away what had been planted in their hearts. Notice, it is necessary not only to hear, but to understand the message. REFLECT Do you also make it your desire not only to engage in the Bible but also to understand it? This could be called “Biblical literacy” when it is true in your life. RESPOND As you and a friend meet to read and study the Bible, pray for understanding of its truths. Read Colossians 1:9-10 to see that Paul prayed for believers to have “spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Lack of Roots READ Matthew 13:20-21 20 “The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.” Jesus moved from explaining what was meant by the seed falling on the path to that which fell on rocky soil. Notice that the message was received with joy. Anyone observing would have thought these were genuine believers because of the way they responded to the message. Not so. When problems and persecution for receiving the message came they revealed their hearts had not been changed. REFLECT How was it with you? After you gladly received the message did you reveal you were a genuine believer by a changed life? RESPOND With a friend, return to Matthew 7:15-17 to read what Jesus said about assessing people by the fruit their lives are producing. Also read Galatians 5:22-23 to see the fruit that is produced by true believers in Jesus.

Thorny Problems READ Matthew 13:22 22 “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.” Jesus continued to explain the parable of the sower that He had told. Some hear God’s word but the message gets crowded out by worries and love of wealth. As a result no fruit is produced. Notice the desire Jesus had was to see fruit produced in the lives of His hearers. Emotional expressions at the time of hearing are not as significant as to whether fruit is produced in their lives. REFLECT Are the differences Jesus gave about hearing and producing fruit becoming more clear in your mind? RESPOND Talk with a friend about the concern over worries and the lure of wealth. Read Romans 8:37-39 about nothing being able to separate us from God’s love. Also read 1 Timothy 6:5-7 about what is truly great wealth. The Good Soil READ Matthew 13:23 23 “The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Notice concerning those who produce much fruit in their lives. It is the people who not only hear but also understand God’s word. Those today far removed from the culture of Jesus’ time may need the Bible explained to them so they have an understanding of what is being said. The Bible has symbols and figures of speech, but they are to be understood as meant at the time of writing. This may need explanation. REFLECT Do you find yourself growing in your appreciation of God’s Word as you more clearly understand it? Do you have an older one in the faith who can help you with this? RESPOND Consider the importance of understanding what is written in the Word of God. When God sent Philip to help the Ethiopian eunuch, notice in Acts 8:30 the question Philip asked him. See also Nehemiah 8:8 that provides the basis for explaining what the Scriptures mean. Do you need someone to help you understand the Scriptures? You can help others who know less than you, and others who know more about the Scriptures than you can help you. Weeds Among the Wheat READ Matthew 13:24-26 24 Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. 25 But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. 26 When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.” The story Jesus told is about “The Kingdom of Heaven.” This parable has to do with what the kingdom is like while the king is absent. The “good seed” was sown but then weeds also grew. What should be done now? REFLECT Have you seen some spiritual work begin that later was infiltrated with unbelievers who acted like believers? How did you tell them apart, or could you? RESPOND In Matthew 13, Jesus will interpret this parable. Up to this point, however, what do you and a friend think He may be alluding to? Perhaps what you are thinking is what the disciples were thinking. A Deeper Lesson READ Matthew 13:27-28 27 “The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’ 28 ‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed. ‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.” The reaction of the farmer’s workers was that the weeds should be pulled out. At least they asked permission before trying this. Remember, as a parable, this story is using something the disciples knew about to teach a deeper lesson. They knew what it was like to plant something and have weeds come up, but what did Jesus mean by this story? REFLECT It must be remembered that Jesus is not talking about a local church but what will go on in the world in the kingdom while the king is absent. RESPOND Talk with someone about what you would think if you had sown a field of grain and an enemy had sown weed seed that grew with your crop. Would you have been like the disciples and ask, “Should we pull out the weeds?” Bundle and Burn READ Matthew 13:29-30 29 “‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’” When the farmer was asked by the workers if they should pull out the weeds, the farmer gave them his answer. To do so would uproot the wheat. He told them to let them grow together until the harvest. At that time the weeds would be bundled and burned, but the wheat would be put into the barn. REFLECT Surely now you wonder to what Jesus was referring. He will tell you later in this chapter of Matthew. RESPOND With the reference to bundling and burning, it is apparent that judgment is a message that is coming from this parable. Putting the wheat in the barn is an apparent reference to blessing. Jesus’ explanation of this parable will be a warning for all to choose one’s destiny.

A Mustard Seed READ Matthew 13:31-32 31 Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.” Some debate about whether modern science knows of a smaller seed. Jesus said it “is the smallest of all seeds.” It was, however, the smallest known in the East at that time. This parable seems to refer to the expansion of Christendom between the two advents of Jesus to earth. “Christendom” includes not only those born again but also counterfeit religious groups, of which there are many. The “birds” in this passage surely relate to the “birds” in the first parable that came and ate the seeds. REFLECT Be aware of those who pretend to be God-lovers but really are not. RESPOND With a Christ-follower, read 2 Timothy 3:1-5 to see the need to be aware of false teachers in the last days. A Little Yeast READ Matthew 13:33 33 Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” Yeast, or “leaven,” was viewed in the Bible as something less than desirable. At the feast of Unleavened bread in the Old Testament there could be no yeast used. Here it is a symbol of something that goes through and affects everything. It is not a symbol of good. An example is seen in 1 Corinthians 5:5-7 where Paul wrote about church discipline. REFLECT Is it apparent to you how a “little” sin can permeate a situation and become a major problem? RESPOND Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 to see more about what Paul said about the immorality in the church in Corinth. Talk of Things Hidden READ Matthew 13:34-35 34 Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. 35 This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: “I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.” Jesus saw no reason for declaring truths to those who had set their wills against accepting them. That is the reason He commonly spoke in parables. The Old Testament reference Jesus made was to Psalm 78:2, “For I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past.” REFLECT Have you found it wise not to talk with other believers about Jesus when an outspoken and disrespectful unbeliever is present? RESPOND The New Testament speaks of “mysteries.” These were truths not mentioned in the Old Testament but were revealed in the New Testament. For an example, read Ephesians 3:1-7 to see the “mystery” or plan of God revealed by the apostle Paul. Explain the Weeds READ Matthew 13:36 36 Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.” The disciples were still puzzled about the parable Jesus told about the farmer sowing seeds and the weeds that grew up around them. Perhaps they had questions about some of the other parables Jesus told, but this first one stuck in their minds. REFLECT Have you sometimes gone on in your Bible reading but kept thinking about a statement you read earlier? That is similar to what the disciples experienced, and they needed answers. RESPOND Before reading Jesus’ explanation about the farmer sowing seeds, return to the parable itself in Matthew 13:24-30. Read this with a Christian friend so you will better understand the explanation Jesus gave. Good Seeds and Bad Weeds READ Matthew 13:37-38 37 Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one.” Jesus explained who the farmer in the parable represented—it was Jesus Himself. He also explained that the field represented the world, and the good seed represented the people in the kingdom. The weeds represented those who belong to the evil one. This indicates that between the two advents of Jesus to earth the form of the kingdom will include both Christ-followers and those who reject Him. REFLECT Does the explanation of Jesus help you to better understand His parable? Surely it helped the disciples to understand it. RESPOND As you study the Bible with a friend, be thankful every time you find an explanation of something you are wondering about. In this case, it was from Jesus Himself.

Time of Harvest READ Matthew 13:39 39 “The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels.” When the Son of Man sowed good seed in the world the weeds grew up with the good grain. Who planted those weeds? Jesus said that it is the devil. Jesus also indicated when the harvest would take place to separate the wheat from the weeds—“the end of the world.” The word in the Greek text of Matthew for “the world” refers to “the age.” This would refer to the time just before Jesus returns at His second advent to the earth to set up His kingdom on earth. REFLECT “The weeds” refer to those “who belong the evil one.” Be cautious about unbelievers infiltrating groups of believers. RESPOND Are you studying Matthew with a friend and talking about these matters? Use the opportunity to help others grow spiritually in their knowledge of the Word of God. Read Ephesians 1:15-18 to see how Paul prayed for believers. Removed from the Kingdom READ Matthew 13:40-41 40 “Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.” During the age of Christendom between the two advents of Jesus, there will be both believers and non-believers. They will be separated at the end of the age when the wheat is separated from the weeds. When Jesus returns to earth the second time, no unbelievers will be allowed to enter His 1000-year reign on earth. REFLECT Think about how Jesus taught about prophecy even in the parables He told. RESPOND Someday there will be a complete separation of believers and unbelievers. Urge others to place their trust in Jesus before it is eternally too late. Destiny of the Wicked READ Matthew 13:42-43 42 “And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!” Jesus referred to the destiny of the wicked in verse 42. The “fiery furnace” is another expression for hell, seen in Revelation 20:11-15. It is referred to there as the “lake of fire.” It is complete and eternal separation from God. On the other hand, believers enter His kingdom and experience the benefits of eternal life with their Lord and Savior. REFLECT Ponder the blessed destiny of believers and the awful destiny of unbelievers. RESPOND The separation of the wheat and the weeds in Matthew 13 is comparable to the separation of the sheep and the goats at the end of the seven-year Tribulation, as recorded in Matthew 25:31-46. At the end of the age, the unbelievers will go into “eternal punishment” and believers into “life eternal.” Treasure in a Field READ Matthew 13:44 44 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.” There is disagreement about what this hidden treasure is. The figure of a “man” in this parable is likely the same as in Matthew 13:37, which is the “Son of Man,” the Lord Jesus Himself. The “field” is the world (Matthew 13:38). Those should be kept in mind in the parable of the hidden treasure. Jesus was most likely referring to the believing remnant of Israelite believers while He was on earth. He was the one who bought them with His blood. REFLECT Think about Jesus giving everything, even His life, to purchase redemption for others. RESPOND With a believer, consider John 1:11. Notice He came to His “own” and His “own” did not receive Him. In the Greek text the first “own” is in the neuter gender referring to “things,” perhaps His creation. The second “own” is masculine and refers to people. He came not only as the Messiah of Israel but also for the entire world. Pearl of Great Value READ Matthew 13:45-46 45 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 46 When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” Jesus continued to tell what Christendom would be like between His two advents to earth when the king was absent. The “merchant” in this story pictures Jesus Himself who found a “pearl.” A pearl is formed inside something else. The Church came out of the sufferings of Christ who gave His life to provide salvation for all who would believe in Him. REFLECT As a believer in Jesus, you are part of the Universal Church, which is the body of Christ. Hopefully you are also part of a local church. RESPOND It is necessary to distinguish between local churches and the Universal Church. Local churches may have both believers and nonbelievers, but the Universal Church includes only believers. At salvation, the believer is baptized into the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). Read Ephesians 4:15 and Colossians 1:18 to see that Christ is the head of the Church.

A Full Fishing Net READ Matthew 13:47-48 47 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. 48 When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away.” Jesus continued to tell about believers and unbelievers in the kingdom of heaven while the king was absent. When the net was full of fish it was dragged up to the shore, the fishermen sorted the good fish from the bad. The bad ones were thrown away. REFLECT Imagine the interest of the disciples in hearing Jesus tell these stories. RESPOND Notice how Jesus used an illustration from everyday life to draw spiritual lessons. This is a reminder to us to endeavor to use examples people know about to tell about some spiritual truth. It is not always possible to think of such but helpful if we can. Pastors/preachers are especially effective when they do this. The End of the World READ Matthew 13:49-50 49 “That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous, 50 throwing the wicked into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The time referred to is the “end of the world” [lit. age]. Angels separate the unbelievers from the believers. The time period referred to is at the end of the seven-year Tribulation when Jesus returns to earth to set up His 1000-year kingdom on earth. Believers during the Church age will be taken to heaven before the Tribulation begins (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). REFLECT Think about the number of times Jesus referred to the separation of unbelievers from believers and their final destiny. RESPOND Torment of the wicked is often referred to, but their final judgment will be the lake of fire mentioned in Revelation 20:11-15. Before that time they will suffer torment in hades, as seen in Luke 16 about the unbelieving rich man. Talk about these passages with a friend. Gems of Truth READ Matthew 13:51-52 51 “Do you understand all these things?” “Yes,” they said, “we do.” 52 Then he added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.” Had Jesus asked you if you understood what He was saying in these parables, what would you have answered? Somehow the disciples were able to say they understood. Then Jesus added more information. What must they have understood about this last statement from Jesus? As the great homeowner Jesus certainly brought them many old truths from the Old Testament; He was also revealing many new truths to them during His time on earth. REFLECT Think about the old truths you can glean from the Old Testament and the new ones you can glean from the New Testament. RESPOND With a Christian friend, check out an old truth about salvation by seeing Genesis 15:4-6 and John 3:16-18 that gives a new truth in the New Testament. Abraham simply believed God would do what He said (see Romans 4:20-22). That is the same kind of faith needed today as one believes in Jesus for salvation. Return to Nazareth READ Matthew 13:53-54 53 When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country. 54 He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” Those Jesus had grown up with and had lived among could not believe He was so wise when He taught in the synagogue. They were impressed with both His wisdom and His ability to perform miracles. Surely someone who had grown up in their midst could not be so wise and powerful, they thought. REFLECT How do the friends you have grown up with treat you? When you talk about what you have learned in the Bible, do they scoff at you for claiming to know so much? RESPOND The relationship of Jesus with His hometown seemed to have two aspects. In John 4:43-44 Jesus headed home after going through Samaria. So much commotion was made about Him in Judea that His activities were limited. Not as much fuss would be made over Him in Galilee. Later, however, even the people in His hometown of Nazareth rejected Him. A Prophet at Home READ Matthew 13:55-58 55 Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. 56 All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” 57 And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” 58 And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. This is the negative aspect of being in one’s hometown. One is not given the honor that is deserved. In this passage the brothers (half-brothers) of Jesus are named, but the sisters (half-sisters) are not. This is customary each time there is a listing of the family members. Jesus comments that a prophet is not honored in his hometown. Those He grew up with were rejecting Him. Because of their unbelief He did few miracles in the area. REFLECT How is it with you? Perhaps you have much more experience than others and even some academic degrees. But you are not respected in your hometown for who you are and what you have accomplished. RESPOND Talk with a friend about how to relate to those in your hometown. Read the words of Ephesians 4:1-3 that the apostle Paul wrote from prison about how to treat others.

Herod's Assessment READ Matthew 14:1-2 1 When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, 2 he said to his advisers, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles.” This Herod was a son of Herod the Great who was responsible for killing the babies of Bethlehem when Jesus was born. Herod Antipas is also known as “the tetrarch” because he ruled one-fourth of Palestine. He was also the one Jesus appeared before in His trial before His crucifixion. This Herod had put John the Baptist to death. Now he is haunted by the fact that he thinks this Jesus he has heard about is actually John the Baptist raised from the dead. This is the only way he could explain the ability of Jesus to do such miracles. REFLECT Have you sometimes been concerned about your past behavior? Have you been able to realize that if you have trusted in Jesus, His blood cleanses you from every sin? RESPOND For some background of the behavior of Herod the Great, see Matthew 2:16-18. For the behavior of Herod Antipas, see Luke 23:6-16. Both figured prominently at the birth and death of Jesus. John's Judgment READ Matthew 14:3-5 3 For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). 4 John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. Matthew now gives background information about the death of John the Baptist. Herod wanted to kill John because John had confronted him about his immorality. Because so many believed the mission of John, however, Herod relented from killing John. REFLECT Have you experienced opposition from speaking out about immorality? RESPOND With a friend, read Romans 1:18-32. This passage reveals God’s judgment on immorality. The Daughter's Request READ Matthew 14:6-8 6 But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, 7 so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. 8 At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” This reveals what the occasion was that caused Herod to allow the life of John the Baptist to be taken. He promised to give Herodias’s daughter whatever she wanted. Because of her mother’s urging she requested John’s head on a tray. What a horrible request, but now Herod was boxed in. What would he do? REFLECT Have you sometimes made a pledge to do something that you later regretted? What did you do about it? RESPOND Talk with another believer about not being quick to make vows you may not be able to keep. See what Jesus said as recorded in Matthew 22:36-40. He was answering a question about the greatest commandment. Follow these instructions and leave the details to God, without making unnecessary vows of what you think you should do.  John's Death READ Matthew 14:9-11 9 Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. 10 So John was beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Herod regretted his vow but was forced into an embarrassing situation because of what he had promised Herodias’s daughter. This was peer pressure at its peak, and Herod permitted John the Baptist to be beheaded because he had made the vow publically. What a sad ending to the life of one who was a forerunner to announce the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. REFLECT Have you sometimes given in to some wrong behavior because of peer pressure? RESPOND Read Psalm 119:2-4 about not compromising with evil. Pray with a fellow believer, asking God to keep you from compromising your testimony because of peer pressure. Reporting to Jesus READ Matthew 14:12 12 Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. How sad the disciples of John the Baptist must have been as they took his body and buried it. They knew who would be the saddest of all, so they went to tell Jesus about John’s death. How do you think Jesus reacted when He learned the sad report? REFLECT How have you reacted when you learned of a dear friend’s death? Was there a significant difference in how you felt if you knew the person was a believer in Jesus? RESPOND For comfort while mourning a Christian friend’s death, read John 11:25 to see what Jesus said at the time of Lazarus’s death. This verse applies to all believers in Jesus.