Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:10–17

Introduction

A. Jesus taught in parables so that those who were seeking the truth could find it while those who were not seeking it would have no difficulty refusing it (Matthew 13:3–9, 18–23).

B. For all the teaching Jesus did about the kingdom, it is amazing how little people understood about it—even among the twelve.

Discussion

I. This kingdom is hidden from the masses, but precious to the few.

A. The kingdom would not be apparent to the casual observer (Matthew 13:44, 31–33).

B. Like so many towns in Galilee (Matthew 11:20–24), Nazareth clearly did not realize what they had in Jesus (13:54–58).

C. To those who accept Jesus, He proves a priceless treasure (Matthew 13:44–46).

II. The kingdom would not be free of corruption.

A. There would be weeds among the wheat (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43) and bad fish taken up with the good (vv 47–50).

B. We can rest assured that God will sort it all out in the end (Matthew 13:40–42; 1 Timothy 5:24–25).

C. If we fail to see the value in the kingdom, we are likely to give it up all too easily (cf. John 6:66–68).

Conclusion

A. It isn’t enough to be inside the kingdom; God demands that we be faithful (1 Corinthians 9:27).

B. We need to be careful not to become so distracted that we miss the most important thing of all—the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Is this truly the priority in your life?