• PER143 The parable of the mustard seed

    The parable of the mustard seed (Mt 13.31-32; Mk 4.30-32; Lk 13.18-19) illustrates the Kingdom of God through a tiny seed becoming a large tree. Delivered near Capernaum in AD 31, it teaches that the Kingdom begins humbly but experiences extraordinary growth, offering refuge and welcome to all. It calls for faith, patience, and trust in God for spiritual growth.

    Matthew 13.31-32 (King James Version) :
    Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER145 The parable of the leaven

    The parable of the leaven (Mt 13.33-35; Lk 13.20-21) illustrates the quiet but powerful growth of the kingdom of God. Just as leaven transforms all the dough, the kingdom works gradually in people's hearts. Matthew links this teaching to the fulfillment of Psalm 78.2. Every believer is called to play an active role in this spread. Delivered near Capernaum around November–December 31, it is the fourth parable in the great discourse of Matthew 13.

    Luke 13.20-21 (King James Version) :
    And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER146 Evening explanation of various parables (the weeds)

    PER146 reports the explanation Jesus gave to his disciples concerning the parable of the weeds (Mt 13.36-43), a testimony found only in Matthew. Jesus reveals a method of interpretation along three lines: symbolic identification of the elements, the eschatological dimension, and practical application. This passage belongs to the discourse of the seven parables of the Kingdom of God gathered by Matthew in chapter 13.

    Matthew 13.45-46 (King James Version) :
    Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER147 The parable of the hidden treasure

    The parable of the hidden treasure (Mt 13,44), reported only by Matthew, teaches that the kingdom of heaven is of incomparable value. A man discovers a buried treasure, covers it up again, then sells everything to buy the field. This parable illustrates the joy and determination of the one who recognizes the supreme value of the Kingdom, ready to sacrifice everything to obtain it. It resonates especially with Matthew's own journey, for he himself had left everything to follow Jesus.

    Matthew 13.44 (King James Version) :
    Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER149 The parable of the net cast into the sea

    The parable of the net (Mt 13,47-50), unique to Matthew, compares the Kingdom of heaven to a net gathering fish of every kind. At the final sorting, the good are kept and the bad thrown away, illustrating eschatological judgment. It teaches the universality of the Gospel, the reality of the final judgment carried out by the angels, and the urgency for believers to live in accordance with the teachings of Jesus.

    Matthew 13.47-50 (King James Version) :
    Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER150 Conclusion of Jesus the Messiah

    Pericope 150 closes the parable discourse of Matthew 13. Jesus asks his disciples whether they have understood, then describes the ideal disciple as a scribe instructed in the kingdom, able to bring out of his treasure things new and old. This passage underscores the complementarity of the Old and New Testaments and the responsibility of teachers to pass on the Messiah's teaching faithfully.

    Matthew 13.51-53 (King James Version) :
    Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate