Short Stories – Week 3
Short Stories
Weeds, Mustard Seeds & Yeast
June 18, 2023
Matthew 13:24-33
Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”
31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
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The kingdom of Heaven is like…
Maybe Jesus has something different in mind.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Heaven crashing into earth; God’s people bringing heaven to earth by living like Jesus.
- Take up your cross
- Last are first
- Turn the other cheek
- Give to the one who asks
- Love and pray for enemies
- Love your neighbor as yourself
Difficulties:
- Takes too long
- Doesn’t work
Takes too long: Be Patient
Parables —> stories of everyday life with deep-rooted spiritual truths.
2 Peter 3:8-9
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Doesn’t work: Just because you can see it doesn’t mean its not happening
God greatest concern is not where you are but rather you faithfulness wherever you are.