BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 13:56

Saturday, 1 November 2025
 
And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” Matthew 13:56
 
“And His sisters, not they are all with us? Whence then this – these all?” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the people of Nazareth questioned Jesus about His father, mother, and brothers. Their words continue with, “And His sisters.”
 
The word translated as “sister” is adelphé. It is the feminine form of adelphos, brother, and carries the same connotation, one of the same womb. As with the previous verse, however, the word can figuratively be extended to a person in a figurative sense –
 
“Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters [adelphé], with all purity.” 1 Timothy 5:1, 2
 
For this reason, the Roman Catholic Church and others who hold to the perpetual virginity of Mary insist that the words here extend to daughters of Joseph and not daughters of Mary, despite the obvious intent of the words to indicate actual sisters having been born to Mary.
 
Mary, not some unnamed former wife, is spoken of in the same context as the rest of the family, making her the natural connection to these sisters. As for the number of them, that is to be inferred from the next words, “not they are all with us?”
 
Although no number is set, it is telling us that there were three or more sisters. Otherwise, it would have said, “isn’t she here with us,” or “are not both of them here with us.” Not only was Mary not a perpetual virgin, apart from Jesus, but she had at least seven other children. Having noted Joseph, Mary, and the siblings of Jesus, demonstrating complete familiarity with the family, the people next exclaim, “Whence then this – these all?”
 
The words are referring to “this wisdom and the miracles” mentioned in verse 54. In other words, everything about Jesus and His family was laid out before the people through years of close interaction.
 
And yet, somehow, He suddenly appeared to them with incredible abilities that surpassed the normal life He previously lived. They could not understand how Jesus could have gone from a simple Son of an artificer to a great miracle worker and biblical scholar.
 
Life application: The supposed perpetual virginity of Mary is never taught in Scripture. It is unfathomable that God would present such a doctrine without clear and unambiguous evidence for it. And yet, a normal read through the text would lead anyone with a modicum of honesty to conclude that Jesus was the Son of Mary and the others mentioned here were as well.
 
The only result to be realized from this aberrant doctrine is to cause Scripture itself to be violated. The words of Hebrews 12:2 implore Christians to fix their eyes on Jesus, not Mary, Paul, David, or Moses. To highlight Mary’s role, as has been done by the Roman Catholic Church, destroys this precept.
 
Be wise, filled with prudence when dealing with doctrinal and theological issues, and consider what God is doing and why. Don’t accept people’s teachings just because they seem authoritative or because they have some particular trait that makes them seem special.
 
For example, it is as common as peanuts in peanut brittle in Christian circles today to highlight Bible teachers simply because they are Jewish. It is as if being Jewish elevates people to some supposed level of biblical knowledge that must be listened to and adhered to. It is a ridiculous way to handle one’s biblical studies.
 
Whether someone has a PhD, can read and write Hebrew and/or Greek, or has a large congregation, such things have nothing to do with adherence to Scripture. Evaluate your teachers based on how they teach the word of God. And guess what, this is impossible unless you yourself know the word well enough to do so. Read the Bible!
 
Glorious God Almighty, help each of us to desire knowing Your word above even the food we eat. May we listen to it, meditate on it, and cherish it in our hearts and minds all the days of our lives. To Your glory. Amen.

Matthew 13:24

Tuesday, 30 September 2025
 
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; Matthew 13:24
 
Another parable He near-set them, saying, “It is likened, the kingdom of the heavens, to a man having sown good seed in his field” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus finished the explanation of the parable of the Sower. Now, He immediately moves on. Matthew records, “Another parable He near-set them.”
 
A new word is seen, paratithémi. It signifies to place alongside, before, near, etc. It is used at times when referring to placing food before someone. In Luke 23:46, it is the word Jesus uses to commit His Spirit to His Father. Jesus is setting near, or presenting, this new parable. In presenting it, He was “saying, ‘It is likened, the kingdom of the heavens.”
 
The verb is aorist. He doesn’t say, “It is like,” or “It will be like.” Rather, it is a state that already exists. In God’s mind, all of history is laid about before Him. Therefore, the Bible can speak about what lies ahead in various ways.
 
The past can be called also into the present, such as in Matthew 22:32. Therefore, regardless of when the events of the kingdom Jesus is referring to occur, the truth exists already in God’s mind. Jesus is likening this state through a parable. His comparison is “to a man having sown good seed in his field.”
 
The meaning of “good” is not the same seed, some spoiled and some good. Rather, it is a type of seed that is good. For example, sowing wheat is sowing good seed. A farmer wouldn’t take thorn seeds and plant them. That would be bad seed.
 
This farmer has seed that is for a good purpose.
 
Life application: It is good to study the meaning of words in the Bible. The new word in this verse is variously translated as commend, commit, entrust, give evidence, present, propose, propound, put forth, relate, serve, set before, tell, etc.
 
The word itself stresses the nearness of the setting. It can be hard to match a comparable English word to all of the instances where it is used. In other words, Jesus sets this parable before the people. Food is set before people at a table. Jesus sets His Spirit before God. One word may not convey each meaning as we might understand.
 
The literal “near-set” may also not be understandable, but it is a very close translation. As you read the Bible more and begin to study it in detail, doing these word studies will help you to see where a translation that you thought conveyed meaning may not be what is intended.
 
Saying “told” is true, but it fails to give the more exacting nature of the word. There are other words where saying “told” is fine, but here it lacks the intended nuance. So be sure to check things out if you are at all in doubt. Your time interacting with the word will only be as rewarding as the amount of study and effort you put into it.
 
Having said that, there is nothing wrong with also picking up a paraphrase and enjoying it simply for the general information being conveyed. Whatever circumstance you find yourself in at the time, just be sure to have the Bible (in some form) with you. It is your personal window into understanding the mind of God. Be sure to read your Bible!!
 
Lord God, Your word is a treasure and a blessing to our souls. Thank You for how we can come to know You and Your intent for us in such a precious and personal manner. Praise to You for Your word that tells us of Your love for us as expressed in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Matthew 13:23

Monday, 29 September 2025
 
But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” Matthew 13:23
 
“And the ‘upon the good earth having been sown,’ this, it is ‘the word hearing and comprehending’ who surely he fruit-bears and it yields – some indeed hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus explained the state of the one who is like a seed cast into a thorny spot. He next continues the explanation of the parable, saying, “And the ‘upon the good earth having been sown.’”
 
This is the person first described in verse 8, which said, “And others, it fell upon the good earth, and it gave fruit. Some, indeed, hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty.” This is the aim of all gardeners (or Bible teachers in this case): to find good soil and plant there. This is because the anticipated result, which is that “this, it is ‘the word hearing and comprehending.’”
 
A new word, suniémi, to comprehend, is seen here. The word comes from sun, with or beside, and hiemi, to send. Thus, it signifies “to put together.” When someone puts things together in his mind, he then comprehends the information that has been received.
 
Interestingly, the word used to describe the process in Mark is paradechomai, to receive (as in accepting), and in Luke it is katechó, to hold down (as in retaining or keeping in the memory). Thus, the explanation, and therefore, the meaning, by default, must be interpreted differently in each gospel –
 
Comprehend
Receive
Retain
 
As for the person who comprehends the word, Jesus says he is one “who surely he fruit-bears.”
 
While the others may be saved, depending on the circumstances as given in Matthew, they never bore fruit. In the case of Israel, Jesus scolded the nation for not bearing fruit, telling them that their vineyard would be taken from them and the owner would “lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons” Matthew 21:41.
 
However, Jesus has been speaking of individuals in Matthew. Therefore, the analogy to be derived is certainly that of individuals in response to hearing the word. When someone is like a seed in good soil, he bears fruit, “and it yields – some indeed hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty.”
 
A couple of new words are seen here. The first is dé, indeed. It is a particle of emphasis or explicitness. The second is karpophoreó, to be fertile and thus, to bear. The seed is the same. Despite this, different harvests result. The difference is not in the word. Therefore, the circumstances in which the seeds find themselves must be what causes the change.
 
Seed in one part of the field may get more fertilizer, water, loaminess of soil, and etc. This can be equated to different people receiving the word with different abilities, availabilities, amounts of determination, etc. Those things, along with the directive hand of God, will be realized in different increases –
 
“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-8
 
Life application: The word has been given, the gospel is available, and the various soils (or lack thereof) are out there. Not only can you be more productive by improving your own soil, you can be productive by sharing the word with others and then prompting them to receive the word gladly and in a manner that will bear fruit.
 
This life is our one chance to prepare for the eternal state that we will find ourselves in. How willing are you to forego the present things that can choke out your productivity, deprive you of moisture, or steal the word away from you entirely?
 
Eyes on Jesus! Open your ears and allow the word to enter! Think about what you hear! Receive what is proper and reject that which will not benefit. Determine now to be the best fruit-bearer that you can be. This is the sweet spot in your walk with God.
 
Glorious God, how great You are to allow us to share in Your goodness and to allow us to decide what our walk with You will be like. You offer heaven, and You do so in any measure we choose to receive it. Help us to have prudence in our walk before You, bearing fruit for Your eternal kingdom. Amen.
 

Matthew 13:22

Sunday, 28 September 2025
 
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. Matthew 13:22
 
“And the ‘into the thorns having been sown’ this is the ‘the word hearing,’ but the care of this age, and the delusion of wealth, it strangles the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus explained the state of the one who is like a seed cast on stony places. He next continues the explanation of the parable, saying, “And the ‘into the thorns having been sown.’”
 
This is the person first described in verse 7, which said, “And others, it fell upon the thorns, and they ascended, the thorns, and they choked them.” Of the person represented by this seed, Jesus says, “this is the ‘the word hearing,’ but the care of this age, and the delusion of wealth, it strangles the word.”
 
Three new words are seen. The first is merimna, solicitude or care. It is derived from merizó, to divide. As such, it is a person whose anxieties divide and fracture his attention, actions, etc. Such a person is distracted from the main point or purpose he is trying to achieve.
 
The next word is apaté, delusion, a state of deceit, etc. It is the state of having a false impression about something. Because of these things, the third new word, sumpnigó, is the result. It signifies to completely strangle. Literally, it means to drown, but it can also figuratively be used when describing a throng, such as when crowds pressed in on Jesus, choking His movement, in Luke 8:42.
 
With these things working against the person, Jesus next says of his state concerning the word in his life, “and it becomes unfruitful.”
 
Another new word is found in this clause, akarpos, without fruit. It is derived from the negative particle a and the word karpos, fruit. Because of the things that tangle this person’s life up, he is unable to bear fruit. Instead, there is a sense of survival mode only.
 
As noted in earlier commentaries, there is a difference between similar peoples’ situations and the dispensation in which they live. A person under law may be viewed differently from a person under grace when he is like the person described here. However, even people under the law were only saved by God’s grace.
 
The difference is that those under law were required to adhere to the law. This was the standard for their society. Their hope in God’s promises coming in the Messiah is actually what brought them salvation, even if they were expected to live out the law. With the law fulfilled, it is no longer a factor in our relationship with God. Rather, applying the law to our lives actually sets us at enmity with God’s grace.
 
Understanding that first, the explanation of this person’s situation may be viewed differently based on the dispensation in which he lives. But if we apply the parable to ourselves, we can make some deductions about this state.
 
First, the word is heard, received, and it germinates into roots. A person is saved by belief. Therefore, the person would be considered saved. The distractions described by Jesus obviously hinder the person’s growth and ability to bear fruit, but who, since being saved, has not had distractions?
 
This is a thorny world, filled with trials, temptations, distractions, etc. How we respond to them after being saved will not affect our salvation. Rather, they will affect our rewards at the judgment seat of Christ. If you are living in a thorn patch, remove the thorns or remove yourself from them and press on in Jesus’ goodness.
 
Life application: Of this type of person, Barnes says –
 
“See the notes at 1 Timothy 6:7-11. How many, O how many, thus foolishly drown themselves in destruction and perdition! How many more might reach heaven, if it were not for this deep-seated love of that which fills the mind with care, deceives the soul, and finally leaves it naked, and guilty, and lost!”
 
In the verses cited by Barnes, Paul was writing to Timothy about those in the church, meaning saved believers. Paul never questions their salvation, but warns against the trap of loving money, which causes people to stray from the truth.
 
If those people could lose their salvation because they diverted from the truth, it means that their salvation was not of grace through faith when they first believed. It means that it was based on their continued performance, it was conditional, and it was not by grace through faith.
 
To equate a saved person who strays from the truth to a person that is finally left “naked, and guilty, and lost” is to admit that salvation is not by grace through faith in Christ’s completed work. This is a heretical Arminian view that maligns the all-sufficient atonement found in Jesus’ shed blood.
 
Barnes does not normally espouse such views, but at times, his commentary strays into this type of thinking. The fact is that every person ever saved by Jesus has had time in his own thorn patch, unless maybe he was saved and keeled over of a heart attack a minute later.
 
If your life is hemmed in with distractions, temptations, and things that choke out your faith, it is up to you to start cutting out the thorns that are affecting you. Life is not easy, but Jesus can be your proverbial clippers if you just put Him back into your main focus. Read the word, fix your eyes on Jesus, and get clipping those thorns!
 
Lord God, life is so filled with distractions and temptations. Our bodies and brains are biological, chemical, and electrical units that are affected by everything we come in contact with. You know this because You created us. Help us to keep control of who we are so that we can quash the externals and internals that continuously work against us. May Your Spirit direct us as we pursue You. Amen.

Matthew 13:21

Saturday, 27 September 2025
 
yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Matthew 13:21
 
“And he has no root in himself, but he is temporary. And having come pressure or persecution through the word, immediately he stumbles” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus began to explain the seed cast on rocky places. He continues that with the words, “And he has no root in himself.”
 
The word was received with joy. However, for one of an almost infinite number of reasons, the person has no root in and of himself. It was not possible because of the circumstances in which he received the message. Like a seed on rocky soil, there is no way to establish a deep and abiding foundation, a root, to sustain himself. Because of this, Jesus continues, saying, “but he is temporary.”
 
It is a new word, proskairos. It is derived from two words. The first is pros, a word indicating to or toward and thus about, near, against, etc. The context will determine what the intent is. The second word is kairos, an occasion, opportunity, season, etc. It is often translated as “time.” The two words together give the sense of “for the occasion or time only.”
 
Jesus does not make a charge concerning the character of the individual, as most commentators claim. Rather, He is basing His message on the circumstances in which He exists, meaning as a seed on rocky soil. Because there is no root, He next says, “And having come pressure or persecution through the word.”
 
There are two new words, thlipsis is the first. It speaks of pressure. Vincent’s explains that it is derived from tribulum, the threshing-roller of the Romans. However, it is not referring to the process of separating the corn from the husk, but to the pressure that causes it. As such, he notes as an example “the provision of the old English law, by which those who wilfully refused to plead had heavy weights placed on their breasts, and so were pressed and crushed to death.”
 
The next new word is diógmos, persecution. It comes from a word signifying to follow after. One can think of a person being hounded. Wherever he goes and whatever he does, he is unable to get free from his pursuers. As such, when pressure or persecution comes to this fellow because of the word he received, he has no roots to endure, and therefore, “immediately he stumbles.”
 
Without a suitable root to feed him and ensure he can endure the heat of the day, like a sprout that withers, he is offended and falls away.
 
As noted, Jesus does not speak of the character of the person, but the circumstances of his root. Therefore, a person with a strong character can be just as likely to fail as someone with a lesser character. The root brings in water and nutrients. This is what the word is for. The point is, no matter what, the seed cannot survive without a proper foundation.
 
This is why weak people who read, know, and apply the word to their lives will last, even when a staunch and hearty person who heard the word and loved its message may fall away. This is exactly the reason why so many commentaries misapply the lesson to be learned.
 
Be sure to continue reading below. The words will provide additional and invaluable insights into this truth for your walk with the Lord.
 
Life application: A few examples of incorrect analysis of this verse are cited below. The first is from Cambridge. They say, “Jesus forecasts the persecution of Christians, and the time when ‘the love of many shall wax cold,’ ch. Matthew 24:12.”
 
This is wrong on the surface. Matthew 24 is not speaking of church-age Christian persecution. Jesus is speaking to the Jews about matters that apply to them as a nation. It is true there will be those of Israel who hear the message and believe during the tribulation, but this is the reference. Maintaining proper context is important in understanding Matthew 24.
 
Albert Barnes says, “Yet they have no root in themselves. They are not true Christians. Their hearts are not changed. They have not seen their guilt and danger, and the true excellency of Christ. They are not ‘really’ attached to the gospel; and when they are tried and persecution comes, they fall - as the rootless grain withers before the scorching rays of the noonday sun.”
 
Barnes has made the error noted above. Jesus is not speaking of the character of a person, though this can be a part of such a matter. He is speaking of the circumstances in which the person received the message. The seed was placed in the wrong spot for it to mature properly.
 
Whether Jesus is speaking of Israel and their reception of the message or those of the church, the words carry the same truth. The difference is that Israel was under law. Law demands perfect obedience. Without Jesus, that is impossible.
 
Those in the church are under grace. Grace does not demand performance, but belief. What does Jesus say about this person? He says, “...this, he is, the ‘the word hearing and immediately with joy receiving it.’” What does the gospel say? Jesus gives the basis for it in John 3:16: belief. Paul explains it in detail in his epistles, noting it is based on belief. This person has believed. He received the message with joy. And what is the result of that belief when under grace? Paul says –
 
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13, 14
 
Albert Barnes, et al, failed to consider that the difference is Jesus in how a person is treated. A person can live and die under law, or he can live and die under grace. This is the initial circumstance that must be defined.
 
However, that circumstance is then further defined by the circumstance of place, meaning where the seed grows. If a person is saved, he is saved (reread Ephesians 1:13, 14 again!). However, if the person who is saved has no church, no copy of the Bible, and no further understanding of his obligations because no one told him, he will have no root to carry him through the pressures and tribulations that arise.
 
This is why it is so immensely important to feed oneself with the word. In today’s world, we can shape the circumstances of our faith by actively feeding ourselves. Passively, the family we are born into may have provided sound soil. The activities at school may provide that as well. Church attendance may (depending on the church) do so also.
 
Reading the word, meditating on it, and applying it to one’s life is the main source of such fertile soil. Pay heed to what feeds you, how you are fed, and the time you spend feeding yourself. Circumstance! Take advantage of the circumstances that you find yourself in. May you grow healthy and in an abundant manner so that you will be able to endure the difficulties of life when you face them.
 
Heavenly Father, thank You that when we believe the gospel, our salvation is realized. Thank You for the grace of God found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Now, help us to be responsible and pursue that good gift all the days of our lives. Amen and amen.

Matthew 13:20

Friday, 26 September 2025
 
But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; Matthew 13:20
 
“And the ‘having been sown upon the rocky places,’ this, he is, the ‘the word hearing and immediately with joy receiving it’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus described the seed that was sown near the path. He next says, “And the ‘having been sown upon the rocky places.’” This type was mentioned in verse 5. What happens to a seed when it is cast on a rocky area? For those who farm, the answer is obvious. 
 
The seed will sprout because there is usually moisture on rocks in the early hours. As such, there is life now coming from the seed. However, this will only last for a while. Unless it is a gray and moist day, the sprout will quickly dry up and die when the heat of the sun blazes on it. Of this seed, Jesus next says, “this, he is, the ‘the word hearing and immediately with joy receiving it.’” 
 
Whether Jesus is referring to people in general, those of Israel who are following Him at the time, or in the context of the Christian church as a mystery being revealed concerning what lies ahead, His words carry a truth that can be seen in any field, vocation, or religious context.
 
Something is seen, it is appealing, and it is quickly accepted as a goal and received as such.
 
Life application: Without evaluating the conclusion found in the next verse concerning this sort of person, we can look at our own lives and find examples of this type of person in a given situation.
 
Suppose you go to the beach with your friends and you see people surfing. It’s the coolest thing you’ve ever seen, and so you quickly rush out to buy a surfboard. You saw what was exciting, a seed of interest germinated in you because of what you saw, and the idea of yourself becoming a surfer starts growing in you.
 
What will it take to make that goal come about? Think about the innumerable things that will affect your new, excited decision. You get to the surf shop and discover how expensive a new board is. You will have to settle for an old, beat-up one.
 
You find out that the waves only come at certain times and under certain conditions, so you have to be ready to give up other things when the waves are breaking.
 
Surfing means looking like an otter floating on the surface to sharks...
 
The best waves are in the winter, and even with a wetsuit (which is also expensive), you don’t like getting into the cold water.
 
In finding this and so much more out, you have to decide concerning the pursuit of your new and exciting avenue of life’s adventures. As noted above, this type of thing can also apply to a vocation or a religious experience. Making choices about major goals in life requires thought, commitment, and the expenditure of time and energy.
 
What will be the result of your decision if your roots are not sunk deeply into the ground? This is what Jesus is explaining to the people of Israel as they prepare to follow the One they have called their Messiah.
 
Heavenly Father, when people hear about what Jesus has done, there is often a strong and amazingly excited pursuit of Him at first. Will that continue? What is it that will keep them strong in this new direction? Help us to evaluate ourselves as well as those to whom we tell the gospel to. May we be prepared to set our goals and stick to them as we follow Him all our days. Amen.
 

Matthew 13:19

Thursday, 25 September 2025
 
When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. Matthew 13:19
 
“Everyone hearing the word of the kingdom and not comprehending, the evil, he comes, and he seizes the ‘having been sown in his heart.’ This, he is, the ‘having been sown near the path’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus prepared His disciples for hearing the explanation of the parable. He now begins that explanation, saying, “Everyone hearing the word of the kingdom and not comprehending.”
 
Jesus has already spoken of such people when He cited the words of Isaiah. There are people who hear, but in hearing, they do not comprehend. One can go to a lecture on nuclear physics, hear the message of the speaker, understand the individual words, but not comprehend the meaning of what is being said.
 
Likewise, a person can read the Bible (hearing in his mind) and not comprehend what is being said. A common reason for this might be reading a passage, for example, Joshua 10, knowing what it says, but not comprehending why it is even in the Bible. This might be because the person has not read the Bible and, thus, has no context to understand what is being conveyed in the overall message.
 
Such examples help us grasp why someone can hear and not comprehend. In such an occurrence, Jesus says, “the evil, he comes.”
 
This would be referring to the devil. The adjective prefixed by the article marks the evil off as an entity. It isn’t just that evil comes. Rather, an entity that is evil comes. As such, translations normally insert the word one, resulting in “the evil one.” This evil one comes, “and he seizes the ‘having been sown in his heart.’”
 
The perfect participle indicates that the word had been received at some point, and it was a completed action that continues at the time being referred to. It is not that the word was not received, but that it was received, and then it is seized from him.
 
Therefore, this would be like the person Peter refers to –
 
“For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” 2 Peter 1:9
 
The person received the message, but he failed to diligently do the things Peter refers to in 2 Peter 1:2-8. Because of this, Jesus says, “This, he is, the ‘having been sown near the path.’”
 
There was a seed sown, but it was snatched away, never becoming productive.
 
It should be noted that the words of this parable are not identical to those of Luke’s account in Matthew 8. There, Jesus says of this seed, “...then, he comes, the devil, and he lifts the word from the heart of them, that not having believed, they should be saved” (Luke 8:12).
 
Due to the different use of the verbs, and the plural “they” instead of the singular “he,” it means Jesus probably said this parable on different occasions and geared it towards the audience at that time.
 
Both accounts say the disciples asked Him for an explanation. There is no problem with this, it could mean other disciples than those who asked the other time in Matthew. Unlike Luke, a loss of salvation does not appear to be the intent in His explanation here in Matthew.
 
Life application: Israel was given the word, but for the most part, they never heeded it. As such, it was stolen away from them, generation after generation. There was a failure on their part to do what they were instructed, to be the people they were called to be, and to honor God as He determined.
 
Despite this, and despite rejecting Jesus when He came, Israel remains. This shows the covenant faithfulness that God has maintained toward them. Their disobedience does not negate His faithfulness.
 
If we can remind ourselves of this truth, we would be much better off in our minds concerning our own walk with Him, knowing that despite our failings, He remains faithful and will uphold His commitment to carry us through to the completion of our salvation.
 
If we would remind ourselves of this truth, we would also be better off in our minds concerning others’ walk with Him as well. It is so easy to point at other believers, knowing they at one time called on Jesus, and then assuming that God has taken away their salvation.
 
This is a common theme in churches that hold to the Arminian traditions. It is also nonsense. God will remain faithful, even to those who walk away from the faith. Peter does not question the salvation of those he refers to in the verse above. In fact, his words clearly indicate a state of salvation (he was cleansed).
 
Think about what the Bible says concerning God from His perspective, not ours. We fail others, we take back our gifts, we break our commitments, etc. God does none of these. His spoken word is an eternal decree, and Jesus’ blood is sufficient to cover all our sins.
 
Thank God for His faithfulness.
 
Lord God, may we think clearly and carefully consider the things Your word teaches us concerning You. In our minds, we will often project onto You what we experience. A bad father must equal a bad heavenly Father. But no! You are good, You do not change, and Your intent for us because of Jesus means we are secure. Thank You for Your faithfulness, O God. Amen.
 

Matthew 13:18

Wednesday, 24 September 2025
 
“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: Matthew 13:18
 
“You, therefore, you hear the parable, the ‘having sown’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the prophets and righteous men of the past who desired to see and hear what the disciples saw. They, however, did not see or hear those things. Only at the time determined by God would the Christ come to fulfill the law and usher in a new dispensation. Based on His words concerning this, He next says, “You, therefore, you hear the parable, the ‘having sown.’”
 
The things those people desired to see and hear were to be revealed to the disciples. This included the meaning of the parable He had spoken to them concerning the sower with his seeds.
 
This parable is normally called the parable of the sower. The Greek reads tou speirantos, “the ‘having sown,’” meaning the one having sown. By extension, it refers to the sower through the use of the article affixed to the verb.
 
His addressees are the disciples, placing them in the emphatic position, “You, therefore, you...” In other words, His words connect first to verse 16, and then contrast with verse 17. This can be seen when the three thoughts are presented in order –
 
* And you, blessed the eyes, because they see, and the ears, because it hears.
 
* Amen! For I say to you that many prophets and righteous, they passioned to see what byou see, and not they saw, and to hear what you hear, and not they heard.
 
* You, therefore, you hear the parable, the ‘having sown.’
 
Jesus is conveying to them the greatness of the place and time in which they are and the position which they have been entrusted. This is contrasted first with those of Israel, who heard the parable but were not given its explanation.
 
However, secondly, the immediate contrast is to those great men of the past, showing the disciples that they have a privilege that goes beyond the hopes and dreams of generations of people whose desire it was to see and participate in the coming of the Messiah. It is reflective of the words of Peter –
 
“Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.” 1 Peter 1:10-12
 
Life application: The church has a similar hope to that of the saints of old who anticipated the coming of the Messiah. They longed to see His coming and to draw near to Him to see and hear His words.
 
In the church, we have been promised that Jesus will return. At that time, those who are waiting for Him will have the realization of their hope. Unlike the saints of old, however, who came and died before the coming of the Messiah, the Lord has promised to bring with Him all of those who have received Him, even since the first believers.
 
We will be drawn near to Him, see Him with our own eyes, and hear Him with our own ears. Not a single saint from this dispensation will be left behind. Because of this, Paul gives us words of absolute comfort and continued hope, even for those who die before His coming –
 
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
 
It is good to be reminded of this from time to time. God’s promises will be realized. If you are facing the loss of a loved one, the separation is painful. However, if he or she was saved through faith in Jesus, this is a temporary separation. God has not abandoned you, and He will not forget them on that great Day.
 
Get ready, Jesus is coming again. Maybe today.
 
Lord God, thank You for the sure hope we possess because of what Jesus has done. How grateful we are to You that we don’t need to fear death, nor do we lose hope when we experience it in the loss of those we love. Rather, we have a sure and enduring hope of being gathered together forever when Jesus returns for His church. Amen.

Matthew 13:17

Tuesday, 23 September 2025
 
for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Matthew 13:17
 
“Amen! For I say to you that many prophets and righteous, they passioned to see what you see, and not they saw, and to hear what you hear, and not they heard” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told His disciples that their eyes and ears were blessed. He now provides an explanation of that, saying, “Amben! For I say to you that many prophets and righteous.”
 
The promise of a Redeemer was spoken by the Lord in Genesis 3. Until the record was written down by Moses, it would have been an oral tradition. It is certain, based on the surrounding text, that Eve thought she would be delivered by the birth of Cain. However, that didn’t pan out.
 
From there, a list of “the sons of the God” is recorded in Genesis 5, and the story of the division between these sons, meaning those who believed and those who didn’t, is given in minimal detail in Genesis 6. Noah was deemed a righteous man and was spared from the destruction of the world by the flood.
 
He and his family repopulated the earth, still passing on this story of a coming Redeemer. Eventually, proper worship of God began to fade. This is implied in Job 1 & 2 where the “sons of the God” are noted as gathering for worship. If there are sons of “the God,” there are those who are not. The world was again losing its memory of the promised One.
 
Such people, like Job, would have been deemed righteous (Job 1:1). However, an appropriate mode of worship was needed to keep the memory of the Redeemer’s coming alive and to ensure that worshiping God as He deemed proper necessitated the introduction of the law.
 
Throughout these ages, some of those whom Jesus refers to are recorded, fitting a pattern that would include all who were like them. Hebrews 11 gives a summary of such people. The thing that identifies them as such is not, however, observance of and adherence to the law. Rather, it is... faith. Time and again in Hebrews 11, the words “by faith” are used to describe these people.
 
Each of them had a grounded hope in the coming of the Messiah. Hebrews 11 is summed up with the words –
 
“And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” Hebrews 11:39, 40
 
In accord with that, Jesus says, “they passioned to see what you see, and not they saw, and to hear what you hear, and not they heard.”
 
These people, by faith, waited and hoped. They looked ahead to what God promised, not around at what man has tainted. Their eyes were fixed unashamedly on the fulfillment of the promise, not considering the taunts and attacks of those who live for this world.
 
Their desire and passion were to see the Messiah and to hear His instruction concerning matters that could never be contemplated or deduced without God’s special revelation. With the coming of Jesus, these things were spoken and explained.
 
Life application: Jesus told the people –
 
“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:11
 
Jesus has come. There is no longer a need to wait for what God’s promised Messiah would do or say. We now have an accurate and detailed record of what His disciples heard and saw.
 
We can, by faith, be deemed righteous. We look back to the incarnation, the life lived, the cross, and the resurrection, and we believe. In accepting God’s word concerning the all-sufficient work of Jesus Christ, we are deemed righteous.
 
From there, we can, by faith, look ahead to the promises of total restoration with God, not just as a spiritual truth (which we now possess), but as a tangible, eternal reality. For those who have been saved by faith, we have been given a guarantee that what we hope for will be realized –
 
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13, 14
 
How strong is your faith that the words of Scripture are true, accurate, and reliable? How deeply do you believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of that word? Are you sure in your heart of hearts that what the Bible tells us lies ahead is really coming? What is it that you long for most in this world? There is a reward ahead for those who live by faith –
 
“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8
 
Hooray for Jesus!
 
Lord God, thank You for the hope we possess in You, in Your word, and in what it says about Jesus’ coming and His return for us someday. Thank You for the guarantee You have given us, securing us as Yours until that day. Thank You, O God, for Your everlasting faithfulness. Amen.

Matthew 13:16

Monday, 22 September 2025
 
But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; Matthew 13:16
 
“And you, blessed the eyes, because they see, and the ears, because it hears” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus finished the quote from Isaiah concerning Israel’s spiritually deadened state. Now, He contrasts His disciples to the overall nation, saying, “And you, blessed the eyes, because they see.”
 
These words are in line with what was already said in verse 11 –
 
“He answered and said to them, ‘Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.’”
 
They had willingly followed Jesus. Because of this, He would explain His parables and other seemingly cryptic sayings to them without reservation. However, the general crowd would only be given the parable without an explanation.
 
If they wanted to know what the meaning of His words was, they would need to ask. It is sure that He would not purposefully hide the explanation from someone who wanted to know. This is all the more certain because the gospels were eventually written and disseminated.
 
Because of this, all it took was seeking. In doing so, they would find what they sought. This step was unnecessary for the disciples who were there with Jesus and were provided the explanations. As seen in a previous commentary, this is stated explicitly in Mark –
 
“And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.” Mark 4:33, 34
 
Along with seeing eyes, Jesus also says, “and the ears, because it hears.” Some texts read this in the plural, “they hear,” others in the singular. The point is that the spiritually lethargic state that permeated most of Israel did not permeate all of it. The disciples and those like them who were looking for the truth would find it.
 
Life application: Having dulled senses is not restricted to Israel, although at this time it is a national condition. Along with them, there are innumerable people in the world who are likewise affected. They feel secure in their religiosity and are uncaring about whether what they believe is actually the truth of God or not.
 
Unfortunately, this condition permeates much of the church as well. People go to church on Sunday morning, listen to the sermon, go home, and nothing in their lives is changed. The message they hear isn’t taken to heart, and the word doesn’t penetrate the dull ears.
 
But this isn’t merely limited to congregants. There are churches full of dead pastors. They speak from the pulpit about how love wins, that God accepts people’s lifestyle regardless of how perverse they may be, and speak ill of those who want to rectify the immorality in their nations, either through politics or conservative churches.
 
To them, the Bible is a pick-and-choose tool to obtain verses that will keep people feeling good and coming back. Maybe it isn’t even referred to at all. Their concept of Jesus is driven by sexual mores or financial gain, apart from the reality of how God has presented Him in His word.
 
When you talk to people about Jesus, pay attention to what they say. The truth is, just because they attend church, it does not mean that they are saved. You may need to evangelize them as much as the drug addicts and hookers in your town’s shady district.
 
Don’t assume that someone is right with Jesus from their initial words to you. Pay heed, get to know what they believe, and be ready to present Jesus and what He expects, as is outlined in Scripture. And you cannot do this without knowing the word. Please read, know, and contemplate your Bible.
 
Lord God, help us to be discerning about those around us. May we not assume that just because someone says he is a Christian that he is saved. Rather, may we be attentive and carefully present the gospel for all. People need Jesus, the true Jesus, whom You have revealed in Your word. May we be willing to tell the world about Him. Amen.

Matthew 13:15

Sunday, 21 September 2025
 
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.Their ears are hard of hearing,And their eyes they have closed,Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,So that I should heal them.’ Matthew 13:15
 
“For it thickened, the heart of this peopleAnd their ears, heavily they heard,And their eyes, they shut,Lest not they should behold – their eyes,And they should hear – their ears,And they should comprehend – the heart,And they should return,And I will heal them” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus began to quote a verse from Isaiah concerning the state of Israel, specifically their inability to understand or perceive the meaning of spiritual truth. Jesus continues that quote, which explains why this is so, beginning with, “For it thickened, the heart of this people.”
 
Here is a new word, pachunó, to thicken. It is found only here and in Acts 28:27 when Paul cites this same verse. The thickening is that of excess fat. Therefore, it signifies having a dull, insensitive heart.
 
In Scripture, the heart is the seat of moral preference. It is the spot where the decisions that reveal our true character are made. In the case of Israel, their collective heart had thickened to the point of being insensitive. Their moral preferences had become contrary to the will of the Lord. Next, He says, “And their ears, heavily they heard.”
 
Here is another new word, the adverb bareós. It signifies heavily. In this case, it is in a figurative sense. This word is also only found here and in Romans 28:27. The meaning is that it is as if something is hanging over their ears, their ears are full of wax, or for some other reason, and the sound entering them is dulled and difficult to understand. Next, it says, “And their eyes, they shut.”
 
A third new word, again only found here and in Romans 28:27, is seen, the verb kammuó. It is derived from kata, down, and muó, to shut the eyes. Thayer’s Lexicon says, “the phrase designates the inflexible pertinacity and obstinacy of the Jews in their opposition to the gospel.”
 
This is correct. There is a sense of a purposeful shutting of the eyes to block out what God would otherwise reveal to them. These spiritual insensitivities permeated the Jewish society, but this was not the Lord’s fault. This can be seen in the next words, which reveal that their state was a self-inflicted wound. Notice how the following three thoughts are stated in the reverse order of the previous three, forming a short chiasm –
 
“Lest not they should behold – their eyes,And they should hear – their ears,And they should comprehend – the heart.”
 
The meaning is that if the people were to redirect their moral senses, there would be a change. It isn’t that the Lord caused this, but that they willingly closed themselves off from being able to properly discern the incoming information. With that noted, Jesus finishes the quote, saying –
 
“And they should return,And I will heal them.”
 
The future tense is purposeful. Each of these points is dependent on the actions of the people. That it is speaking of the nation and not merely individuals within the nation is to be understood from the plural, they, and then the singular, the heart, noted above.
 
Israel had purposefully closed itself off to God’s salvation as seen in the coming of their Messiah. However, there is a day ahead when this will change. At that time, the Lord promises that they should return and He will heal them. This will be according to His design. Until that point, the words speak of a constant state of dullness in their collective eyes, ears, and heart.
 
Life application: The words of Isaiah, as quoted by Jesus and later Paul, clearly refer to free will in man. In the case of Israel, they are so closely knit as a people that, despite their amazingly diverse political, moral, and religious differences, they are still intimately united as a single body.
 
In this state, their almost universal rejection of Jesus is understandable. It is the crowd mentality that is strengthened through a close-knit family bond. Until this ubiquitous set of blinders is removed, the nation will continue in this state.
 
It is God’s intent and purpose for Israel to be saved. And more, it is clearly prophesied in His word that this will take place. However, they need to be brought to such a calamitous state that they will finally look beyond themselves and their supposed superiority as a people to realize that they are nothing without Jesus.
 
Until that day, be careful to evangelize them, pray for them, and have pity on them. Without Jesus, they are a hopeless, rudderless ship in a sea of overwhelming sin. Only Jesus can rescue them from it.
 
Lord God, we pray for the people of Israel. Your word went to them first, and it was rejected. But You are not through with them. Your covenantal fidelity to fulfill the promises made to them in Your word will be realized. But Your word also tells us of disastrous days ahead for them. So, Lord, we lift them up to You for many to be saved before that day comes. Amen.

Matthew 13:14

Saturday, 20 September 2025
 
And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,And seeing you will see and not perceive;
 Matthew 13:14
 
“And it fulfills upon them, Isaiah’s prophecy, saying,‘News you will hear and no, not you might comprehend,
And seeing, you will see and no, not you might see’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that He spoke to the people in parables because, in seeing, they do not see, and in hearing, they don’t hear or understand. Therefore, Jesus continues, saying, “And it fulfills upon them Isaiah’s prophecy.”
 
A new word, anapléroó, to fully complete, and thus to fulfill, is seen. It is derived from ana, up, and pléroó, to fill up or complete. The prefix intensifies the action. Therefore, the present tense verb completes the action, even though it is as if the work is still in progress. In the Textus Receptus, the word is followed by the preposition ep, upon.
 
The things the disciples did not understand concerning Jesus’ parables were actually prophesied and recorded in their own Scriptures. The source of the prophecy is from the Greek translation of Isaiah 6:9, 10.
 
Isaiah prophesied words that were applicable to the people of Israel. They were fulfilled at his time, but the people at the time of Jesus continued to have the same spiritually dull senses as those Isaiah addressed. Therefore, his words would find their fulfillment again in the coming of Jesus and His ministry. This is highlighted by the inclusion of the word ep, upon. Isaiah’s words were fulfilled upon them.
 
Jesus preached to the people, and yet, they completely missed the point of what He was telling them. This begins to be seen in His next words, where He was “saying, ‘News you will hear and no, not you might comprehend.’”
 
The spiritual senses of the people were dull and seemingly incapable of assimilating what He was trying to convey to them. Some parables included words of judgment, others (such as the parable He just gave concerning the seed) included words that indicated many would reject, misunderstand, or have stolen away His teachings.
 
But they were Israelites! They thought they were ok with God simply because of who they were as people. Therefore, the intended meaning could not be speaking of them! Because of this attitude, the point of what He was conveying seemed to have no discernible application in their lives. Along with the dull ears, Jesus continues with, “and seeing, you will see and no, not you might see.”
 
The people would see things, and yet, there were spiritual truths being conveyed through what He did that would be completely missed by them. For example, Jesus healed the centurion’s servant in Matthew 8. At that time, He exclaimed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”
 
The people saw Jesus’ willingness to heal a Gentile’s servant, they heard His words concerning the faith of the centurion, and yet they failed to process that, by default, they had less faith than a Gentile. The most important point of the entire event passed right through the ears and minds of the people without ever being assimilated and/or understood.
 
Because of these things, Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled upon them.
 
Life application: Most of us have seen or known people who do things that are immoral or illegal, and yet the same people act as if they have done nothing wrong. At the same time, they agree that others doing the very thing they are doing should be punished.
 
For example, at this time, there are several government officials who are under investigation for illegally transmitting national secrets. It is certain they have done this, and they will hopefully be held accountable for it. And yet, these same people accused the sitting president of having done exactly what they had been doing! He was found innocent. They had been projecting their own evil deeds onto others while ignoring or mentally dismissing their own misconduct.
 
The old saying, “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,” is realized in them. They threw charges at an innocent person, while the whole world can now see that they had been doing the exact same thing they accused him of.
 
Now think about people in church. You may know someone who is having an affair. And yet, he sits in church, hears the preacher preach against immorality, and even calls out “Amen” as the words are spoken. There is a complete disconnect between the actions of his life and the acknowledgement, that when done by others, it is wrong.
 
This is the state of Israel, even to this day. The words of Isaiah 6, now being cited by Jesus, are also quoted by Paul as the book of Acts closes out. This tells us that the state was ongoing, even though Jesus said the words of Isaiah were completed upon those He was speaking to. It is as if the words are being completed upon them from moment to moment as history unfolds.
 
Unfortunately, this attitude will continue until there is almost nothing left of them as a people. Only in Jesus’ direct intervention by coming back to stop their enemies will this state finally be ended. Let us evaluate our own lives, looking for areas where we are projecting our own evils upon others while not tending to those evils in our own lives.
 
Lord God, help each of us to remember Your word, applying it to our lives at all times. It is so easy to spot fault in others, but are we willing to do so in ourselves? Help us to do so and to live lives that are honorable in Your presence. Amen.