BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 13:10

Tuesday, 16 September 2025
 
And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”  Matthew 13:10
 
“And the disciples, having come, they said to Him, ‘Through what in parables You speak to them?’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus called out for those who heard His parable to hear. Next, Matthew records, “And the disciples, having come.”
 
Although not a problem, it is unknown exactly when this transpires. It doesn’t say “then,” or “at that time.” Therefore, their question could have come at any time, but Matthew is recording it here for the convenience of understanding.
 
Mark 4:10 says, “But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.” Luke 8 brings this question up in the same manner as Matthew, placing it right after the time Jesus tells His audience to hear.
 
Jesus was in a boat giving this parable. It appears that He continued His discourse and that the question came later. When it came, it was something asked not only by the twelve, but by many of the disciples.
 
Whatever the exact timeline, “they said to Him, ‘Through what in parables You speak to them?’”
 
The disciples’ question is natural. Instead of just plainly telling the people what He was talking about, Jesus’ words are interesting but veiled. Their question is probably as much a petition to have the explanation to the parables provided as it is one asking why He spoke this way.
 
At the time, despite being disciples, they were also a part of the audience. If someone from the crowd came up and asked them to explain the parable, they would have been incapable of doing so. This probably occurred and brought about their question to Jesus. This seems likely based on what it says in Mark 4 –
 
“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
 
Life application: In Matthew 7, Jesus has already been recorded as saying this:
 
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7, 8
 
Jesus may be speaking in parables, and the disciples may not understand why, but He has already told them that in seeking, the answer will be found. How He responds to their question will, therefore, apply to anyone who comes to Him for an answer.
 
To this day, the words of Jesus are open to the Jewish people. They are not secreted away by the Lord where they cannot be saved during this dispensation. But there has to be a motivation to seek the truth. In the recent past, a soldier in Israel shared his story about his father’s conversion.
 
He “came to faith after picking up a flyer about Jesus on the street that was just lying around. Reading it and then going to the Bible and reading the gospel about Jesus. Because of all the stigma, he thought the New Testament was written by Nazis, but when he picked it up, he said ‘I felt like it’s the real deal that continues the Old Testament.’”
 
Imagine that. A gospel tract was thrown away by one person, but another picked it up and was willing to check things out. He was encouraged and challenged enough that he had to know if it was true. The disciples have asked Jesus about the hidden mysteries of God. But nothing is really hidden if one searches for the truth and then opens his heart to what he discovers.
 
Lord God, our time in handing out tracts may seem wasted when we don’t hear about any conversions or breakthroughs in the area where we hand them out, but give us the desire to continue to share the good news this way and in any other way that we can. A plant cannot grow unless the seed is first planted. Amen.

Matthew 13:9

Monday, 15 September 2025
 
He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Matthew 13:9
 
“The ‘having ears to hear,’ he – hear!” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the seed falling on the good earth and the abundance it provides. Having completed the parable, He next says, “The ‘having ears to hear,’ he – hear!”
 
Jesus’ words are the same as Matthew 11:15. It is an admonition to listen, understand, and pay attention, applying His words to their lives. In this case, He has instructed the people concerning soil and seed. What He says has value to the person sowing real seed.
 
This is how things work, and most people listening to Him, who planted the seed, would know this. Some people may never have thought the process through, just helping out on a farm or being young and unaware of how things worked. They could then say, “I heard that Rabbi speaking about sowing seed and I’ll follow His advice.”
 
But Jesus’ intent is not to teach about farming practices. The words were given as a parable, and the people would have known this. The problem is that when He says for them to hear, they may not have understood what He was telling them. In fact, in the giving of this parable as recorded in Luke, it says, “Then His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘What does this parable mean?’” (Luke 8:9).
 
To this day, people differ on the interpretation or intended audience for Jesus’ words. Because this is so, having ears to hear may not be as easy as it seems.
 
Life application: Despite differing interpretations on parables, verses, intended audience for a given passage, etc., there is a proper and intended meaning for everything in Scripture. There are several important points that must be considered for everything that is recorded. The main point above all is considering the context.
 
A simple example of this is the Law of Moses. Who is the intended audience for adhering to the law? The context is stated right in the giving of the law and within the law itself. The law was given to Israel. Really, go check it out. Read Exodus 19 and 20, where the basis for the law was given, meaning the Ten Commandments.
 
After that, Israel is the intended audience throughout the entire time of the law. For example, go read Deuteronomy 5:1 and Jeremiah 2:4, among almost a billion other times that words of law are spoken. Israel alone is always the intended audience. Even Jesus addresses Israel directly, quoting the law, such as in Mark 12:29.
 
No other nation on the planet was given the law. No other nation was required to observe the law. And when Jesus died, it was in fulfillment of the law. Thus, in its fulfillment, it was ended. This is stated explicitly by Jesus Himself. It is also recorded in the epistles numerous times. So why do churches continue to tell people they have to tithe, not eat pork, or to observe the Sabbath?
 
These are points of law. The context tells us who the law was for.
 
To understand the meaning of a parable or who the intended audience is for it may not be readily apparent, but the matter will not be solved and solidified in your mind in a manner that matches Scripture unless you read and rightly apply Scripture.
 
It may be that you have an exceptional preacher or teacher who properly explains these things, but unless you also know the book, you can only assume what he says is correct. In the end, each of us is responsible for his or her doctrine. To place one’s eternal soul in the hands of someone else’s doctrine without verifying what they say is the height of stupidity.
 
If you go to any Jehovah’s Witnesses meetings, they will tell you they trust the doctrine of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. And yet, what they teach is heretical and anathema to God. Imagine that. Over nine million people in the Jehovah’s Witnesses are destined for eternal separation from God because they fail to accept the principle point of Scripture, that Jesus Christ is God.
 
Be discerning. Read the Bible, consider its context, and don’t be led astray by people who have an agenda to control your life by controlling the doctrine of your faith.
 
Lord God, help us in our understanding of Your word. Open our eyes when we read it to find the truth as You present it. Please keep us away from false teachers and unsound teachings. Please lead us to a right understanding of it and to a closer walk with You. Amen.

Matthew 13:8

Sunday, 14 September 2025
 
But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:8
 
“And others, it fell upon the good earth, and it gave fruit. Some, indeed, hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus explained that when seed fell among the thorns, the thorns sprang up and choked them. He next says, “And others, it fell upon the good earth, and it gave fruit.”
 
The Greek includes the definite article, “the good earth.” The implication is that there is, in fact, good earth. When the seed is scattered, some of it is lost to the various places previously identified, but some of it will land in earth that is properly suited for the intended purpose of the sower, which is to produce a harvest.
 
The words assure Jesus’ hearers that God has provided good earth for this to come about. It is up to the one looking to obtain a harvest to select the right field, prepare it accordingly, and then begin sowing.
 
Though there is good soil, effort is required to obtain the harvest. Thus, there is the provision of God and the labor of the sower uniting to gain the benefit of the soil. When these are harmoniously combined, the result is “Some, indeed, hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty.”
 
Each of these numbers is used for the first time: hekaton (100), hexékonta (sixty), and triakonta (thirty). The latter two are formed as decades of the words hex (six) and treis (three).
 
Jesus’ words are a general statement about the various grains that are sown and the quality of the good earth into which it is sown. As such, the numbers should not be pressed when Jesus explains the parable. He is simply providing an example of how things will work when the seed is sown into good soil.
 
To obtain a hundredfold is not something that was considered impossible. Centuries earlier, the record of Isaac’s life says –
 
“Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. 13 The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; 14 for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him.” Genesis 26:12-14
 
Life application: Normally, one will get out of his efforts what he puts into them. This isn’t always true because there can be catastrophes that sweep away one’s efforts. For example, someone may plant papayas around his property. Those plants that are in good soil, have proper sunlight, and have abundant water will produce fruit.
 
Others that are out of the sun may not be productive. And because papayas need sufficient water, others may have the buds fall off or produce really deficient fruit if not kept properly watered. This is to be expected when someone tries various spots on his property for planting them.
 
The ones that meet all the right conditions may produce a large harvest. However, just as the harvest is almost ready (I mean, within days), a hurricane (we’ll call it Hurricane Helene) comes through the area and floods the property with saltwater from the nearby gulf. That fruit will be ruined because of the saltwater. The plant is likely to be blown over by the wind, too.
 
Such things can happen, and one has to ask himself whether it is worth the risk of planting fruit trees at all. For certain, there will be no fruit if one doesn’t try. In other words, life is a risk. It takes getting up and working in order to produce a harvest.
 
Fruit trees abound in the world, but when they are in uncleared areas, they generally are not as productive as they will be when land is cleared, prepared, and the trees are planted in optimum conditions. Sometimes, several years of experimenting may take place before any results are realized.
 
Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” Eventually, he made a lightbulb that works and lasts. How willing are you to make the effort to learn biblical languages, learn to share the gospel, or excel at playing music (which includes playing at church on Sunday morning)?
 
We will never have results if we don’t get to work. God has given us the time, place, and ability to make things happen. So get up, pray about what you intend to do, asking God to bless your efforts, and then get to work.
 
If a hurricane (this time we’ll call it Milton) comes through and destroys your efforts, you have more choices to make. Pray that God will lead you in the right decisions to continue to glorify Him.
 
Lord God, may our actions and words be directed first and foremost to Your glory. Only when that is the case, may we then produce the right results that will cause our efforts to multiply. Keep us from thoughts of abundance without effort unless the glory is directed to You. Whether we reap a harvest with a lot of effort or without it, may we acknowledge You as the reason it came about. Amen.

Matthew 13:7

Saturday, 13 September 2025
 
And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. Matthew 13:7
 
“And others, it fell upon the thorns, and they ascended, the thorns, and they choked them” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus described how the seed that fell on the rock-like areas scorched and withered. He now turns to another category, saying, “And others, it fell upon the thorns.”
 
Thorns in Israel are about as bad as they get. They are everywhere, and they come in a seemingly unlimited number of torturous varieties. When God cursed the earth and said that it would produce thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:18), it seems He was specifically highlighting this promised curse in the land of Israel.
 
Everyone listening would understand His words. The sower is out spreading seed. As he does, some of it falls on the uncleared area where thorns had not been fully removed through burning or tilling. They may not be evident if the tops were burned off, but the roots remained because they weren’t in the main part of the field that was fully tilled and cleared.
 
Leaving thorns around a field can have a positive purpose, such as keeping out unwanted creatures, but once the seed falls into such an area, there is no going back and picking it out. It is there for the duration. Once cast there, Jesus says, “and they ascended, the thorns, and they choked them.”
 
Like dominant plants in any area, those that are hardiest will overcome those that are not. Thorns don’t need much water to thrive. They get started early, and when the rains come, they are already prepared to speedily grow beyond whatever else is in the soil. As such, the grain cannot compete against the thorns, and they become choked out, never reaching maturity. Vincent’s Word Studies notes the words of Ovid that closely match Jesus’ words of these past verses –
 
"Now the too ardent sun, vow furious showers,With baleful stars and bitter winds combineThe crop to ravage; while the greedy fowlSnatch the strewn seeds; and grass with stubborn roots,And thorn and darnel plague the ripening grain."Metamorphoses
 
Life application: If you go to Israel on a vacation, business trip, tour, or whatever, be sure to have long pants and appropriate shoes if you plan on going for walks in the fields or mountains.
 
There are thornbushes, thistles, scratchy weeds, etc., all over the place. One can have a jillion lacerations after a short walk through an area that was not cleared. Many of these look innocuous until you step into them. Once you do, it is painful just trying to back out.
 
This is true throughout the world. The curse that was pronounced at the beginning has continued to be proven true throughout human history. In Israel, a land that is still being reclaimed after two thousand years of inactivity due to the curses of the law being brought to bear against the people for rejecting Jesus, every hill that remains unoccupied bears a reminder of the curse.
 
Slowly, Israel is subduing these areas and rebuilding towns and villages in the wilderness. Where they haven’t, the walk may appear beautiful and an exciting challenge when viewed from a distance, but once you get into the area, you may find yourself wishing you had gone to Tahiti or even to North Korea... anywhere but the painful hill you are walking on.
 
So be careful if you go. If you remember to avoid such pitfalls, you should probably have a great adventure as you enjoy the land where Jesus walked.
 
Lord God, it will be really great when we are given a new place to set our feet, one without thorns, thistles, poison ivy, and harmful critters. Violating one law brought about all of this and so much more. But we know that through the grace of Jesus Christ, what we willnow experience will be more wonderful than we can imagine. Thank You for this sure hope we possess. Amen.
 

Matthew 13:6

Friday, 12 September 2025
 
But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. Matthew 13:6
 
“And sun, having risen, it scorched, and through not having root, it desiccated” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the seed that fell on the rock-like area. When it did, it sprang up quickly. However, He now says, “And sun, having risen, it scorched.”
 
A new word, kaumatizó, to burn or scorch, is seen. It is derived from the noun kauma, a burn. That, in turn, is derived from kaió, to set on fire or to light, as in lighting a lamp. In the case of the seed, it doesn’t catch on fire, but rather heats, scorching it. With this occurring, Jesus next says, “and through not having root, it desiccated.”
 
Another new word, xérainó, to desiccate, is seen. It is derived from the adjective xéros, dry or withered. The seed has no root in the ground to protect itself. Instead, the root lay exposed along with the shoot. Once the dew or whatever other water is absorbed, there is no source left to continue to keep the shoot fresh, and the entire seed desiccates and withers away.
 
Life application: Even before reading Jesus’ explanation of this seed, we can contemplate what this would be like if it were a human instead of a seed.
 
If a person goes into the desert with only a certain amount of water, he will need to get more or he will also wither and die. If there are stores along the way, they can be likened to water supplies for keeping him alive. If not, there may be cactus that can be used to hydrate with.
 
Knowing where water sources can be found is essential in such a place. It is why desert dwellers can survive. The aborigines in Australia are able to live in the harshest conditions imaginable because they understand the layout of the land, accessing the minuscule water sources to stay alive.
 
Spiritually, things are no different. The word is equated to water in Ephesians 5:26, where Paul speaks of the washing of water by the word. It is the source of becoming connected to God. Suppose a person hears the gospel, believes, and is saved. At that moment, he is sealed with the Holy Spirit as stated in Ephesians 1:13, 14.
 
However, that is a note of eternal salvation more than anything. It is not a note of remaining close to God during our earthly walk. In other words, the sealing of the Spirit regenerates us into a state of eternal life. We will never lack this again. However, without the word after salvation, our spiritual walk in this life will dry up.
 
We cannot progress in our understanding of God without knowing Him as He has revealed Himself in His word. And so, without reading and applying the word to our lives, we will, like a seed without water, dry up in our spiritual lives. Peter speaks of this type of thing in 2 Peter 1:2-9.
 
A person who doesn’t pursue the things the Bible lays out, even if saved, will eventually forget that he was saved at all. God doesn’t, thankfully, but our lives in Christ while here in this life will be desiccated and lacking any cognitive connection to God without staying connected to Him and growing more like Him as we emulate who He is as described in His word.
 
Obviously, some people cannot read, and so this continued growth can come through church attendance, Bible lessons, etc. But these things need to be in accord with the word. Be sure to stay close to the word. It will tell you of the wonderful workings of God, how to live in a manner pleasing to Him, etc.
 
It’s important! Be sure to drink in the word each day.
 
O God, help us to renew ourselves daily as we engage with Your word. May we not neglect this. We heard the gospel and were saved. But we must remind ourselves of this as well. Give us the desire to grow in You and to be closer to You. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Matthew 13:5

Thursday, 11 September 2025
 
Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. Matthew 13:5
 
“And others, it fell upon the rock-like, where it had not much earth, and immediately it out-rose through not having soil depth” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus continued His parable concerning the sower and his seed, noting that some seed fell on the road, explaining that the birds came and devoured them. He next tells of what happens to some of the other seed, saying, “And others, it fell upon the rock-like, where it had not much earth.”
 
A new adjective, petródés, is introduced. It is derived from petra, a rock or mass of rocks, and eidos, a view as in a form, appearance, shape, etc. As such, it is a place appearing rocky. In this case, it would be a rocky area, but not everything rock-like is actually rocky, such as a wall painted like rocks.
 
In this case, it may be an area where stones that have been tilled up are tossed, heaping up in a pile. It also might be an outcropping of rocks that abuts the tillable land. Whatever the situation, the sower, while tossing out his seed, inadvertently has some land on this rocky area. When he does, Jesus next says, “and immediately it out-rose.”
 
A second new word, exanatelló, is used. It is derived from ek, out or from, and anatelló, to rise or spring up. The seed feels the warmth of the sun, and the rock may have had dew settle on it, spurring the seed to germinate and begin to rise. There is a problem with this, though. Jesus notes what it is, saying, “through not having soil depth.”
 
A third new word, bathos, deep or a depth, is introduced. Some etymologists place this word as the origin of our modern word bath. Others say that it is derived from a Germanic word. Either way, the seed has no soil to cover it. Jesus will explain the result of those seeds’ germination in the coming verse.
 
Life application: The parable of the sower is given based on something almost every person there would fully understand. The society was mostly agrarian. There are those who had other professions, but even those people would be at least familiar with what happened when a seed landed on a rocky spot.
 
In other words, Jesus is dealing with the people in a manner they would be able to comprehend if they thought the matter through. They may not understand the spiritual application He intended, but at least they would know what was being conveyed concerning seeds.
 
His speech was plain and directed to them without a lot of nonessential extras. This is just how we should speak to people about the gospel. God has made it extremely simple to understand. So much so is this the case that little children can hear it and be saved. People who are mentally challenged can comprehend it and call on Christ.
 
And more, it is universal in its ability to convert. It is not limited to some cultures, a “western” mindset, skin color, age, education level, or any other dividing factor. God is perfect and holy, and man is fallen and separate from God because of sin. In this state, he is condemned.
 
However, God sent Jesus to live the perfect life that we cannot. He was crucified for our sins according to Scripture. He was buried. He rose again on the third day according to Scripture. This is the gospel, the good news, that saves a person when he believes. Nothing else is needed, and its effects are eternal.
 
Tell this message to a little child who just got caught stealing a cookie, and he will get it. Tell it to a prostitute who wants to be freed from the life she is living, and she will get it. Tell it to a doctor or a scientist, and he will understand the meaning.
 
The message will be understood. The issue isn’t whether a person will hear and understand. It is whether a person will hear and believe. All God wants for His gospel to effect salvation is for the hearer to accept the premise, admit that they have sinned, and believe that God has accomplished what is necessary to bring about restoration.
 
How simple the message is, and yet how difficult it is for some to believe. And more, people may hear the message and reject it today, but hear it again tomorrow and believe. So keep on giving the simple message of salvation to those who need to hear it.
 
Glorious God Almighty, with all the wisdom You possess and with all the knowledge in the universe held by You, when it comes to saving humanity, You made the message so simple. There is no need to search high or low, or north or south. Rather, it is right with us when it is spoken in our ears. May we be responsible enough to share it with those who so desperately need You. Amen.
 

Matthew 13:4

Wednesday, 10 September 2025
 
And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Matthew 13:4
 
“And in his sowing, some, indeed, it fell near the road, and it came, the birds, and it devoured them” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus began His first parable concerning sowing seed while sitting in the boat. Continuing that parable now, He says, “And in his sowing, some, indeed, it fell near the road.”
 
The word hodos signifies a road of any kind. It can be a highway, a traveling route, a path, etc. It is also used to signify one’s journey at times, with the road being stated as the trip itself. It is also used to speak of a person’s conduct. We do the same thing when we say something like, “This is not a good path you are on.”
 
In this case, it refers to either a main road which passes through fields to the right and left, or it could refer to foot paths that are between fields on the sides of a main road, providing access to the various fields in a district.
 
Either way, as the farmer goes out, he reaches into his bag, pulls out a handful of seed, and casts it towards the furrows that were plowed for the next planting. Without a precise aim for each kernel, some of them will miss their intended target.
 
Of the grain that misses, some of it will fall near the road or path. Because it is in the open, Jesus continues, saying, “and it came, the birds, and it devoured them.”
 
Some texts amend the first verb to a plural reading. Unless both verbs are plural, that change makes no sense. Rather, the singular verbs mixed with the plural “birds” is probably referring to a flock, speaking both of the individuals and them collectively.
 
Regardless of this, the point is that the seed lay exposed on a flat, trodden area. It was clearly visible to the birds as they passed by and easy to pick up and devour. This word, katesthió, to devour, is new. The word kata intensifies esthíō, to eat. As such, the birds hungrily devour the seed, it being easy prey.
 
As Jesus will explain this parable to the disciples, an analysis of His explanation will come at that time.
 
Life application: Without getting to Jesus’ explanation, we can still think about what may be presented there from a general standpoint. What is it about separation in an open area that makes things an easy target?
 
One of them is that there is little effort needed to identify or lay hold of something like that. If you have a mob of people beating someone up, there is so much commotion that the eyes won’t focus on any single person. But if one of the people smacking the poor fellow gets tired and takes a break to watch others beat him up, he may step outside of the crowd.
 
With his hands all bloodied from the pounding, he obviously participated in the pummeling. And yet, he is now in an open and exposed place, standing motionless. The girlfriend of the guy getting wailed on has a chance to look at him, remember what he looks like, and file that away for later identification.
 
This simple example extends to anything that is alone, motionless, and exposed. A shovel full of dirt may have diamonds in it, but they are not exposed. That same shovel full of dirt might be put into an agitator to help separate the contents, but as long as it remains in motion, only glimpses of any diamonds will be seen. When the diamonds pass into a trough carrying only diamonds, a single diamond will not be discernible from the others.
 
All three of these traits need to be available for a diamond to be easily identifiable. Once it is alone, not in motion, and exposed, the quality of the diamond will be easier to determine. This is why filling a job requires checking out each candidate individually.
 
Think about Jesus’ approach to identifying the state of the seed He describes in this example. If you are alone, idle, and exposed, you are an easy target for a foe. Think of fish balls in the ocean. They cluster when a predatory fish is around, swirling as one in a ball. The same is true with swallows in the air, forming what is known as a murmuration. Be sure to check fish balls and murmurations out on YouTube. They are amazing to see.
 
But why do they do this? It is because the predators are far less likely to catch prey in such a commotion. Now, think about how you can protect yourself in a spiritual manner based on this simple principle.
 
“Two are better than one,Because they have a good reward for their labor.10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.But woe to him who is alone when he falls,For he has no one to help him up.11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;But how can one be warm alone?12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
 
Glorious God, give us wisdom to keep safe from the enemy that is working against us. Help us to be on the lookout, prepared for his attacks, and capable of overcoming them when he does. Your word tells us how to do these things. So give us the wisdom to pick it up and read it. Amen.

Matthew 13:3

Tuesday, 9 September 2025
 
Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. Matthew 13:3
 
“And He spoke to them, many in parables, saying, ‘You behold! He went out, ‘the sowing’ to sow’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus got into a boat and sat while the multitudes stood on the shore. Next, Matthew records, “And He spoke to them, many in parables.”
 
There is a new word in Scripture, parabole, a parable. It is derived from para, near, and ballo, to cast. Thus, it signifies to throw alongside. Therefore, it signifies to liken or compare. Using a parable, then, is to state something in a way that is comparable to something else.
 
Of parables, HELPS Word Studies says they are “a teaching aid cast alongside the truth being taught. This casts additional light by using an arresting or familiar analogy, (which is often fictitious or metaphorical, but not necessarily).” The Topical Lexicon says –
 
“Fifty times in the Greek New Testament, the word clusters around the ministry of Jesus Christ and appears twice in Hebrews. A parable is more than an illustrative story; it is a spiritual gem embedded in earthy language, inviting faith‐filled listeners to dig for meaning while veiling truth from the hard-hearted.”
 
As can be seen, the importance of this literary device is not to be underestimated. Jesus will convey truths through these simple but also deep teachings to inform God’s people. They are words to guide them in understanding the workings of God in redemptive history. Understanding this, He begins His first parable of Matthew, “saying, ‘You behold! He went out, ‘the sowing’ to sow.’”
 
In the Greek, the locative verb (he went out) is first, laying stress on the act. After that, the one who went out is then described as “the sowing.” The meaning is, a person who is set to sow in the fields. The implication is that the ground has been cleared and plowed. Thus, it is ready to receive the seed that will become the next crop.
 
Life application:  Jesus’ parables are given to make a comparison between two separate things that have a common application. Those separate things are the natural world in which life takes place for humanity, or at least is understood by humanity, and the spiritual realm in which God’s workings take place.
 
This spiritual realm can be worked out in various ways, such as human reaction to something that occurs, angels working behind the scenes to accomplish tasks, Jesus the Messiah fulfilling His ministry or guiding the effects of His ministry, the working of the Spirit of God, etc.
 
The fact that a parable is used to describe spiritual things by using common earthly/human events shows that the two concepts are not disparate at all. Rather, when a topic is chosen, such as a sower sowing seed, there will be something in the spiritual realm that somehow mirrors what is going on there.
 
With only a few words of the parable revealed so far, we can consider what it means for a sower to sow. As noted, there is a person going out from one place to another. At the time of Jesus’ incarnation, He did just that. A sower will sow when the ground is prepared for receiving grain. The time of the law, the word of the prophets, the span of Israel’s existence, and so forth, all were used to prepare the people for His coming.
 
A sower will obviously have seed to sow. There is a spiritual dynamic of sowing that will take place, intended to bring about a result. Seed, zera in Hebrew, is that which is used to bear more fruit like the one it came from. The word is from zara, to sow (with the implication of producing), exactly what the sower is there to do.
 
A sower’s seed will be in a bag. The seed will have been kept safely away from things that could harm it until it is ready to be sown. At the time of Jesus, a sower scattered his seed by hand, the symbol of authority and power. The seed will be cast by the action of the arm. The arm, zeroa, speaks of power and exertion but also of effective reach.
 
Notice the intimate connection between the three words. The basic verb zara (to sow) leads to the nouns zera, seed, and zeroa, arm (for scattering seed). Jesus is beginning His first parable with a thought that goes back to the first page of Scripture, where seed is noted several times, beginning with these words –
 
“Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields (zara) seed (zera), and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed (zera) is in itself, on the earth’; and it was so.” Genesis 1:11
 
The next time seed is mentioned after Genesis 1 is in Genesis 3 –
 
“So the Lord God said to the serpent:‘Because you have done this,You are cursed more than all cattle,And more than every beast of the field;On your belly you shall go,And you shall eat dustAll the days of your life.15 And I will put enmityBetween you and the woman,And between your seed (zera) and her Seed (zera);He shall bruise your head,And you shall bruise His heel.’” Genesis 3:14, 15
 
As all seed reproduces after its own kind, what will this Seed of the woman be? There is a physical reality being spoken of to reveal corresponding spiritual truths. Pay attention to what Jesus is saying in His parables. Think about what Scripture says about things as you open the word each day. God is telling us a story of what He is doing in a world that He created for us to understand Him and His ways, and all of it is centered on what He is doing through Jesus Christ.
 
Lord God, give us wisdom and understanding in Your word. May our pursuit of it bear much fruit in our lives as we seek out the details of this wonderful story of redemption and restoration. Thank You for Your word that tells us of Jesus, and thank You for Jesus, our great Lord and Savior. Amen.

Matthew 13:2

Monday, 8 September 2025
 
And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Matthew 13:2
 
“And they gathered to Him, great crowds, so too He, having in-stepped into the boat, sat. And all the crowd, they had stood on the beach” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Chapter 13 began with Jesus going out of the house He was in and sitting by the sea. Next, Matthew records, “And they gathered to Him, great crowds.”
 
The miracles and teachings of Jesus were of great interest to the people. Therefore, anytime He was in an open area, people would naturally flock to Him. In this case, such great crowds began to surround Him that Matthew next records, “so too He, having in-stepped into the boat, sat.”
 
Some texts omit the definite article, saying “a boat.” Either way, there was a boat available at the particular location, and so He got in and sat down. This would allow more people to hear and see Him without overcrowding.
 
Although the exact spot is unknown, there are places along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee where the land makes a U-shaped formation. In such an area, the number of people who could see and hear Him would increase even more. They could almost encircle Him and listen. Whether this was the case or not at this time, the nature of the shore itself can be determined from the next words, which say, “And all the crowd, they had stood on the beach.”
 
Here is a new word, aigialos, a beach. It is derived from aisso, to rush, and hals, salt. Although the Sea of Galilee is not a saltwater sea, the idea is that the beach is like one found on a salty sea, where the waters rush upon it. This is likely a beach with sand or small pebbles.
 
In the immediate area, there are shores with large stones, smaller stones, pebbles, and sand. Some are mixed with large stones leading up to the beach and then small slivers of beach that meet the sea, or vice versa. Doing an image search or watching videos about the area, such as the one at this link, will give a sense of what the shoreline looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifTro5uRaT8
 
Life application: When you gather at church, what is your intent for doing so? The people of Israel surely had various ideas for going out to hear Jesus. Some were probably interested in seeing a miracle. Some may have wanted to hear the wisdom that overflowed from His teachings. There may have been some checking to see if He crossed every t and dotted every i in relation to the law.
 
Other people may have simply wanted to be close to the increasingly famous Teacher, making that a point of boasting when they talked to their friends, “Oh my, I got to sit in the front row, just feet away from Him!”
 
Today, people go to churches for such varied reasons as well. If you go each week to see a miracle, healing, or people speaking tongues, that will explain what you think the purpose of church is. If you are going to sit near a famous pastor, that will explain something about you.
 
Maybe you go because you want to challenge everything you hear, thus showing how much more you know about the sermon subject than the pastor. Each person’s reason for going to a church will be a little bit different because we are all individuals with our own wants, desires, and thoughts about religion.
 
Consider yourself and what motivates you. Next, consider what you think God would want you to focus on. Does what you want match what you think God would want for you? A few points are certain. God wants to be recognized for who He is, meaning His being, such as what He is like, what His attributes are, and why He has done things the way He has done them.
 
When we ask people about such things, they are happy to respond because you are showing an interest in them. God wants you to be interested in Him. God also wants you to know His word. It is the word of God that most poignantly reveals Him to us. It is a testament that details creation, spans human history, explains why things are the way they are, and so forth.
 
God also wants you to see Jesus. His word tells us this explicitly, such as in Hebrews 12:2. However, according to Jesus, it does so in other ways as well. He said this a couple of times in John 5. In reading the Bible, we can find Jesus typologically, pictorially, and in other ways.
 
So, when you go to church, you should be pursuing these avenues of knowing God. If the church you attend is not doing this, your time in church is misdirected. Be sure to compare if what you do in your pursuit of Christianity is actually based on what Christianity is about.
 
Read the word, know what it says, and be willing to continue to learn more as you attend a church that explores the many facets of God and His interaction with His creation, especially in relation to Jesus Christ.
 
Lord God, may our priorities be aligned with Yours more and more each day. Help us to focus on You, and on Your word. May we make a concerted effort to have a closer and more personal relationship with You at all times. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
 

Matthew 13:31

Tuesday, 7 October 2025
 
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, Matthew 13:31
 
“Another parable He presented them, saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens, it is like a mustard kernel, which a man, having taken, he sowed in his field’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus completed the parable of the sower. Without any intervening thoughts, it says, “Another parable He presented them.”
 
Whether this was actually stated one parable after another, or if this one is just placed here by Matthew categorically may be debated, but either way, the information is presented to continue to illuminate Jesus’ instruction through this teaching method. Understanding this, He was “saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens, it is like a mustard kernel.’”
 
Two new words are introduced. The first is kokkos, a kernel of seed or simply a grain. As a different word is used for seed, that is not a great choice for translation, although some versions use it. The second word is sinapi, mustard. Strong’s said the word may be derived from sinomai, to hurt. Thus, it would explain the biting flavor of the herb.
 
Those listening would know immediately what Jesus was referring to. Being an agrarian society, the people would understand the various seeds that were available. Further, Mom would have them all around the house for use in the kitchen. In this case, the reason for using the mustard seed in His example will be seen in the next verse, but the people would know it already.
 
Therefore, His words are not an explanation of the seed. Rather, they will be used as a comparison. As such, it isn’t cheating to explain that the mustard seed was the smallest seed used by farmers in the land at the time. Of this eensy weensy seed, Jesus next says, “which a man, having taken, he sowed in his field.”
 
Mustard seeds grow into mustard plants. These bear more mustard seeds (see Genesis 1:11). Mustard seeds have many uses. They can be kept whole or ground up when used in cooking. They are prized for their nutty, spicy flavor, which is used in dishes such as curries, pickled treats, dressings, marinades, etc.
 
They are also used in condiments. Beyond these culinary-type applications, they are considered to have health benefits. They can also be used to make mustard oil. These and a host of other uses explain why farmers would have mustard plants in their gardens. Jesus will make His comparison as He continues.
 
Life application: In Mark 4, the same parable says the following (as translated by the NKJV, et al.) –
 
“Then He said, ‘To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth.”
 
This seems to be an error on Jesus’ part. The mustard seed is not the smallest seed on earth. How will you take that newly presented information? If Jesus is God incarnate, wouldn’t He know this? Will you now close your Bible and give up on your faith?
 
A few points should clear this up. The first is that despite other seeds being smaller, such as types of orchids, man doesn’t sow them into the ground for food, which is what Jesus just implied in His words. There may be seeds that are smaller that are sown (point 1) for food (point 2), though. What if there are?
 
The word translated as earth in Mark 4 is gé. It does not necessarily mean “the inhabited globe known as Earth.” Rather, it is just as often, or even more commonly, translated as soil (Matthew 13:8), ground (Matthew 10:29), or land (Matthew 10:15), etc. In other words, there is a context to what is being said. When speaking of the coming Messiah in Matthew 4, the word is used when referring to the land (gé) of Zebulun and the land (gé) of Naphtali.
 
Jesus is sitting in Israel talking to people who live in an agrarian-based economy. When He tells them this is the smallest seed used for sowing in a plot of land in Israel for gardening, He is telling them both the truth and something of which they were perfectly aware.
 
He was not concerned about orchid seeds in the Amazon jungle, nor were His listeners. There must be a context to every statement made by Jesus, or a challenge against His words is simply given to form a pretext.
 
If you are presented with a difficulty in what is said in the word, don’t close your Bible, curse God for having fooled you into believing He exists when He doesn’t (which is kind of ridiculous, because if you are cursing God who doesn’t exist, you are wasting your breath!), and then spend the rest of your life mocking Christians for being so blind.
 
Rather, check out what you have been told, consider the information from the context presented, and understand why Jesus says what He says. When you do, you will find that His detractors are the inane ones. Your faith is well placed. Your hope is in a real Savior who came from the true God who created all things.
 
Jesus Christ is not wrong in His words about the mustard seed. His detractors are the ones who will stand before Him in judgment someday. Hold fast to your faith.
 
Glorious God Almighty, thank You for the wisdom of Your word. It is a marvelous place for us to find the truth, to rightly direct our hope, and to find the love that extends from You for Your creatures. Thank You above all that in it, we find Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Matthew 13:1

Sunday, 7 September 2025
 
On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. Matthew 13:1
 
“And in that day, Jesus, having departed from the house, He sat by the sea” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Chapter 12 finished with Jesus saying that whoever does the will of His Father in heaven is His brother and sister and mother. Chapter 13 now begins with, “And in that day.”
 
Such words as this will have various meanings based on the context. For example, the Lord may say, “In that day, I will rescue Israel.” Or we may read of the “Day of the Lord.” Such days actually reflect past or future events or extended periods of time. The same terminology is used in English as well.
 
However, there is no need to assume anything other than a literal rendering of the word here. Therefore, it is either referring to the previous verses or to something coming in the verses ahead. The most obvious and likely meaning is the day on which He had already been speaking. That this is likely is seen in the next words, where it says, “Jesus, having departed from the house.”
 
Jesus was specifically noted as being inside based on the words of Matthew 12:46 –
 
“While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him.”
 
Noting His mother and brothers were outside means that He was inside. Now, having departed from that house, it next says, “He sat by the sea.”
 
This is the Sea of Galilee. The narrative is preparing to enter into more words from Jesus by introducing the location and circumstances.
 
Life application: Because Jesus was in a house, only a certain number of people could hear His words. That is clearly evidenced by the fact that His mother and brothers wanted to speak with Him. He was engaging the scribes and Pharisees in one setting. Even though His words are recorded now for all to know what went on in the house, at the time, what He said was not heard by the people.
 
However, Jesus’ heading out and sitting by the sea is a purposeful decision to allow His coming words to be heard and considered by many more people. As you read the gospels, think about what is going on in the surrounding context.
 
Jesus walks in various locations at various times. If the name of the location is given, it is certain that particular information is being provided to understand a greater picture. It is as if His very movements are forming a picture for us to consider.
 
Likewise, when He says something, it is quite possible that His words are fulfilling other pictures from the Old Testament Scriptures. For example, Jesus said, “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:33).
 
In that sentence, Jesus equates Himself to the manna given to Israel in the wilderness. That is explained more fully in the surrounding words. But Jesus also noted that He comes down from heaven. In Hebrew, the word yarad, to descend, is used. It is where the name Jordan, or in Hebrew yarden, is derived.
 
In studying the uses of yarden in the Old Testament, amazing pictures of Christ, the Descender, will be seen. The very topography of the land of Israel is noted in Scripture to tell us greater stories of Jesus, His work, and how it applies to His people.
 
But typology can be manipulated. It is easy to “make anything say anything” and claim that is what the Bible is saying. So be careful as you read the word and make conclusions about things you read. Also, be careful about how people present typology.
 
Something may sound right, but be completely wrong. There must be a reasonable connection to what is being said, and the typological representations must be consistently used. If they are properly searched out and presented, truly amazing stories of God’s redemptive plans will shine through.
 
Consider what God is telling you, both on the surface and how it points to Jesus. This is what Jesus told us would be the case as we read this precious word –
 
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39
 
Lord God, what an intricate and amazing word You have given us. There are many levels of information being conveyed to us all at the same time. Your word is a marvel and a delight for our minds to consider, wonder at, and rejoice in. Thank You for this precious word. Amen.
 

Matthew 12:50

Saturday, 6 September 2025
 
For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:50
 
“For whoever, if he should do the determination of My Father, the ‘in heavens,’ he – he is – My brother and sister and mother” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus extended His hand toward the disciples and exclaimed, “Here are My mother and My brothers!” In order to explain that, He next says, “For whoever, if he should do the determination of My Father, the ‘in heavens.’”
 
Jesus sets the parameters for whom He is referring from the previous verse, explaining what He meant. But what is the “determination of My Father” that He is referring to? The answer to the thought is found in John 6 –
 
“Then they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?’29 Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.’” John 6:26
 
This explains what Jesus is referring to. Jesus is not (by a long shot) telling His hearers that they must observe the Law of Moses. That is what Jesus came to fulfill. He is not telling us that He is kin to the stock of Israel and that we must bless them to receive a blessing, even if His literal descent is from Israel. He does not say that those who have big churches full of wealthy congregants are His family.
 
The famous, beautiful, athletic, politically connected, royalty, etc., are excluded without believing in Jesus. Cutting out all categories of people, Jesus identifies those whom He is referring to as those doing “the ‘determination of’” His Father. To exactingly identify them, He next closes out Matthew 12, emphatically saying, “he – he is – My brother and sister and mother.”
 
Genealogy is excluded. This is why Paul says – 
 
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29
 
Paul further says –
 
“Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:20, 21
 
It is true that at the time of Jesus’ ministry, those of Israel who were under the law were expected to observe the law. Nobody should dispute that. But Jesus’ words in John 6, as explained by Paul and the other apostles in the epistles, tell us that we are to have faith in the works of the Son. His works include sinless perfection in His life before the law, His death in fulfillment of it, and His resurrection, which proved that it was so. Belief in this is what God expects of His people. This is the good news of Jesus Christ.
 
Life application: To cut out much of the theological error that rushes your way from the pulpit, computer, TV screen, etc., remember what God is doing in the world as explained in Scripture. God has a plan of redemption set forth to restore humanity to Himself.
 
That plan of redemption is based on the work of His Son, Jesus Christ. This plan, centered on His Son, is often co-opted by those who want to control others in various ways. At the time of the early church, it was Judaizers coming in and trusting in the flesh, boasting over those they circumcised.
 
As the church developed, various cults and sects have arisen to pull people away from the gospel. Eventually, the church became such a large and powerful entity that it exalted itself and its doctrines above the simple gospel. Because of this, the reformation occurred.
 
In America, a nation that allows freedom of religion, people took advantage of others by proclaiming aberrant ideas through a manipulation of Scripture. Sometimes, there is the exalting of a particular version of Scripture, not Jesus, who is the focus of that Scripture, as a supposed necessary condition for salvation.
 
Today, unconditionally supporting Israel, a nation that has rejected Jesus at this point, is said to be a necessary condition for receiving God’s blessing. In fact, this false teaching is explicitly taught by many supposed Jesus-centered ministries. It is Jesus, not a person, Bible version, nation, or denomination, who brings salvation.
 
When should believers support a church? The answer is when that church proclaims the gospel. When should believers exalt a people group or nation? The answer is when that nation exalts Jesus Christ. Israel, as a nation, has not yet done this. But unlike other nations, they are explicitly prophesied as someday doing so. For this reason, prayers for them should be raised to God that His will be done in this rebellious group of people.
 
At the same time, we should be willing to evangelize and pray for all people, telling them about the saving message of Jesus Christ. This alone will bring people to a right relationship with God.
 
“So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” Acts 15:8-11
 
Lord God, thank You for the simple gospel of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Help us to have our priorities right, clearly thinking through what it means to be in a right standing before You. Your word tells us what it is! It is through faith in Him and what He has done. Yes, thank You for this simple gospel. Amen.
Matthew 12
 
12 In that time, Jesus, He went – the Sabbaths – through the grainfields, and His disciples, they hungered, and they began to pluck kernels and eat. 2 And the Pharisees, having seen, they said to Him, “You behold! Your disciples, they do what it permits not to do in Sabbath.” 3 And He said to them, “Not you read what he did, David, when he hungered, he and those with him? 4 How he entered into the house of God and the bread ‘the before-setting’ they ate, which not it is being permitted him to eat, nor those with him, if not the priests only? 5 Or not you read in the law that, the Sabbaths, the priests in the temple the Sabbath profane, and they are guiltless? 6 And I say to you that the temple – greater, it is here. 7 And if you had known what it is, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ not you condemned the guiltless. 8 For Lord, He is – even of the Sabbath – the Son of Man.”
 
9 And having departed thence, He went into their synagogue. 10 And, you behold! Man, he is, having a withered hand. And they queried Him, saying, ‘If it permits, the Sabbaths, to cure?’ That they should accuse Him.
 
11 And He said to them, “What man, he will be from you, who he will have one sheep, and if this, it should fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, not he will seize it and he will raise it? 12 Therefore, how much man – he excels a sheep! So too, it permits – the Sabbaths – to do good.” 13 Then He says to the man, ‘You outstretch your hand.’ And he outstretched it, and it reconstituted, healthy as the other. 14 And the Pharisees, they took counsel against Him, having gone out, how they might kill Him.
 
15 And Jesus, having known, He withdrew thence. And they followed Him, great crowds. And He cured them all. 16 And He admonished them that not they should make Him apparent. 17 That it should be fulfilled, the ‘having been spoken’ through Isaiah the prophet, saying:
 
18 “You behold! My Servant whom I chose,
My beloved in whom it approved, My soul,
I will place My Spirit upon Him,
And judgment to the Gentiles, He will proclaim.
19 Not He will wrangle, nor He will clamor,
Nor anyone – he will hear in the streets His voice.
20 A reed, being battered, not He will break,
And flax being smoldered, not He will extinguish,
Until if He ejects judgment into victory.
21 And in His name, Gentiles, they will hope.”
 
22 Then he was brought to Him ‘being demon possessed,’ blind and mute, and He cured him, so the blind and mute speak and see. 23 And they were astounded, all the crowds. And they said, “Not any, this, He is the Son of David?”
 
24 And the Pharisees, having heard, they said, “This, not He ejects the demons if not in Beelzebul, prince of the demons.” 25 And Jesus, having known their thoughts, He said to them, “Every kingdom, having divided against itself, it desolates, and every city or house having divided against itself, not it will stand. 26 And if the Satan, he ejects the Satan, he divided upon himself. How then, it will stand, his kingdom? 27 And if I, I eject demons in Beelzebul, your sons – in whom do they eject? Through this they, they will be your judges. 28 And if in God’s Spirit I, I eject the demons, then it preceded upon you, the ‘God’s kingdom.’ 29 Or how, any, he can enter into the house of the strong and his goods through-seize, if not first he should bind the strong? And then, his house he will through-seize. 30 The ‘not being with Me,’ he is against me. And the ‘not gathering with Me,’ he scatters.
 
31 Through this, I say to you, every sin and blasphemy, it will be forgiven men, but the ‘Spirit blasphemy’ not it will be forgiven men. 32 And whoever if he should speak a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him. But whoever, if he should speak against the Holy Spirit, not it will be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in the coming.
 
33 Either you make the tree good and the fruit of it good, or you make the tree rotten and the fruit of it rotten. For from the fruit, the tree – it is known. 34 Viper’s offspring! You can, how, speak good – being evil? For from the surplus of the heart, the mouth, it speaks.
 35 The good man, from the good treasure of the heart, he ejects good, and the evil man, from the evil treasure, he ejects evil. 36 And I say to you that every inactive utterance that if they will speak, men, they will render a word about it in judgment day. 37 For from your words, you will be justified, and from your words, you will be condemned.”
 
38 Then, they answered, some of the scribes and Pharisees, saying, “Teacher, we desire to see a sign from You.” 39 And having answered, He said to them, “Generation – evil and adulteress – it seeks a sign, and not it will be given it, if not the sign of Jonah the prophet. 40 For just as Jonah, he was in the lunker’s belly three days and three nights, thus He will be, the Son of Man, in the earth’s heart three days and three nights. 41 Men, Nineveh, they will arise in the judgment with this generation and they will sentence it, for they reconsidered at the proclamation of Jonah. And you behold! Jonah’s greater is here! 42 Queen, south, she will arise in the judgment with this generation and she will sentence it, for she came from the extremities of the land to hear Solomon’s wisdom. And you behold! Solomon’s greater is here.
 
43 And when the unclean spirit, it departs from the man, it traverses through waterless spots seeking rest, and it finds not. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house whence I departed.’ And having come, it finds ‘holidaying,’ having been swept and having been arranged. 45 Then it traverses, and it takes with itself seven other spirits, itself eviler, and having entered, it dwells there. And the last of that man, it becomes worse than the first. Thus it will be also – this evil generation.”
 
46 And He yet speaking to the crowds, you behold, His mother and His brothers had stood without seeking to speak to Him. 47 And, he said, someone to Him, “You behold! Your mother and Your brothers, they have stood without seeking to speak to You.” 48 And answering, He said to the ‘telling Him’, “Who, she is, My mother, and who, they are, My brothers?” 49 And having extended His hand to His disciples, He said, “You behold! My mother and My brothers. 50 For whoever, if he should do the determination of My Father, the ‘in heavens,’ he – he is – My brother and sister and mother.”