BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 13:32

Wednesday, 8 October 2025
 
which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13:32
 
“Which, indeed, it is least of all seeds. And when it may be grown, it is greater than the tillings, and it becomes a tree, so the birds of the sky come and encamp in its branches” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus began what is known as the Parable of the Mustard Seed. He finishes that short parable in this verse, beginning with, “Which, indeed, it is least of all seeds.”
 
Saying “the least of all seeds” is an agricultural reference that the people would understand, not a scientific analysis of all seeds on the planet, be they of plant or animal life.
 
Jesus already set the parameters by saying that it was seed to be sown into the field. People don’t sow orchid seeds into a field expecting a crop of edible food to arise. Understanding this, He continues, saying, “And when it may be grown, it is greater than the tillings.”
 
The word lachanon, a garden herb, vegetable, etc., is introduced here. It is derived from lachaino, to dig. Thus, it is a seed for which tilling takes place, after which it is planted. The closest word in English is likely tillings, which, like the Greek word, highlights the action that took place.
 
The word is inclusive of fruits, herbs, and vegetables, as can be seen from Paul’s words in Romans 14:2, where the same word is used –
 
“For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables [lachanon: tillings].”
 
Jesus even uses the word to describe what was tithed by the people, indicating the value of the act of labor and harvest behind what is offered –
 
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs [lachanon: tillings], and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Luke 11:42
 
For deniers of the Bible to try to equate Jesus’ words to mean “all seed without exception” is a ridiculous proposition. He is speaking in specific terms concerning particular seeds intended to produce a certain outcome for the people. With this understood, He next says, “and it becomes a tree.”
 
This is a teeny-weeny little seed when it is planted, and yet, unlike other seeds that start bigger and only then grow into small plants, this little champion grows into a tree. This tree increases to be quite large, “so the birds of the sky come and encamp in its branches.”
 
Two more words are introduced. The first is kataskénoó, to encamp. It is derived from skénoó, to tent, which, in turn, comes from skénos, a tent. The prefix kata intensifies the word. Thus, it signifies to encamp.
 
The other new word is klados, a twig or bough, and thus a branch. The little seed has developed into a hero of an herb, towering over the other seeds that started bigger than it did. Hooray for the mustard seed!
 
Life application: It is good not to judge things based on how they started. From small beginnings often come great things. Jesus started with a small number of disciples. His ministry was in a small piece of land, and the message was first heard by a comparably small number of people to the inhabitants of that land. This can be deduced from the evangelism that took place there in the book of Acts. Of those who heard it, only a small number accepted what He said.
 
Human history is filled with the record of insignificant people having had a great impact on the course of history. Out of all of the billions of books in the world, one has truly changed the path on which humanity has been.
 
Other books that have been widely published and disseminated have had a great impact, often negative, on the world, like the Koran. But that and all other books have failed to change the state of man from sinful and lost before God, to having obtained salvation and eternal life through the message of reconciliation found in the Bible.
 
Little churches may have a small gathering on Sunday, and in today’s world, they may have little online audiences as well, and yet, they may have more of a worthwhile theological impact on the people of the world than the largest of mega churches on the planet.
 
While the larger churches are dealing in theological fluff intended to fall easily on the ears of the congregants, the message of sound pastors and preachers is intended to change and develop the hearts and minds of those who are willing to be conformed to the will of God.
 
Never underestimate the power of small beginnings. Think about the heroic mustard seed and the delight it brings to the palates of people around the world. Well done, little seed – approved by God for such a purpose. Well done.
 
O God, may we not fret when the things we do are not noticed by the world around us. If what we are doing is right and proper in Your eyes, we are fulfilling our purpose for the life You have given us. Who needs bigger and shinier when such things will someday deflate or corrode away? Help us to focus on the eternal, thus glorifying You. 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 13:30

Monday, 6 October 2025
 
Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” Matthew 13:30
 
“You allow both to co-grow until the harvest. And in the harvest season, I will say to the harvesters, ‘You gather first the darnel, and you bind them into bundles to incinerate them, and wheat you collect into my barn’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus said that the servants of the landowner were instructed not to gather up the darnel, lest they should also uproot the wheat with them. He continues the landowner’s words, saying, “You allow both to co-grow until the harvest.”
 
A word is seen only here in Scripture, sunauxanó, to co-grow. It is derived from sun, with or together, and auxanó, to grow. As for the words of the landowner, there is no point in causing harm to the efforts of the sower and those who then tend to the wheat as it grows.
 
Leaving the darnel, though it may affect the growth of surrounding plants due to soaking up needed moisture, is not something that will destroy them. As the labor needs to be done at one point or another, there is no reason for causing more harm than good while the crop is maturing. As such, he continues, “And in the harvest season.”
 
The Greek reads, “and in season the harvest.” The article is before harvest, but it is lacking before season. There is a season when the harvest will be ready. It is then that the harvest is gathered. At this time, the landowner continues, “I will say to the harvesters, ‘You gather first the darnel.’”
 
Although the truths found in the parable can apply to any dispensation to some extent, these words negate the parable being applied specifically to the church age. There is no indication in Scripture, and every reason to reject the notion, that false teachers will be gathered out of the church before the pre-tribulation rapture.
The timeline for the rapture is set by God through Paul’s writings. It is his writings that revealed the mystery, including its very specific details concerning the event and its timeline.
 
As such, though points from the parable can be used to refer to truths within the church age, such as not pulling up the darnel before the harvest, the gathering of false teachers before the rapture is not something that will occur. As for this harvest, the landowner continues, “and you bind them into bundles to incinerate them.”
 
Unless Jesus is simply making a point about false teachers being spiritually gathered for the day of judgment, having been identified as such at the time of the rapture, these words continue to dispel the notion that this is referring to the church age.Such an analysis, though highly unlikely, is not out of the realm of possibility, but the gathering and binding of false teachers is not a physical event that will take place during the church age.
 
Therefore, if these words are referring to the church age, there needs to be a specific spiritualization of some of what is being said. Based on Jesus’ coming explanation, the points He makes do not accurately fit into the doctrine of the rapture at the end of the church age. Either way, the landowner finishes his instructions with, “and wheat you collect into my barn.”
 
John the Baptist has already given hints of this event and what precedes it, saying, “Whose winnower - in His hand, and He will thoroughly cleanse His threshing-floor. And He will gather His wheat into the granary, but the chaff He will incinerate – fire unquenchable.”
 
Therefore, there is judgment on those who are considered darnel, there is a separation of those who are considered chaff, and then there will be a time when these will be cast into unquenchable fire, incinerating them for eternity.
 
Jesus will explain this parable later in the chapter, but its truths are readily discernible by understanding the metaphors He uses.
 
Life application: As noted, this parable, though containing truths that exist in the church age, does not fit the sequence of events as laid out by Paul concerning the rapture. The sequence of events as the church age closes out is carefully detailed by him –
 
1) Rapture of the church, 2) the falling away and the revealing of the Antichrist, 3) the day of Christ (Day of the Lord).
 
The rapture is an event that will have no sign preceding it. It will occur suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, and the church age will end. Until that day, we should be about the business of the church. Too many hours are squandered away by believers who have an unhealthy fixation on the rapture.
 
Be productive, know that Christ is coming, and in the flash of an instant, we shall be gathered to Him. This is great news for those who are His. For the rest of the world... not so much.
 
Glorious God, what a wonderful hope we possess because of what You have done in the sending of Jesus. May we be busy in sharing this news with others as we await the wonderful day when we are gathered and brought into Your glorious presence. Amen.

Matthew 13:29

Sunday, 5 October 2025
 
But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Matthew 13:29
 
 “And he said, ‘No! Not lest gathering the darnel, you should uproot with them the wheat’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus said that the servants of the landowner asked him if he wanted them to gather up the darnel from the field of grain. He continues now with, “And he said, ‘No! Not lest gathering the darnel, you should uproot with them the wheat.’”
 
A new word, ekrizoó, to uproot, is seen. It is derived from ek, from or out of, and rhizoó, to root. Hence, it is to uproot. If you’ve ever worked in a garden, you know the wisdom of the landowner’s decision. When you have weeds around the plant you are growing and pull them out, you can often damage your plant’s roots or even pull the plant out with the weeds.
 
In the case of the darnel, its roots would be entangled with the good stalks, easily ruining them if you try to pull it out. There is also the chance of treading on the good stalks while going through the field to get the darnel.
 
And even if both of those were avoided, as noted above, the soil around the good stalks could be disturbed enough to negatively affect or kill those nearby. It is not worth the risk to take such chances.
 
Life application: Think of the patience and wisdom of the Lord. The devil has his dirty fingers all over the church, even since the very beginning. At the earliest days of the church, Paul and the other New Testament writers were writing letters of warning to the churches concerning those who were harmful darnel within the good crop –
 
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17, 18
 
“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.” James 5:1-3
 
“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.” 2 Peter 2:1
 
“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” 3 John -9-11
 
“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” Jude -16-19
 
Think of it. These people were writing in the very earliest days of the church. Each personally encountered the risen Christ. And yet, they were already warning of the proverbial darnel among the wheat. But the Lord’s example in this parable was to allow them to continue lest good stalks were harmed in the process.
 
But can’t these false teachers harm the crop as well? The answer is, “Most assuredly.” This is why these warnings have been written. But how are you, a stalk of good grain in the body of believers, going to avoid being harmed by them? By knowing what the word says!
 
It is not sufficient to trust your pastor. He could be one of the false brethren noted above! Didn’t the church suffer (and it still suffers to this day) through the teaching of people like Joseph Smith, Charles Taze Russell, Ellen G. White, and innumerable other false teachers? Haven’t countless people lost their lives to false teachers like Jim Jones and David Koresh?
 
Display wisdom! Know what the Bible says by reading it daily. When a false teacher enters into your sphere of existence, you will be able to identify him (or her!) and alert others. Be sure to do so. The Lord will take care of them in the end, but we have our part to do now.
 
Glorious God, give us wisdom in identifying false doctrine and those who teach it. May we responsibly handle Your word, learning it and being on the lookout for those who might harm the crop the Lord is preparing. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Matthew 13:28

Saturday, 4 October 2025
 
He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ Matthew 13:28
 
“And he said to them, ‘Enemy! A man did this!’ And the servants, they said to him, ‘You incline, therefore, having gone, we should gather them?’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that the servants of the landowner came to him and asked him whether or not he had sown good seed in his field because there was also darnel growing in it. Jesus continues, saying, “And he said to them, ‘Enemy! A man did this!’”
 
The owner, without throwing an unfounded accusation at anyone in particular, identifies the problem immediately. An enemy has entered his field and sown darnel in with his good seed. In stating it this way, it could include or exclude anyone, even if the owner had already identified in his mind who was responsible.
 
Further, it could be that there is a main enemy who has used agents to accomplish his destructive work. Nothing is excluded by the way the statement has been presented. With this stated as a certain fact, Jesus continues, “And the servants, they said to him, ‘You incline, therefore, having gone, we should gather them?’”
 
With the understanding that there is a problem, and that it has been caused by an enemy, the servants are desirous to see the matter resolved. However, they intend to do whatever the master has determined, and so they ask his opinion. In essence, “We can take care of the darnel now if you want. We can identify it and remove it right away.”
 
The choice of what to do with it is now in the landowner’s court. Whatever he decides will be what they follow through with.
 
Life application: This parable presents a truth that is not limited to a particular dispensation. During the time before the flood, there were those already identified as “sons of the God,” meaning those who were of faith in the promise of God concerning the coming of a Messiah. Noah was “a preacher of righteousness” from this line.
 
The world was filled with darnel that needed to be removed. The same is true after the flood. Job was of the “sons of the God.” The implication is that there were others who were not, simply because the group he worshiped with was. A contrast between the two exists. Likewise, during the time of the law, there were those who were of faith and those who were not.
 
That truth exists in the church today. There are those who are sons of God, a term noted in verses such as Romans 8:14. The context of Paul’s words indicates that there is a contrast between them and those who are not sons of God.
 
Within these groups are obviously those who claim they are of the seed of God who are not. They may look like true sons. But eventually, they will fail to produce the proper fruit and other characteristics that sufficiently identify who is of the true seed.
 
Whatever dispensation Jesus is equating His thoughts to for the sake of the parable, it is a truth that has existed and which continues to exist in the world. It may be that the parable is intended to cover any such situation.
 
Understanding that there are such people in the world, even in government or private entities, we can more carefully consider what is going on around us. For example, if you are employed by the government, there are certainly bad actors who have been planted in your area by those who intend harm.
 
Communist countries like Russia and China have cultivated people for eons to enter into the military and steal information as well as sow discord. They look like anyone else in uniform, but they are there with evil intent.
 
This is true with any branch of government. People elected to office, even in the highest positions in the land, have been groomed by unfriendly governments to infiltrate and ruin our society. It is our responsibility to carefully evaluate those around us, whether in our workplace, church, government, etc., and be careful not to allow those who bear bad fruit to ruin the efforts of those who are working for the proper purpose intended by the one in charge.
 
In the case of the church, Jesus has set the standard. It is recorded in the word. When we find that someone has entered into the church at large who is bearing bad fruit, it is our responsibility to identify him as such.
 
At times, however, some take this to unintended extremes, identifying every little pet peeve of theirs as proof of someone being a false prophet or a false teacher. Likewise, false teachers level accusations against true believers, claiming what is sound doctrine is actually false.
 
The only way to sort through this mess is to read and know what the Bible says. It is our blueprint for proper living and a right understanding of what is true and what is false within the church. Know your Bible!
 
Lord God, it is hard to sort through all of the accusations directed at people in the ministry, claiming they present a false message of some sort. Help us to go to the source for understanding this, Your word, in order to rightly identify what is true and what is false. Help us in this, Lord. Your word is big and filled with a lot of information. Give us understanding in it as we seek out Your truth. Amen.

Matthew 13:27

Friday, 3 October 2025
 
So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ Matthew 13:27
 
“And having come, the servants of the housemaster, they said to him, ‘Lord, not good seed you sowed in your field? Whence, therefore, it has darnel?’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus continued the parable of the wheat and the darnel. He continues further, saying, “And having come, the servants of the housemaster, they said to him, ‘Lord, not good seed you sowed in your field?’”
 
It is an obvious question to set the tone of voice for what will next be said. There is darnel rising in the field along with the wheat. Rather than abruptly telling the master it is so, making him look incompetent, it is natural to ask in a positive manner. It will allow him to deduce on his own what must have taken place. As such, they continue with, “Whence, therefore, it has darnel?”
 
A new word is introduced, pothen, whence. It gives the sense of from which or from what. In this case, a single word to define the intent and speaking style would be whence. They know the answer to their own question, it being rhetorical in nature. Therefore, they continue with an obvious follow-up question to help alleviate the owner’s tension.
 
Life application: Having tact when approaching a sensitive matter is important. Barging up to someone and telling him that his brother just died without showing care and empathy would be considered rude. The same is true with any sensitive matter.
 
In some cases, people can get upset or angry over things we might not even consider sensitive. Such instances cannot be helped. But we can take the general idea of tact that is understood in a given society with us when we talk to others. Being the bearer of news means that responsibility is attached to the delivery.
 
As some people lack any sense of tact at all, it is good to identify them and make a mental tag, never assigning them to passing on sensitive matters. They may even be close friends, but it is important to make these types of divisions in our minds and remember them. Learn who around you can’t keep a secret.
 
Such a person might be the nicest guy around, but he just cannot keep quiet when entrusted with information. So mark him as such and keep from sharing things that may be sensitive with him. This thought can even extend further, such as knowing personal relationships that exist around you. Someone who is normally trustworthy may have a beef with someone or a group of people.
 
Knowing this and keeping harmony between the disaffected parties is important. So the more situational awareness you have, the more effective you will be in keeping seemingly little things from getting out of hand. Pay attention to such things. Work on developing your skills in identifying who should carry a word or message about a matter, and then deploy this knowledge wisely. Such things are seen even in Scripture –
 
“Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, ‘Let me run now and take the news to the king, how the Lord has avenged him of his enemies.’20 And Joab said to him, ‘You shall not take the news this day, for you shall take the news another day. But today you shall take no news, because the king’s son is dead.’ 21 Then Joab said to the Cushite, ‘Go, tell the king what you have seen.’ So the Cushite bowed himself to Joab and ran.” 2 Samuel 18:19-21
 
Lord God, grant us the wisdom to be situationally aware concerning matters of tact, diplomacy, and trust. The world is a place where people can get easily hurt or offended. So help us to be wise and discerning in matters that require special care. Yes, Lord, be with us and help us to grow wise in such matters. Amen.
 

Matthew 13:26

Thursday, 2 October 2025
 
But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. Matthew 13:26
 
“And when it sprouted, the grass, and it yielded fruit, then it appeared, also, the darnel” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that the field of wheat was invaded by an enemy who went in and sowed darnel among the wheat. With that action accomplished, it next says, “And when it sprouted, the grass, and it yielded fruit.”
 
When the two plants first begin to grow, they are almost indistinguishable. Both look like grass in their early stages. So much is this the case that only the most observant person would be able to tell the difference. But nobody would normally look for such differences, assuming that all of the field was sown with wheat, which is what originally occurred.
 
However, as the two plants continue to grow, noticeable differences begin to occur. The color of the wheat begins to turn the familiar golden brown, and the heads will begin to nod or bow on the stem as they approach harvesting time. The darnel, however, remains greener and continues to stand upright. It is as this maturing time approaches that Jesus says, “then it appeared, also, the darnel.”
 
The evident differences have alerted the farmers that there is a problem. Darnel has been found among the wheat. This is a problem that must be rectified. However, as will be seen, the decision of how to do so must be handled by the owner.
 
Life application: The differences between the wheat and the darnel can teach us things that the people of Israel would already know. They were an agrarian society, and these things would be common knowledge as the people interacted with the farms each year.
 
Wheat is a grain crop. Its seeds are nutritious and are used to make flour for bread, pasta, cakes, pasties (oh! pastries), crackers, etc. The straw also has uses, such as insulation, animal bedding, paper, etc. Further, the wheat byproducts can be used in animal feed. These include the bran and the germ. The whole plant has some uses that are beneficial. There are seven stages of wheat growth –
 
Growth Stage 1: Germination. When the seed absorbs water, growth from the seed’s dormant state begins.
Growth Stage 2: Leaf Development. The sprout rises and forms.
Growth Stage 3: Tillering. The grass forms new stems or shoots from its base, thus increasing the overall density.
Growth Stage 4: Stem Elongation. The stems continue upward, preparing for the next stage.
Growth Stage 5: Booting. The head, now fully formed, is enclosed within the swollen sheath of the flag leaf. This is just before the head fully comes forth.
Growth Stage 6: Inflorescence Emergence, Heading. It is when the visible appearance of the grain, known as the inflorescence, emerges. This is the transition point between the vegetative and reproductive phases.
Growth Stage 7: Flowering, Anthesis. The blossoms open and become functional, and the reproductive stage is realized.
 
Darnel grows about the same height and the same speed as wheat, mimicking it until a certain point. The seeds are much lighter than the wheat, and this is why they continue to stand up while the wheat bows. Darnel is poisonous to both humans and livestock. Their side effects are dizziness, nausea, and even death when consumed in high amounts.
 
The roots of the two plants can get intertwined. Because of this, an obvious negative effect of pulling the darnel out is seen. This is why their state must be decided by the owner. As for the end purpose, wheat is harvested, processed, and the grain is stored as a valuable source of food. The darnel, however, is separated from the wheat, heaped up, and burned.
 
Reread the two descriptions (which are not all-inclusive of their traits) and think about how closely each represents what you would expect as you evaluate teachers, preachers, and congregants within the larger church (or within the people of Israel at the time of Jesus).
 
Think about churches with proper doctrine, sound handling of Scripture, and proper growth of the people. Contrast them with other churches you may have attended, or church figures you may have seen on TV, or heard about.
 
Lord God, even the grasses of the fields can teach us lessons about You, Your wisdom, what You cherish among people, and what You find repulsive and offensive. If we just open our eyes and compare the world around us to what You tell us in Your word, we can learn so very much. Help us to do so as we interact with Your word and the world we live in. Amen.
 

Matthew 13:25

Wednesday, 1 October 2025
 
but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. Matthew 13:25
 
“And in the ‘sleeps the men,’ he came, his enemy, and he sowed darnel in between the wheat, and he went away” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus began the parable of the wheat and the darnel. He continues now, saying, “And in the ‘sleeps the men,’”
 
Fields are not normally things that get attacked. In daily life, people go out to their fields, come in, and eventually go to bed. Guards are not posted, and there are usually no walls or fences around agricultural fields unless it is an area which necessitates it.
 
In this case, while those who work in the field were sleeping, Jesus continues with, “he came, his enemy, and he sowed darnel in between the wheat, and he went away.”
 
A new word, zizanion, darnel, is introduced. It refers to a poisonous rye grass that closely resembles wheat as it sprouts out of the earth. It is used figuratively when speaking of false believers who spring up among those who truly believe.
 
The man had an enemy who disliked him enough to actually go in and cause him grief. But in this world, there are all kinds of people who are willing to harm others simply because they have a personal beef with them. This is not unheard of in the Bible. Though the reasons are given, what occurred between Absalom and Joab shows that a person’s crops can be a target between those who disagree at times –
 
“And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the king’s face. 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but he would not come to him. And when he sent again the second time, he would not come. 30 So he said to his servants, ‘See, Joab’s field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.’ And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.31 Then Joab arose and came to Absalom’s house, and said to him, ‘Why have your servants set my field on fire?’” 2 Samuel 14:28-31
 
Life application: Jesus’ words could be considered from many different angles. We could apply them to our work environment, our family life, our church, etc. When we are being productive in a particular area, it is to be expected that there is someone lurking in the distance who will want to tear what we do apart.
 
For example, in the United States, there is a constitution that provides certain guarantees for the citizens of the nation. The people of the nation have taken these rights for granted and have been inattentive to those who hate the freedoms we possess. Many of these enemies are right within our borders, and they have crept into all levels of government, even to the presidency.
 
While the people of the nation slept through times of prosperity and abundance, the enemy has been planting seeds of discord, immorality, and un-American ideals throughout our school systems. Now, instead of a good crop of sound-minded, freedom-loving Americans, we are faced with entire populations of people who actively hate the prosperity they participate in.
 
They hate the rights granted by the Constitution because these rights take away the opportunity for societal control that they desire, and which has been instilled in them by the enemies of freedom.
 
This happens in churches as well. It is so prevalent that there are ministries dedicated to getting people out of churches that steal away the freedoms found in the Bible in order to control their followers. For example, Ministry Watch published an article entitled, Ministry Helps Christians Escape ‘High-Control’ Churches.
 
High control over churchgoers is one of the surest ways to keep followers giving lots of money and effort to a church. When a church teaches people that one’s salvation must continue to be earned after it has been received, the people find themselves in a state of bondage never taught in Scripture.
 
However, it is the most common of all teachings. It permeates Roman Catholic doctrine. It is awash in Adventism, it overflows in Holiness churches, etc. Even in churches where grace is taught, there are often subtle undertones of implied necessity to do things, such as tithing.
 
Why are people bound in such situations? In America, it is because the people put too much trust in their leaders and do not take the time to understand the source of their freedoms, meaning knowing what the Constitution says and what the founders wrote about its precepts.
 
In the church, people likewise put too much trust in spiritual authorities. Instead of reading the Bible and understanding its precepts, they allow those who work in the darkness, meaning their ignorance, to destroy the good crop that they are entitled to.
 
Be on the lookout by knowing what the source says, be it the US Constitution for political matters or the Bible for your spiritual walk. Don’t let the wicked people of the world deprive you of your rightful heritage!
 
Lord God, we have a religion that is founded on the greatest work of all, that of Jesus Christ. It is a religion of faith in what He has done. May we not squander our right to this by listening to others who would rob us of this precious freedom in one of so many ways. Help us to know and rightly apply the word to our walk before You! Amen.
 

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.