October 6th~Parables and Power

Matthew 13:10-23

Luke 8:9-18


Mark 4:21-29

Matthew 13:24-30

Mark 4:30-34

Matthew 13:31-52

Mark 4:35-41

Matthew 8:23-27

Luke 8:22-25

Jesus shared more parables and demonstrated another aspect of His divine power. His parables centered around the Kingdom of Heaven and gave us more insight into its scope, its enemy, and the reality of the coming judgment.

First, we are told of the value of the Gospel. Jesus shared the story of the man who found a great treasure and “a pearl of great price,” who then sold everything he had to obtain it. Though we do not earn salvation by our works, we should count everything else as trash, Paul said, in comparison to it (Philippians 3:8). Jesus will give everything, even His life, to provide it for us; we should sacrifice everything to follow Him.

Second, we should recognize the Gospel’s effects on the individual, after Christ plants the seed in his heart. “A leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens” (Mark 4:26-29). Over time, the Gospel should bear fruit in our lives, as we mature and grow in our spiritual walk. Progress may be slow at first, but, in time, others should see the difference the Gospel has made.

Third, Jesus foretold of the inclusive scope of the Gospel. Though its beginnings are small and humble, like a mustard seed, “it will grow to become one of the largest of plants, with long branches where birds can come and find shelter” (Mark 4:30-32). Though the Gospel first came to the Jews, it will reach and include Gentiles from every tribe and tongue.

Fourth, Jesus warned us that the Gospel has an enemy, who permeates every aspect of society, like yeast in flour, like weeds in the midst of wheat (Matthew 13:24-30, 33-35). Though the enemy will do his best to thwart the Gospel, in the end his work will be undone, as the wheat and the weeds will be separated at judgment.

In addition to Jesus’ parables, we also witnessed another aspect of His divine power. As the disciples were faced with a terrible storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus slept. Here we see the humanity of Jesus; He was tired and needed rest. But, when the disciples woke Him, He spoke and calmed the winds. Here we see the divinity of Jesus. Just as He had power over the human body (healing) and demonic forces (exorcisms), He, as the Creator, also had power over nature. The disciples were even more amazed than they were already.

Daily Reflection

How much do you value the Gospel? What evidence is there in your life that demonstrates proof that you value the Gospel? Have you sacrificed everything to encourage its influence?

What storms are you facing right now in your life? Are you trusting in your own ability, as the disciples did, to survive and overcome them? Or are you turning to Jesus for help, to calm “the winds and waves”?

“Why are you afraid of the storm? Do you still not have faith in Me?”

BiAY.org | Day 279 — 86 Days to Go