Sunday, April 27 – Matthew 13, Luke 8

1. What is the problem with the seed that falls on stony places? (Matthew 13:20–21)

2. When will the wheat be distinguished from the tares? (Matthew 13:30)

3. Who are the mother and brothers of Jesus? (Luke 8:21)

4. How did Jesus know that someone had touched Him? (Luke 8:45–46)

Jesus taught using parables, drawing comparisons from everyday life to reveal spiritual truths. These illustrations were intended to stir a desire for truth in the listener while also concealing it from those who were indifferent or hard-hearted.

In Matthew 13, Jesus presents seven parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. Of the 40 parables Jesus taught, 19 refer directly to the Kingdom. Some of them address the present reality:

1. The need for people to have ears to hear (vv. 3–23),
2. The way the Kingdom expands (vv. 31–35),
3. The value of belonging to the Kingdom (vv. 44–46).

Others point to the future:

1. The final judgment of the wicked (vv. 36–43),
2. The final separation of the righteous from the wicked (vv. 47–51).

Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is present and future, already at work in the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit, and yet to be fully established when He returns.

In Luke 8, we find another valuable emphasis. Luke highlights the role of women in Jesus’ ministry. Mary Magdalene, Joanna (the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward), Susanna, and many others supported the ministry out of their own means (Luke 8:1–3). Mary had been healed of evil spirits, showcasing Jesus’ restoring power.

The chapter also emphasizes divine healing. The Greek word “sozo” used by Luke means “to heal, to save, to make whole.” Jesus restored not only bodies but also souls and relationships.

Luke gives us a comprehensive picture of Jesus as the Savior of the whole person, restoring our relationship with God, our broken minds and emotions, our physical health, and ultimately rescuing us from death.

The Parable of the Sower appears in both chapters. Jesus teaches that the seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11), and the different types of soil represent the condition of the heart. The message is clear: “But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:15)

The power is in the seed, not in the sower. Our role is to cooperate with God and trust Him to grow His Kingdom.

According to the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, these parables and miracles occurred during Jesus’ second missionary journey through Galilee, likely in the autumn of A.D. 29. Jesus, weary from ministry, crossed the lake to rest (Matthew 8:18). Yet the needs of humanity followed Him wherever He went.

Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the Son of God. In healing many and casting out demons, He fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” (Matthew 8:17; cf. Isaiah 53:4)
Jesus still calls disciples. It’s not enough to be healed or blessed; we must be willing to follow Him, trading comfort for surrender and choosing Him without delay.

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven remind us that the Kingdom may start small but holds great power and potential. “If the seed of the Kingdom is given a chance, it will produce a harvest of good.”

Let us draw near to Jesus in all circumstances. His Word has the power to heal, restore, and save. Faith in Him transforms hearts, and His Kingdom grows in those who are willing.

“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit…” (Matthew 13:23, NKJV)

May the power of Jesus be revealed in your life today.

Have a very blessed day.