Matthew_13

Scripture  Matthew 13:44    

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells everything that he has, and buys that field. Observation-What does it say?  Jesus often used parables to share his message.  The parables were thought provoking, used to separate those who came to be entertained by Jesus’ miracles from those who came to him to find truth and understand His teachings.  Though, Jesus’ parables used common language and everyday examples, which were relatable to his audience.  By doing this, he differentiated himself from the religious elites of his time, the pharisees, who loved to pray using big words (Matthew 6:5-8) and place heavy religious burdens on people (Matthew 23:1-6) and wouldn’t honor their parents because of their religious traditions (Matthew 15:3-7).  Through his parables, we experience the love of God that is for all mankind (John 3:16), not something that is muddled up with rules and religious requirements. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX-aAg4_U2Q Understanding-What does it mean?  Have you ever had that one thing that you thought, “If I could only have this, life would be so much better”?  When I was a kid, that one thing was a horse.  I wanted to be a cowboy more than anything else in the world.  I had my boots and jeans, my holster and trusty cap gun, and even a real felt cowboy hat.  The only thing I was missing was a horse and saddle.  For years my Christmas wish list included these items, not realizing the true cost of owning and caring for a horse.  When my parents finally broke the news to me, that they could never get me these things, I was heartbroken.  Later on in life, my desire turned to a league championship in track.  I trained all of high school to become the champion of the 800 meter run.  I expected it to pave the way for a college education and a career in professional running.  I succeeded in attaining my league championship and I still have the medal to prove it.  But, life after the championship did not go like I thought and I was again left with an empty feeling in its wake. The kingdom of heaven is like these things, only much, much better.  The kingdom of heaven is that very thing that we are looking for in the horses and trophies, in the homes and the cars, in the careers and the accolades.  However, the kingdom of heaven does not disappoint us.  We will not be left with the need for something more, because it is so much more than we can imagine. The other things in life are the lies that come from the devil.  Jesus comforts us in saying, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).  In Jesus, we are made whole and can experience the abundant life that this world leaves us wanting. Life Application  Jesus, help me to always look for your truths.  Thank you for being the only thing that makes me complete.  For in you I find my being.  Help me to share your truths and the message of your love in the same relatable way.    -Tyler Galloway