Hey Friends, it’s morning! And did I “see” something new this morning. Maybe some of you have noticed this before, but I just saw it for the first time today. We’re back in the book of Matthew this morning and Wowza! There are treasures of insight, revelation, and mystery in this book. It’s like reading an intriguing mystery from your favorite author. As a mystery story goes along, the reader is drawn in. One by one details are revealed. It’s captivating and keeps the reader wanting to know more.
True Story Ahead
Today, I was drawn back to Matthew 13. This chapter alone has so many hidden treasures, I’ll be forever intrigued I think. I started in verse 31 and read through 52. Then I stopped. My eyes were drawn toward a particular phrase that Jesus repeated several times:
The kingdom of heaven is like…
Of course curious Michelle started counting how many times Jesus spoke this phrase. Six times in Matthew 13. Then I did a quick search on my computer and I discovered Jesus spoke this exact phrase 10 times in the book of Matthew. Clearly Jesus liked using similes. 🙂
But why the repetition?
Why did Jesus want His disciples to know what the kingdom of heaven is like?
One answer jumped out at me and in a very personal way. Keep reading. Please. It’s a cool new discovery for me this week.
Top Ten Kingdom Similes
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like…
- a man who sowed good seed in his field. (Matthew 13:24)
- a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. (Matthew 13:31)
- yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough. (Matthew 13:33)
- treasure hidden in a field. Matthew 13:44)
- a merchant looking for fine pearls. (Matthew 13:45)
- a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. (Matthew 13:47)
- a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. (Matthew 18:23)
- a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard (Matthew 20:1)
- a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. (Matthew 22:2)
These are all new ideas for the disciples. You see prior to Jesus, people were taught that when the Messiah came there was going to be this monstrous explosion of take over by “The New King.” His arrival from heaven would be evident to all. While this one day will happen at Jesus second coming, His first time here on earth was not at all like that.
Jesus was teaching them some new truth, new insight, new ideas about Him and His Kingdom.
After Jesus told the six kingdom similes, He did want any good teacher does. He asked them this question: “Have you understood all these things?”
And like all good students, they answered: “Yes.”
So then Jesus went on to tell them how to apply what they’ve now learned.
“Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” (Matthew 13:52)
Then Jesus instructs them as teachers of the kingdom of heaven they are to do the same as He.
We are to bring out both new treasures in new ways as we continue bringing out the old teachings (treasures).
I’ve been validate this week from a few of my faithful fans as I asked them what they think I do well. Every one of them told me they like the personal stories I share that are relevant and insightful for today’s living.
So, there you have it. My new discovery from Jesus Himself and from you. I will continue being like the owner of a house who brings out of her own personal journey new treasures and old treasures alike with the intent to encourage, inspire, and strengthen your faith in your journey.
May the Lord Jesus Himself be glorified!
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