ISSL Reflections July 30 2023 Matthew 13:44–52 Post 2

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IV.
In another mention of treasure (Matthew 19:21-22) Jesus tells a young man who had many possessions, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”

What does that account and the kingdom stories in this week’s reading tell you about kingdom treasures?

V.
Matthew 13:44-52 (NRSVue)

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

VI.
Jesus tells us about searching for, finding, and buying a treasure that is worth all one has.

Jesus tells the young man to divest of his possessions (and money) to have “treasure in heaven.”

What do you find is the common element in these? Is it finding, keeping, or giving?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections July 30 2023 Matthew 13:44–52 Post 1

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I.
This week we are still in Matthew 13 and still hearing about the Kingdom of Heaven/God.

We have four parables to consider. As you spend time with these stories from Jesus, consider what is common in each and what is different in each.

II.
Matthew 13:44-52 (NRSVue)

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

III.
Do you find any commonness in the four?

Would you consider each to be speaking about “treasure”?

If you accept that, then how are the “treasures” similar and how are they different?

Which one holds your attention the most? Why is that?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections July 23 2023 Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 Post 3

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VII.
Do you think we should devote some attention to what Jesus says about “… the harvest [at] the end of the age, and the reapers are angels”?

Is that promise reassuring to you or do you perceive it as a word of coming judgment that leaves you uncomfortable?

VIII.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (NRSVue)

He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field, but while everybody was asleep an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No, for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ”

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

IX.
Let’s go back to what precedes the remarks about the “end of the age.”

The sower tells his field hands, “Let both of them grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers …”

Are we comfortable waiting for the “reapers”?

Do we sometimes want to help out in the field of growing grain before such “weeding” is really called for?

Do we think we can separate out the weeds so the field is all wheat and no weeds?

What harm might we do in our rush to judge between the wheat and weeds?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections July 23 2023 Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 Post 2

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IV.
As we turn to this parable today let’s pay attention to the one sowing. His actions, his behavior, his words and even his intentions (if you think you might have a handle on that).

V.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (NRSVue)

He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field, but while everybody was asleep an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No, for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ”

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

VI.
Here is our sower, his field, and the “good seed” he has.

Do you think he did enough to insure a good harvest? Did he “protect” his field while the seeds were germinating and producing grain? Do you think he should have done more?

His field hands are confused at first and then after the sower’s explanation of the source of the weeds are ready to rush in and “weed” the garden. At least until they are stopped by the sower.

Should he have turned down their help? He tells them why he does not want the field cleared of weeds at that time, but is no attention to the weed problem enough?

If this was your field and you were looking at your potential harvest, what would you have done?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections July 23 2023 Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 Post 1

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I.
We’re still in Matthew 13 this week and have one of Jesus’ parables that is clearly linked to us understanding the Kingdom of God. Yes, Matthew writes “kingdom of heaven,” but that is Matthew’s characteristic way of referring to the Kingdom of God and characteristic of avoiding the use of the name of God when writings are primarily for Jewish audiences.

What might we learn about the Kingdom from this parable?

What provokes the most questions for you as you listen to Jesus share this parable with us?

II.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (NRSVue)

He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field, but while everybody was asleep an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No, for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ”

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

III.
As in our parable from last week, we again encounter a sower, seeds, and this time a field that is for sowing and producing grain for harvesting.

What else do we encounter this week? Who else do we encounter?

Well there is an “enemy” who wants to create problems for the sower.

And we encounter the sower’s slaves who first question the quality of the seeds the sower uses. And then offer a solution to the problem of weeds among the good grain.

Let’s read the parable again and pay attention to the sower’s workers/slaves.

Is their questioning the sower understandable? Or, should they have remained silent?

Is their solution to the problem understandable? Is their solution well-meaning? Do you think it was their intention to be helpful to their master?

If you had been one of the field-hands or tenant farmers, how would you react to this situation?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections July 16 2023 Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23 Post 3

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VII.
This week we are listening to Jesus’ “Parable of the Sower.” While he does not say, “The Kingdom of God is like a sower who ….” He does suggest the hearing of the parable is about “anyone who hears the word of the kingdom …”

If we are correct to find here a parable about the Kingdom of God, what do we hear?

VIII.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (NRSVue)

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on a path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. If you have ears, hear!”

“Hear, then, the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet such a person has no root but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

IX.
To learn of the Kingdom we might notice the possible reactions to the “word of the Kingdom.”

Reactions like – not understanding, or maybe a superficial response only, or a response that is fully at the mercy of the environment. What else?

We might also notice the productive power inherent in the seed. It can be fruitful beyond what we can imagine is possible.

And what about the sower? Is the sower hap-hazard in the distribution of the seed? Is the sower careless or generous?

Do you think this parable is told to bring one to trust God or to bring one to self-criticism and fear of judgment and failure?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections July 16 2023 Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23 Post 2

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IV.
Do you agree with Jesus that calling this story “the parable of the sower” a good description?

As you spend time today considering the parable, pay attention to the sower, the seeds and the soils. What stands out to you about each?

V.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (NRSVue)

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on a path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. If you have ears, hear!”

“Hear, then, the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet such a person has no root but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

VI.
What is of primary importance in your reading of this parable?

The environments which may or may not be conducive to good growth?

The seeds which while capable of great growth may, depending on the environment, produce little or nothing?

The sower who it seems takes no concern of where seeds are thrown. He is so casual with the precious seeds, it seems wrong to refer to him as someone who plants seeds or who gardens.

What seems important to you in Jesus’ parable?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Desu ibi est}

ISSL Reflections July 16 2023 Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23 Post 1

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I.
Our passage for this week is a very familiar parable of Jesus.

The parable of the seeds? Or is it the parable of the soils? Or maybe even the parable of the sower?

Take some time to read (and reread) this parable and determine what name seems to fit best for you.

II.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (NRSVue)

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on a path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. If you have ears, hear!”

“Hear, then, the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet such a person has no root but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

III.
We hear Jesus tell us this parable is about “the word of the kingdom.”

Jesus even names it, “the parable of the sower.”

But at initial reading it certainly seems more about seeds and soils than a sower.

If so much of it is taken up with talk of seeds and soils, why might anyone call it “the parable of the sower”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections July 9 2023 Matthew 12:22–32 Post 3

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VII.
As we started our reflections on this passage, I asked –

“How is it possible for two groups (or two persons) to see the same thing, and yet be in such disagreement about what has happened right in front of them?”

Some of the Pharisees saw this as evidence of the demons while Jesus claims it is evidence that the “kingdom of God has come upon you.”

What helps or hinders us from noticing the presence of God’s Kingdom in our lives?

VIII.
Matthew 12:22-32 (NRSVue)

Then they brought to him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. All the crowds were amazed and were saying, “Can this be the Son of David?”

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this man casts out the demons.”

He knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how, then, will his kingdom stand? If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

IX.
Notice the crowds were “amazed” and asked a question, “Can this be the Son of David?” The Pharisees asked no questions and apparently had the matter already settled with an answer in hand.

I wonder how open I am to be amazed at what might be right in front of me?

How open do I ask questions that might take me beyond my fixed and comfortable patterns of seeing things around me?

Or for that matter how often might I ask if I am drawn closer to God by something that is happening around me?

How about us making a conscious decision to open ourselves to noticing when we are awed or amazed by things put right in front of us? Maybe the Holy Spirit is trying to get our attention.

Want to give that a try today? And tomorrow? And ….

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections July 9 2023 Matthew 12:22–32 Post 2

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IV.
What do we have in our passage this week?

A man healed; an amazed crowd; accusations from the Pharisees; “the ruler of the demons” given credit for healing a man; a claim by Jesus that “the kingdom of God has upon you”; and a remark about forgiveness, blasphemy and what cannot be forgiven.

What draws your attention?

V.
Matthew 12:22-32 (NRSVue)

Then they brought to him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. All the crowds were amazed and were saying, “Can this be the Son of David?”

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this man casts out the demons.”

He knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how, then, will his kingdom stand? If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

VI.
We have before us what has sometimes been called the “unpardonable sin.”

So is the unpardonable sin a failure, a decision, to refuse to recognize Jesus as the Messiah or as the Savior?

But Jesus says speaking against the “Son of Man” can be forgiven.

What is it to “[speak] against the Holy Spirit,” or to “blasphemy against the Spirit”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}