Jesus’ parables about the Kingdom of Heaven answer some of the deepest questions of the human heart. Ones like: “Why is the world so broken? Why does evil seem to be winning? God, do you care? Are you going to do anything about this mess?” And “Why do your purposes seem to move so slowly? How will you accomplish your will through what seems weak, hidden and insignificant?” In Matthew 13:24-43 when Jesus communicates three more parables, he isn’t interested in simply giving you information – he is fiercely interested in your spiritual formation. The Kingdom of Heaven is a reality he wants you to enter and go on to embody. A reality that brings comfort in the face of evil, patience when all we want are immediate results and trust in the hidden, but totally pervasive, work of God.

Have you ever had someone tell you something important but because you weren’t really listening you forgot what they told you? Yet when you contemplate a beautiful painting or read an epic novel you can’t forget its meaning. Jesus understood this dynamic; so he taught Truth like an artist. In Matthew 13 Jesus begins to teach in parables, ordinary stories that explain the kingdom of God. His first parable about sowing seeds illustrates why there is such a varied response to those who hear God’s word. This simple farming story challenges us to think deeply about how we are hearing the word of God.

Their way of life was at stake. If they admit Jesus’ ability to cast demons out is the work of the Spirit, it will mean his message and ministry might actually be the work of God. Instead, in Matthew 12:22-50 the religious leaders of Jesus’ day intentionally write him off, rebrand him as some kind of sorcerer, in league with the Devil. Between deliberate rejection and humble obedience we find a warning that “something greater” is here and neutrality is not an option – there’s no middle ground when it comes to Jesus.

What happens when man-made traditions, originally intended to honor God, end up missing his heart entirely? They have to be broken apart. In Matthew 12:1-21 the true rest we’re intended to find in Jesus is overshadowed by exhausting religious practices – and Jesus isn’t having it. His words and actions bring both controversy and comfort as he breaks it all apart and identifies himself as the one with the authority to do it. What misconceptions do you have? What well-intended traditions are you leaning on? Jesus will break it all apart. But it’s the way he’ll do it - with such gentleness and humility - that might be the most surprising thing of all.

Are you tired and worn down? Going through the trials of life, it is easy to find ourselves exhausted. For so many of us there lies a tiredness that we can't shake, no matter how much sleep or downtime we get. There are so many things that seem to promise life but in the end leave us empty, longing for more. In Matthew 11:25-30 we see that in the midst of these burdens, Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest. He calls us to trust him, learn from him and find the true rest for our souls that is found in Him alone.

We all wrestle with things not going the way we expect them to go - with God not doing for us what we think is best, and on our timetable. It’s in that kind of hardship that doubts can rise up and overwhelm us. In Matthew 11:1-24, John the Baptist, one of the greatest men on earth in Jesus’ opinion, is wrestling with doubt. It’s a place where honest questions find honest answers, personal expectations are dashed to pieces and sobering words are in search of a humble heart. Jesus isn’t threatened by your questions, discouragement and doubt. He’ll meet you right where you are.