Devotion:
Read Matthew 13:31-32, 44-46.
The verses, I Samuel 8:4-5, tell us, “the Elders of Israel had gathered together and said to Samuel, …’now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.’" Samuel then tells the people what an earthly king and kingdom would be like. So the people learn to live under the rule of earthly kings for generations.
But Jesus, the Son of God and Savior for all the people, teaches through parables or stories, what the “Kingdom of God” is like. Jesus’ parables are a call to faithful discipleship and a complete reliance upon God.
Eugene Peterson In The Message translates “mustard seed” into “pine nut”---and continues to say, “It grows into a huge pine tree, and eagles can build nests in it.” Having lived in south Georgia, I can relate to this!
Jesus calls us to see all the possibilities in the smallest of God’s gifts to this earth. It is also a call to complete reliance on the work God is doing through us. Even though we may think of our gifts and talents as being small, God can do great things through us all. This simple parable doesn’t end with the words of how great the tree is, but that it can provide shelter for the many birds. We are given gifts on this earth not for our sakes only but to help others along the way. The “kingdom of God” calls us to trust completely in God’s abundant grace.
Jesus' parables in verses 44-46, call us to look deep within our souls to realize what holds the deepest value. Vs. 44 describes one who finds treasure hidden in a field. Before there were banks, farmers might bury their treasures in the field. If they died unexpectedly, the treasure may remain hidden for years. But the one who discovers the treasure realizes it is worth their all to buy the field. The story of the pearl parallels this….finding the pearl of great value is worth their all.
Adult Challenge:
Jesus’ own sacrifice, teaches us that God’s love is worth our all. These simple parables call us to a complete reliance upon God, to re-evaluate our values, to trust in God’s care and provisions for us, and out of God’s abundant grace, we can share what we have with others! That’s life in God’s kingdom!
Youth Challenge:
In Matthew 13:31-32 we get a glimpse into the Kingdom of Heaven. We are told that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a small seed, but when it grows it is the largest of garden plants. Many of the parables Jesus teaches are about how we should truly live and treat others and when we do that, we are giving the world and the people around us a taste of heaven. The more we infiltrate our world with these little seeds of heaven the more we achieve Heaven on Earth.
Children's Challenge:
Divide family members into two teams. Use a ring, or another piece of jewelry to represent the pearl. A member of Team A leaves the room. A member of Team B hides the pearl in the room. When the person comes back, he searches for the pearl. His team can coach him by saying “You’re cold,” when he is far from the treasure and “You’re hot,” when he is close. However, the opposing team can give wrong commands, so the seeker will need to remember who is on his Team. When he finds the treasure, a member of Team B leave the room, and a different member of Team A hides the pearl. Game continues until all have had a turn hiding and finding.
Talk about what is most important in our lives. Does it reflect our relationship with God?
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