Be. Become. Do. - Day 11
Day 11 - Monday, September 25
Read Matthew 13
Highlight
In Matthew 13, Jesus speaks to the crowds and his disciples about the Kingdom of Heaven. His use of parables, which is a simple story used to illustrate a spiritual lesson, are common throughout the Gospels. He even states in verses 11-17 that “he speaks in parables for the prophet Isaiah to be fulfilled, ‘that those seeing do not see, and those hearing do not understand.’” Yet, when the disciples ask him for the meaning of the parables, he is quick to explain and even ask if they understand.
Often, we might have a harder time understanding why certain parables are used, because we are removed from an agricultural society like those in Jesus’ day. Planting fields and catching fish are still around, but they do not impact us in the same way they impacted Jesus’ audience. To see the hard work of planting a field only for weeds to sprout, or staying out all night to only catch a few good fish, to the audience these things were everyday realities. They would grasp that the weeds and bad fish are to be thrown out at the end of the day. But when Jesus takes it farther and explains that the weeds are those who do evil, and the bad fish are the wicked amongst them. This is a harsher truth than they were expecting. Yet, Jesus wants it to be known what the Kingdom of Heaven is like for those who do evil and those who pursue righteousness.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 13
Highlight
In Matthew 13, Jesus speaks to the crowds and his disciples about the Kingdom of Heaven. His use of parables, which is a simple story used to illustrate a spiritual lesson, are common throughout the Gospels. He even states in verses 11-17 that “he speaks in parables for the prophet Isaiah to be fulfilled, ‘that those seeing do not see, and those hearing do not understand.’” Yet, when the disciples ask him for the meaning of the parables, he is quick to explain and even ask if they understand.
Often, we might have a harder time understanding why certain parables are used, because we are removed from an agricultural society like those in Jesus’ day. Planting fields and catching fish are still around, but they do not impact us in the same way they impacted Jesus’ audience. To see the hard work of planting a field only for weeds to sprout, or staying out all night to only catch a few good fish, to the audience these things were everyday realities. They would grasp that the weeds and bad fish are to be thrown out at the end of the day. But when Jesus takes it farther and explains that the weeds are those who do evil, and the bad fish are the wicked amongst them. This is a harsher truth than they were expecting. Yet, Jesus wants it to be known what the Kingdom of Heaven is like for those who do evil and those who pursue righteousness.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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