This is part of a Daily Devotional Orwell Bible Church prepares each week. You can get a copy from our Downloads and Literature page.

Immediately after the Jewish religious leaders’ rejection of Jesus as Israel’s Christ and King, Jesus began teaching the public in parables (v. 3), and the disciples asked why he did so (v. 10). Jesus said that from then on, the truth he taught about the kingdom (“mysteries of the kingdom,” v. 11) would be taught in such a way that its meaning would be obscured to those who rejected him (vv. 12–15) but explained to and understood by those who believed him (vv. 16–17). Jesus’ teaching in parables was judgment on unbelieving Jews for their rejection of him as the Messiah, hardening and confirming them in their unbelief (vv. 13–15). Each parable makes one point and the parable’s details must be understood in relation to that one point.

Jesus does not redefine or change the nature of the kingdom in his teaching here. Through these parables Jesus prepares his disciples for the time between his coming death and his Second Coming, detailing the kingdom program during that time until he returns and establishes it.

Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On

1. When you tell someone about Jesus there will be different responses to the message (vv. 19–23). Don’t conclude that immediate “belief” is true belief (vv. 20–22)! True faith is evidenced over time by good fruit (v. 23).
2. There will be a judgment of the just and the unjust (vv. 24–30, 37–43, 47–50). There are only two ends or destinations, eternal life in the glorious kingdom or unending suffering in the furnace of fire. Where will you be?
3. Though the message about Jesus is insignificant to this world (vv. 31–32) it is of greatest value (v. 33, 44–46). How precious is Jesus to you? How is your “value” of him seen in what you seek for in this life?