Matthew 13:31–35: The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven
From small and obscure beginnings, and through secret and hidden development, the kingdom of heaven will come by surprise. (Exposition of Matthew 13:31–35)
Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43: The Parable of the Weeds
In the parable of the weeds, Jesus explains why the Son of Man is delaying final justice in the world. Wait patiently for the kingdom. (Exposition of Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43)
Matthew 13:10–17: The Secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven
The parables are polarizing. Those who have faith profit from them; those without faith cannot understand them. Thus, faith reveals what God conceals. (Exposition of Matthew 13:10–17)
Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23: The Parable of the Four Soils
As Jesus begins his kingdom parables in Matthew 13, he opens with an exhortation: hear and understand the word of the kingdom. (Exposition of Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23)
Matthew 12:46–50: The Family of Jesus
In the midst of intense spiritual warfare, Jesus will continue to gather his “forever family” to himself. Seek first the family of God. (Exposition of Matthew 12:46–50)
Matthew 12:43–45: The Danger of Neutrality
In Jesus’ story about the restless demon, he insists that there is no real spiritual neutrality. Whoever is not with Jesus is against him. (Exposition of Matthew 12:43–45)
Matthew 12:38–42: Seeking for a Sign
The scribes and Pharisees demand from Jesus “a sign to see.” Jesus will not give what they demand; however, Jesus was vindicated by his resurrection. (Exposition of Matthew 12:38–42)
Matthew 12:33–37: Speaking from the Heart
While we so often make excuses for the words that come out of our mouths, Jesus insists upon a hard truth: you are what you say. (Exposition of Matthew 12:33–37)
Matthew 12:22–32: Binding the Strong Man
Jesus does not depend on Satan for power; rather, he is the Son of God through whom the Holy Spirit of God advances the Kingdom of God. Jesus is plundering Satan’s house. (Exposition of Matthew 12:22–32)
Matthew 12:15–21: Until He Brings Justice to Victory
Although Jesus must withdraw from the Pharisees, Matthew quotes Isaiah 42 to show how this all fits in with Jesus’ mission. Jesus is still bringing his justice to victory. (Exposition of Matthew 12:15–21)
Matthew 12:9–14: Doing Good on the Sabbath
Jesus shifts the conversation about the Sabbath away from a list of do’s and don’t’s in order to command something simpler: do good on the Sabbath. (Exposition of Matthew 12:9–14)
Matthew 12:1–8: The Lord of the Sabbath
While the Pharisees obsessed over the prohibitions of the Sabbath, Jesus gives rest to his people by restoring the purposes of the Sabbath. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (Exposition of Matthew 12:1–8)