The Thorns That Choke the Word
Jesus’ third kind of soil may be the easiest to overlook because, at first, it looks healthy. The seed takes root. Something is...
When the Roots Don’t Go Deep
There is something exciting about new growth. Jesus says that some seed falls on rocky ground. It springs up quickly because there is only...
When the Heart Gets Hard
A footpath doesn’t become hard overnight. It happens one step at a time. In Matthew 13, Jesus describes seed falling on ground that...
What Kind of Soil Is Your Heart?
Jesus had a simple question for the crowd gathered around Him: What happens when the Word of God meets your heart? In Matthew 13, Jesus...
Belong to the Greater Family
(Inspired by Matthew 12:46–50) While Jesus is still speaking, someone tells Him His mother and brothers are outside wanting to talk. He...
He Already Gave You the Only Sign That Matters
Matthew 12:38–45 By this point in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus had cleansed lepers, calmed storms, raised the dead, and — sixteen...
What Falls Out When Jesus Shakes the Tree
Matthew 12:31–37 Jesus says something here that unsettles people: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. If that verse...
The Stronger Man Has Bound the Strong Man
(Inspired by Matthew 12:22–30) A demon-possessed man, blind and mute, is brought to Jesus. Completely helpless. Jesus heals him...
The Gentle King Who Won’t Break You
(Inspired by Matthew 12:15–21) Have you ever felt like a bruised reed — cracked, bent, one more push from snapping? Or like a smoking...