Jesus used parables not just as stories but as profound tools that invited reflection on the surprising, upside-down nature of God's kingdom. They weren't always easy to understand, as their purpose was to challenge assumptions and invite listeners into deeper contemplation about the arrival of God's reign. For some, the parables were keys to unlocking the mysteries of the kingdom of God. For others, they were veils, concealing truths that required patient reflection and open hearts.
The parables of Matthew 13 are part of Jesus' mission to proclaim and enact the kingdom of God. They offer us a glimpse into the new way of life Jesus was ushering in.
As we delve into Matthew 13, we will step into the world of Jesus' listeners--farmers, fishermen, and families under Roman occupation--people yearning for freedom, justice, and hope. In their context, Jesus' words carried profound implications for understanding God's reign. In this series, we will wrestle with their meaning, reflect on their relevance, and ask how they challenge us to live as participants in God's kingdom today.
For those interested in going deeper into their reflection on the parables, we are suggesting the following resources:
Book: Dallas Willard, The Scandal of the Kingdom
Children's Book: John Hendrix, Go and Do Likewise
Video: Bible Project, "Why Jesus Told Parables"
Podcast: Bible Project, "Parables"
February 23, 2025
The Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:47-52)
In the final sermon of our series on the Parables of the Kingdom, we consider the Parable of the Net. In this parable, we see that the Kingdom of Heaven will bring about God’s judgment, the process where God holds everyone accountable for the evils they have committed. Jesus takes this judgment on himself, making us righteous. Finally, we consider how this moves us from being judgmental towards those who differ from us.
Pastor Omar Ortiz
February 16, 2025
The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:44-46)
Pastor Jeremiah shows us how the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price reveal Jesus' joy in pursuing his people.
Jeremiah Rivera
February 9, 2025
The Parable of the Mustard Seed and Yeast (Matthew 13:31-35)
Jesus used the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven to reveal that the small beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven will lead towards growth and transformation. In this sermon, we see how these two dynamics were at work in Jesus' ministry and how they apply to our ministry as a local church.
Pastor Omar Ortiz
February 2, 2025
The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Omar explores how Jesus’ original audience would have responded to the revelation that the Kingdom of God was not coming how they expected. The unexpected nature of the Kingdom invites us to reflect on our understanding and misunderstanding of the Kingdom of God and of Jesus the King.
Pastor Omar Ortiz
January 26, 2025
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-8, 18-23)
The Parable of the Sower, or the Parable of the Four Soils, invites us to reflect on the condition of our hearts as we respond to God’s word. This morning, we see how each soil leads us into deeper reflection about our hearts and the work Jesus needs to do in our lives.
Pastor Omar Ortiz
January 19, 2025
The Purpose of the Parables (Matthew 13:10-17)
The parables of Matthew 13 reveal to us different aspects of the Kingdom of God. In this first sermon of the series, we discover that the parables can reveal or conceal the Kingdom based on the listener's heart.
Pastor Omar Ortiz