NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST  

This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Isaiah 44:6-8                                                                                                                         Romans 8:26,27                                                                                                               Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43                                                                                                 Psalm 103:1-13    

Last week we covered the Parable of the weeds in the wheat. These are the first two parables in Jesus seven which we will cover in the days ahead. Last week gospel lesson was spoken from a boat. This gospel lesson is spoken within the house.  I will try and cover the whole parable today and next week.     

Having finished His explanation of why He spoke in parables and of what the parable of the sower meant, Jesus continued to feed the people with the word. The kingdom of heaven is God's gracious rule in human hearts and lives, not a place so much as an activity. through the gospel promises of God's word and sacraments, Jesus gives us the sure hope of heaven. To explain one aspect of the kingdom of heaven Jesus points us to the familiar world of farming. This farmer owned his own field and therefore made extra sure that the seed he planted was good seed. He wanted good seed that would germinate and produce wheat, not weeds.     

"The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man" in verse 37. Jesus Himself is meant by the man who sowed good seed in His field. "The field is the world in v. 38. The field that is the world is his field. The world belongs to the Son of man and the Son of God who made it. Psalm 24:1. And since Jesus is given all authority in heaven and on earth, to him belongs the right of planting the seed that he calls good, the seed that will produce the fruit he is seeking.      

Jesus identifies the good seed with the sons of the kingdom. The sons of the kingdom are those throughout the world who are heirs of heaven, because Jesus planted them and the Holy Spirit makes them grow.  

Almighty God, Your Word is cast                                                                                Like seed into the ground;                                                                                                Now let the dew of heaven descend,                                                                          And righteous fruits abound.  

PRAY with me- Grant us, LORD, the Spirit to think and do always such things as are pleasing in Your sight that we, who without You cannot do anything that is good, may by You be enabled to live according to Your will; through Jesus Christ, Your son, our LORD, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen