Scripture Reading

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ” “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13:24-32

Reflection Questions

• What are some distractions or turmoil around you that pull you away from Jesus’ kingdom? What are some ways you can place your confidence more firmly in the Master’s care so that you can be productive in the kingdom?
• Like the mustard seed, the kingdom is not insignificant … and neither are you. How can you discover kingdom potential in your life this Easter? Think of ways you can glorify God for placing those kingdom gifts in your life.
• What a wonderful potential we have to be yeast, salt, and light in our world today! How does this perspective differ from fear and self-defensive perspective? Identify specific actions you can take in the coming weeks to bring light and life to the world around you.