Introduction

• Matthew 13:9-17

• Q: What are parables? 

• A: short stories from everyday life illustrating spiritual truths.  "Earthly stories with heavenly meaning",  making complex ideas accessible  and encouraging listeners to reflect and discover deeper significance.  

• Matthew 12:24

  
  

Parables will...

Show us our camp (belief or unbelief)

• Matthew 13:10-12

• Kingdom of Heaven is a...

  • Spiritual Kingdom

  • Present and future hope

  • Inclusive and exclusive

    • Matthew 7:21-23

Show us fulfillment of prophecy

• Matthew 13:13-15

• Psalm 78:2

• Matthew 7:13-14

Show us the blessing of following Jesus

• Matthew 13:16-17

• 1 Corinthians 2:14

• Matthew 13:24

• Matthew 13:31

• Matthew 13:1-2

  
  

Application

1.  Make a Decision about Jesus?  Belief or Unbelief 

2.  If Belief?  Then Follow Him.  Where is the Fruit?   

• Galatians 5:22-24