Archives for August 2025

Good morning,

This week we will study Matthew 24:1-35,  the Olivet Discourse, the Great Tribulation, the Son of Man to Return in Glory, and From the Tribulation to the Millennial Reign.

Matthew 24:1-35

 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (35)

From the Tribulation to the Millennial Reign (32-35)

32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Matthew 24:32–35 begins with Jesus’ instructions to learn from the example of a fig tree. When the leaves appear, people know summer is coming. In the same way, when mankind sees all these predicted signs, they should know Christ’s return is near. The generation who sees those signs will not pass way until all the predicted signs have been completed. Nothing will change this since Jesus’ words will not pass away even though heaven and earth may pass away. (https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/24/Matthew-24-32.html)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will study Matthew 24:1-35, the Olivet Discourse, the Great Tribulation, the Son of Man to Return in Glory, and From the Tribulation to the Millennial Reign.

Matthew 24:1-35

 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (35)

Son of Man to Return in Glory (27-31)

27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.28 For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Nobody will miss the return of Jesus. The event won’t be exclusive, or hidden, or known only to a few. When He comes the next time (Revelation 19:11–15). At His second coming, He won’t appear only to a small group of the faithful. He won’t be hidden away in the “inner rooms” of some monastery-style retreat. He won’t be off in the wilderness with news arriving to them as a rumor (Matthew 24:25–26).

Here, Jesus adds more dramatic emphasis to this point. His arrival will be as public, and as obvious, as a blast of lightning. He ties this to His role as the “Son of Man,” a title also taken from prophecy (Daniel 7:13, Matthew 26:64). While Jesus’ first coming was in humility (Luke 2:7), and for sacrifice (Philippians 2:8), His second coming will be in His absolute power, and for judgment (Hebrews 9:27–28; Romans 14:11).

Jesus doesn’t want His followers to be led astray by false saviors: those trying to deceive Christians by distorting the truth He has taught them. He doesn’t want them led into doubt, unbelief, lawlessness, or lovelessness (Matthew 24:10–14). (https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/24/Matthew-24-27.html)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will study Matthew 24:1-35,  the Olivet Discourse, the Great Tribulation, the Son of Man to Return in Glory, and From the Tribulation to the Millennial Reign.

Matthew 24:1-35

 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (35)

Olivet Discourse (1-14)

And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

24:3 The answers to the three questions asked by the disciples are as follows: (1) The Temple was destroyed by Titus at the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.  (2) The “sign” or wonder to occur at Christ’s coming is answered in v. 30; that is, His coming will be visible, literal, seen by all tribes of the earth with mourning. The disciples were not asking for signs or evidences when the end of the age approaches before His return, but the marvel, the manifestations, the wondrous appearance of His final coming as King. Neither this Olivet discourse, nor any other Scripture, mentions any marks or signs before His coming for His saints in the rapture. (3) “The end of the world” or of the age will come immediately after the “tribulation of those days”.(v. 29)(The Rice Reference Bible,  Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1981, pgs. 1041-1042)

24:6 Wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes are evidences of the approaching end. No, “the end is not yet.” These troubles and disasters are the marks of the whole age, not of the end of it. Jesus said plainly that no one could know the time of His return. Verses 36, 42, 44, and Mark 13:24-37 are so explicit that it is folly to ignore them. The apostles were to watch expectantly for Christ’s possible coming in their lifetimes. The Apostle Paul hoped to be among the living changed in a moment at the rapture (cf. 1 Cor.15:51, 52; 1 Thess. 4:14-16). N.T. Christians were taught to look for Christ’s return without any sign possible in their lifetimes (1 Thess. 1:9-10; Phil. 3:20). Jesus said plainly “it is not for you to know” the time of His coming (Acts 1:6-7). The simple truth is Christ’s second coming could have happened any time after Pentecost. It still impends without preceding signs, and may occur at any moment. We are to watch for his coming as a “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13). (The Rice Reference Bible,  Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1981, pgs. 1041-1042)

24:8 The course of the whole age is pictured up to this point. There will come a time in Daniel’s seventieth week  of years, when sorrows will be multiplied and when “he,” the man of sin, the “prince that shall come” (Dan. 9:26) will make a covenant with Israel for one week. The ancient sacrifices and the priesthood will be restored; but with worldwide power, this “son of perdition” will, “in the midst of the week,” commit the abomination of desolation” (Dan. 9:27). He is the one “who opposeth and and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped;so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thess. 2:4). Verse 15 marks that “abomination of desolation. There must yet be the three and one-half years of ”great tribulation” of vv. 21 and 29, before God’s visible return with saints and angels, mentioned in vv. 30 and 31. 

According to Second Thessalonians 2:3, before Christ can return to earth to destroy the rule of the Antichrist and the earthly kingdom, other things must happen: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first,  and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” (The Rice Reference Bible,  Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1981, pgs. 1041-1042)

24:13 Those who endure to the end of the Great Tribulation will be saved alive, rescued from the persecution of the Antichrist. This is not a promise of soul-salvation by good works or faithful living. So terrible are to be those bloody persecutions, that if the time were longer, none of God’s people would be left alive.(The Rice Reference Bible,  Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1981, pgs. 1041-1042)

Great Tribulation (15-26)

15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.25 Behold, I have told you before.26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

24:23 Jesus seemed to warn all concerning the dangers and false prophets who will arise during the whole age. People will set dates for Christ’s return. Pay them no attention. (The Rice Reference Bible,  Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1981, pgs. 1041-1042)
Ray Stedman – “When you see,” said Jesus, “the man who fulfills the qualifications described in the Book of Daniel, sitting in the temple and claiming to be God, then you will know that the end of the age has arrived.” It will be a literal event to occur in a specific spot on earth at a definite moment in time. The prophecy of the seventy weeks in Daniel, already referred to, clearly indicates that there yet remains a seven-year period to be inaugurated before the prophecy is fulfilled. It also declares that it is in the middle of these seven years that the Antichrist will desecrate the Jewish Temple by his claim to be God. It is evident, therefore, that it is only the last three and one half years of this seven year period which can be properly called “the end of the age.” This is also designated in other places as lasting for forty-two months (Revelation 13); a time, two times, and half a time, (Daniel 7); and one thousand two hundred and sixty days, (Revelation 12). These all add up to three and one half years. Daniel also calls this the “time of the end.” (The Worship of Man – Matthew 24:15-22)

Tony Garland addresses the timing of “when you see“:

Jesus warns believers of the time of the end, especially those in Judea, to watch for this event. The event marks the near and definite approach of the end of the age. My view is that this event occurs at the midpoint of the final seven year period prior to Jesus’ return.

I. Daniel 9:27 seems to indicate it takes place at the mid-point of the final of Daniel’s seventy sevens, 3.5 years after the final seven is initiated by the signing of a covenant, apparently which includes permission for establish Jewish sacrifices within their temple.

II. Daniel 7:25 indicates the authority of the little horn, the Antichrist, extends over the saints for a period of 42 months, or 3.5 years.

III. Revelation 13:5 indicates the beast from the sea, the Antichrist, is granted authority for 42 months, or 3.5 years. Since his authority ends with the Second Coming of Christ, his stranglehold on power commences with this act of desecration.

IV. Revelation 12:6 and Revelation 12:14 indicate that the Jewish remnant which flees from the persecution of the Antichrist is protected and nourished by God for 1260 days or a time and times and half a time: a period of 3.5 360-day years. This protection is needed until the arrival of Jesus at the Second Coming (Matthew 24 Commentary Notes)

Son of Man to Return in Glory (27-31)

27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.28 For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Nobody will miss the return of Jesus. The event won’t be exclusive, or hidden, or known only to a few. When He comes the next time (Revelation 19:11–15). At His second coming, He won’t appear only to a small group of the faithful. He won’t be hidden away in the “inner rooms” of some monastery-style retreat. He won’t be off in the wilderness with news arriving to them as a rumor (Matthew 24:25–26).

Here, Jesus adds more dramatic emphasis to this point. His arrival will be as public, and as obvious, as a blast of lightning. He ties this to His role as the “Son of Man,” a title also taken from prophecy (Daniel 7:13, Matthew 26:64). While Jesus’ first coming was in humility (Luke 2:7), and for sacrifice (Philippians 2:8), His second coming will be in His absolute power, and for judgment (Hebrews 9:27–28; Romans 14:11).

Jesus doesn’t want His followers to be led astray by false saviors: those trying to deceive Christians by distorting the truth He has taught them. He doesn’t want them led into doubt, unbelief, lawlessness, or lovelessness (Matthew 24:10–14). (https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/24/Matthew-24-27.html)

From the Tribulation to the Millennial Reign (32-35)

32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Matthew 24:32–35 begins with Jesus’ instructions to learn from the example of a fig tree. When the leaves appear, people know summer is coming. In the same way, when mankind sees all these predicted signs, they should know Christ’s return is near. The generation who sees those signs will not pass way until all the predicted signs have been completed. Nothing will change this since Jesus’ words will not pass away even though heaven and earth may pass away. (https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/24/Matthew-24-32.html)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will study Matthew 24:1-35,  the Olivet Discourse, the Great Tribulation, the Son of Man to Return in Glory, and From the Tribulation to the Millennial Reign.

Matthew 24:1-35

 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (35)

Great Tribulation (15-26)

15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.25 Behold, I have told you before.26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

24:23 Jesus seemed to warn all concerning the dangers and false prophets who will arise during the whole age. People will set dates for Christ’s return. Pay them no attention. (The Rice Reference Bible,  Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1981, pgs. 1041-1042)
Ray Stedman – “When you see,” said Jesus, “the man who fulfills the qualifications described in the Book of Daniel, sitting in the temple and claiming to be God, then you will know that the end of the age has arrived.” It will be a literal event to occur in a specific spot on earth at a definite moment in time. The prophecy of the seventy weeks in Daniel, already referred to, clearly indicates that there yet remains a seven-year period to be inaugurated before the prophecy is fulfilled. It also declares that it is in the middle of these seven years that the Antichrist will desecrate the Jewish Temple by his claim to be God. It is evident, therefore, that it is only the last three and one half years of this seven year period which can be properly called “the end of the age.” This is also designated in other places as lasting for forty-two months (Revelation 13); a time, two times, and half a time, (Daniel 7); and one thousand two hundred and sixty days, (Revelation 12). These all add up to three and one half years. Daniel also calls this the “time of the end.” (The Worship of Man – Matthew 24:15-22)

Tony Garland addresses the timing of “when you see“:

Jesus warns believers of the time of the end, especially those in Judea, to watch for this event. The event marks the near and definite approach of the end of the age. My view is that this event occurs at the midpoint of the final seven year period prior to Jesus’ return.

I. Daniel 9:27 seems to indicate it takes place at the mid-point of the final of Daniel’s seventy sevens, 3.5 years after the final seven is initiated by the signing of a covenant, apparently which includes permission for establish Jewish sacrifices within their temple.

II. Daniel 7:25 indicates the authority of the little horn, the Antichrist, extends over the saints for a period of 42 months, or 3.5 years.

III. Revelation 13:5 indicates the beast from the sea, the Antichrist, is granted authority for 42 months, or 3.5 years. Since his authority ends with the Second Coming of Christ, his stranglehold on power commences with this act of desecration.

IV. Revelation 12:6 and Revelation 12:14 indicate that the Jewish remnant which flees from the persecution of the Antichrist is protected and nourished by God for 1260 days or a time and times and half a time: a period of 3.5 360-day years. This protection is needed until the arrival of Jesus at the Second Coming (Matthew 24 Commentary Notes)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will study Matthew 24:1-35,  the Olivet Discourse, the Great Tribulation, the Son of Man to Return in Glory, and From the Tribulation to the Millennial Reign.

Matthew 24:1-35

 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (35)

Olivet Discourse (1-14)

And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.    7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

24:3 The answers to the three questions asked by the disciples are as follows: (1) The Temple was destroyed by Titus at the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.  (2) The “sign” or wonder to occur at Christ’s coming is answered in v. 30; that is, His coming will be visible, literal, seen by all tribes of the earth with mourning. The disciples were not asking for signs or evidences when the end of the age approaches before His return, but the marvel, the manifestations, the wondrous appearance of His final coming as King. Neither this Olivet discourse, nor any other Scripture, mentions any marks or signs before His coming for His saints in the rapture. (3) “The end of the world” or of the age will come immediately after the “tribulation of those days”.(v. 29)(The Rice Reference Bible,  Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1981, pgs. 1041-1042)

24:6 Wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes are evidences of the approaching end. No, “the end is not yet.” These troubles and disasters are the marks of the whole age, not of the end of it. Jesus said plainly that no one could know the time of His return. Verses 36, 42, 44, and Mark 13:24-37 are so explicit that it is folly to ignore them. The apostles were to watch expectantly for Christ’s possible coming in their lifetimes. The Apostle Paul hoped to be among the living changed in a moment at the rapture (cf. 1 Cor.15:51, 52; 1 Thess. 4:14-16). N.T. Christians were taught to look for Christ’s return without any sign possible in their lifetimes (1 Thess. 1:9-10; Phil. 3:20). Jesus said plainly “it is not for you to know” the time of His coming (Acts 1:6-7). The simple truth is Christ’s second coming could have happened any time after Pentecost. It still impends without preceding signs, and may occur at any moment. We are to watch for his coming as a “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13). (The Rice Reference Bible,  Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1981, pgs. 1041-1042)

24:8 The course of the whole age is pictured up to this point. There will come a time in Daniel’s seventieth week  of years, when sorrows will be multiplied and when “he,” the man of sin, the “prince that shall come” (Dan. 9:26) will make a covenant with Israel for one week. The ancient sacrifices and the priesthood will be restored; but with worldwide power, this “son of perdition” will, “in the midst of the week,” commit the abomination of desolation” (Dan. 9:27). He is the one “who opposeth and and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped;so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thess. 2:4). Verse 15 marks that “abomination of desolation. There must yet be the three and one-half years of ”great tribulation” of vv. 21 and 29, before God’s visible return with saints and angels, mentioned in vv. 30 and 31. 

According to Second Thessalonians 2:3, before Christ can return to earth to destroy the rule of the Antichrist and the earthly kingdom, other things must happen: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first,  and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” (The Rice Reference Bible,  Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1981, pgs. 1041-1042)

24:13 Those who endure to the end of the Great Tribulation will be saved alive, rescued from the persecution of the Antichrist. This is not a promise of soul-salvation by good works or faithful living. So terrible are to be those bloody persecutions, that if the time were longer, none of God’s people would be left alive.(The Rice Reference Bible,  Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1981, pgs. 1041-1042)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will study Matthew 13,  the Parable of the Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure, Pearl of Great Price, Fishing Net, and Nazareth Unbelief.

Matthew 13 

Five Parables of Jesus

Parable of the Fishing Net (47-52)

47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.     51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

Jesus tells the Parable of the Dragnet, or the Parable of the Various Kinds of Fish, in Matthew 13:47-50. Jesus prefaces the parable by saying it illustrates an aspect of the kingdom of heaven. The story concerns fishermen using a dragnet, a weighted net dragged along the bottom of a body of water to collect an assortment of fish.

In the parable, the dragnet is cast into the sea and pulled onto shore full of all kinds of fish. Then the fishermen sat down to the business of sorting the fish into the “good” and the “bad.” The fish worth keeping were gathered into containers, but the rest were tossed away.

Jesus then interprets the parable for His disciples: “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (verses 49-50).

This parable is similar to the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:36-43). Both parables concern an end-times sorting, aided by angels, when believers will be separated from unbelievers once and for all.

Just as the net was cast into the sea drawing many fish, the gospel message is spread into the world, drawing many people to it. Just as the net gathered all types of fish, regardless of their value, so the gospel attracts many people who neither repent nor desire to follow Christ. Just as the fish could not be sorted until the net was pulled ashore, so false believers masquerading as true Christians will not be made known until the end of the age.

These “bad fish,” or false believers, can be likened to the rocky soil and thorny soil in Matthew 13:5-7 and to the tares in verse 40. They claim to have a relationship with Jesus, saying “Lord, Lord” (Matthew 7:22), and Jesus’ reply will be “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (verse 23).

The sobering main point of the parable can be stated thus: “A day of reckoning will come in which God will separate the true believers from mere pretenders, and those found to be false will be cast into hell.” (https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-dragnet.html)

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (53-58)

53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Matthew 13:53-58 describes Jesus’s visit to his hometown of Nazareth, where he is rejected by his own people due to their familiarity and lack of faith. Despite being amazed by his teachings and the miracles he performed, the people of Nazareth question his authority and wisdom, ultimately leading Jesus to perform only a few miracles there due to their unbelief. 

Matthew 13 is rich with Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven, using parables to convey profound spiritual truths. The chapter provides insights into different responses to God’s Word, the growth and value of the Kingdom, and the final judgment.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will study Matthew 13,  the Parable the Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure, Pearl of Great Price, Fishing Net, and Nazareth Unbelief.

Matthew 13 

Five Parables of Jesus

Parable of the Hidden Treasure  and Parable of the Pearl of Great Price(44-46)

44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:  46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

The similarities of these two short parables make it clear they teach the same lesson—the kingdom of heaven is of inestimable value. Both parables involve a man who sold all he had to possess the kingdom. The treasure and the pearl represent Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. And while we cannot pay for salvation by selling all our worldly goods, once we have found the prize, we are willing to give up everything to possess it. But what is attained in exchange is so much more valuable that it is comparable to trading an ounce of trash for a ton of diamonds (Philippians 3:7-9).

In both parables, the treasures are hidden, indicating that spiritual truth is missed by many and cannot be found by intelligence or power or worldly wisdom. Matthew 13:11-17 and 1 Corinthians 2:7-8, 14 make it clear that the mysteries of the kingdom are hidden from some who are unable to hear, see, and comprehend these truths. The disobedient reap the natural consequences of their unbelief—spiritual blindness. Those whose eyes are opened by the Spirit do discern spiritual truth, and they, like the men in the parable, understand its great value.

Notice that the merchant stopped seeking pearls when he found the pearl of great price. Eternal life, the incorruptible inheritance, and the love of God through Christ constitute the pearl which, once found, makes further searching unnecessary. Christ fulfills our greatest needs, satisfies our longings, makes us whole and clean before God, calms and quiets our hearts, and gives us hope for the future. The “great price,” of course, is that which was paid by Christ for our redemption. He emptied Himself of His glory, came to earth in the form of a lowly man and shed His precious blood on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. (https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-treasure-pearl.html)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will study Matthew 13,  the Parable the Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure, Pearl of Great Price, Fishing Net, and Nazareth Unbelief.

Matthew 13 

Five Parables of Jesus

Parable of the Mustard Seed (31-32)

31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed is contained in all three of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 13:31–32; Mark 4:30–32; Luke 13:18–19). In this parable, Jesus predicts the amazing growth of the kingdom of heaven. The mustard seed is quite small, but it grows into a large shrub—up to ten feet in height—and Jesus says this is a picture of kingdom growth. The point of the Parable of the Mustard Seed is that something big and blessed—the kingdom of God—had humble beginnings. How significant could the short ministry of Christ be? He had but a handful of followers, He was a man of no rank and without means, and He lived in what everyone considered a backwater region of the world. The life and death of Christ did not catch the world’s attention any more than a mustard seed would lying on the ground by the road. But this was a work of God. What seemed inconsequential at first grew into a movement of worldwide influence, and no one could stop it (see Acts 5:38–39). The influence of the kingdom in this world would be such that everyone associated with it would find a benefit—pictured as the birds perched on the branches of the mature mustard plant. (https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-mustard-seed.html)

Parable of the Leaven (33-35)

33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.   34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

In the Parable of the Leaven, we learn several things about the working of the kingdom in our present age. Each of these lessons stems from the nature of yeast.

First, the kingdom of God may have small beginnings, but it will increase. Yeast is microscopic in size, and only a little is kneaded into the dough. Yet, given time, the yeast will spread through all the dough. In the same way, Jesus’ domain started with twelve men in an obscure corner of Galilee, but it has spread throughout the world. The gospel makes progress.

Second, the kingdom of God exerts its influence from within, not from without. Yeast makes dough rise from within. God first changes the heart of a person, and that internal change has external manifestations. The gospel influence in a culture works the same way: Christians within a culture act as agents of change, slowly transforming that culture from within.

Third, the effect of the kingdom of God will be comprehensive. Just as yeast works until the dough has completely risen, the ultimate benefit of the kingdom of God will be worldwide (Psalm 72:19; Daniel 2:35). “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).

Fourth, although the kingdom of God works invisibly, its effect is evident to all. Yeast does its job slowly, secretly and silently, but no one can deny its effect on bread. The same is true of the work of grace in our hearts.

The nature of yeast is to grow and to change whatever it contacts. When we accept Christ, His grace grows in our hearts and changes us from the inside out. As the gospel transforms lives, it exerts a pervasive influence in the world at large. As we “reflect the glory of the Lord, . . . the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NLT).

(https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-leaven.html)

Parable of the Hidden Treasure  and Parable of the Pearl of Great Price(44-46)

44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:  46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

The similarities of these two short parables make it clear they teach the same lesson—the kingdom of heaven is of inestimable value. Both parables involve a man who sold all he had to possess the kingdom. The treasure and the pearl represent Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. And while we cannot pay for salvation by selling all our worldly goods, once we have found the prize, we are willing to give up everything to possess it. But what is attained in exchange is so much more valuable that it is comparable to trading an ounce of trash for a ton of diamonds (Philippians 3:7-9).

In both parables, the treasures are hidden, indicating that spiritual truth is missed by many and cannot be found by intelligence or power or worldly wisdom. Matthew 13:11-17 and 1 Corinthians 2:7-8, 14 make it clear that the mysteries of the kingdom are hidden from some who are unable to hear, see, and comprehend these truths. The disobedient reap the natural consequences of their unbelief—spiritual blindness. Those whose eyes are opened by the Spirit do discern spiritual truth, and they, like the men in the parable, understand its great value.

Notice that the merchant stopped seeking pearls when he found the pearl of great price. Eternal life, the incorruptible inheritance, and the love of God through Christ constitute the pearl which, once found, makes further searching unnecessary. Christ fulfills our greatest needs, satisfies our longings, makes us whole and clean before God, calms and quiets our hearts, and gives us hope for the future. The “great price,” of course, is that which was paid by Christ for our redemption. He emptied Himself of His glory, came to earth in the form of a lowly man and shed His precious blood on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. (https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-treasure-pearl.html)

Parable of the Fishing Net (47-52)

47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.     51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

Jesus tells the Parable of the Dragnet, or the Parable of the Various Kinds of Fish, in Matthew 13:47-50. Jesus prefaces the parable by saying it illustrates an aspect of the kingdom of heaven. The story concerns fishermen using a dragnet, a weighted net dragged along the bottom of a body of water to collect an assortment of fish.

In the parable, the dragnet is cast into the sea and pulled onto shore full of all kinds of fish. Then the fishermen sat down to the business of sorting the fish into the “good” and the “bad.” The fish worth keeping were gathered into containers, but the rest were tossed away.

Jesus then interprets the parable for His disciples: “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (verses 49-50).

This parable is similar to the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:36-43). Both parables concern an end-times sorting, aided by angels, when believers will be separated from unbelievers once and for all.

Just as the net was cast into the sea drawing many fish, the gospel message is spread into the world, drawing many people to it. Just as the net gathered all types of fish, regardless of their value, so the gospel attracts many people who neither repent nor desire to follow Christ. Just as the fish could not be sorted until the net was pulled ashore, so false believers masquerading as true Christians will not be made known until the end of the age.

These “bad fish,” or false believers, can be likened to the rocky soil and thorny soil in Matthew 13:5-7 and to the tares in verse 40. They claim to have a relationship with Jesus, saying “Lord, Lord” (Matthew 7:22), and Jesus’ reply will be “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (verse 23).

The sobering main point of the parable can be stated thus: “A day of reckoning will come in which God will separate the true believers from mere pretenders, and those found to be false will be cast into hell.” (https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-dragnet.html)

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (53-58)

53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Matthew 13:53-58 describes Jesus’s visit to his hometown of Nazareth, where he is rejected by his own people due to their familiarity and lack of faith. Despite being amazed by his teachings and the miracles he performed, the people of Nazareth question his authority and wisdom, ultimately leading Jesus to perform only a few miracles there due to their unbelief. 

Matthew 13 is rich with Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven, using parables to convey profound spiritual truths. The chapter provides insights into different responses to God’s Word, the growth and value of the Kingdom, and the final judgment.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will study Matthew 13,  the Parable the Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure, Pearl of Great Price, Fishing Net, and Nazareth Unbelief.

Matthew 13 

Five Parables of Jesus

Parable of the Leaven (33-35)

33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.   34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

In the Parable of the Leaven, we learn several things about the working of the kingdom in our present age. Each of these lessons stems from the nature of yeast.

First, the kingdom of God may have small beginnings, but it will increase. Yeast is microscopic in size, and only a little is kneaded into the dough. Yet, given time, the yeast will spread through all the dough. In the same way, Jesus’ domain started with twelve men in an obscure corner of Galilee, but it has spread throughout the world. The gospel makes progress.

Second, the kingdom of God exerts its influence from within, not from without. Yeast makes dough rise from within. God first changes the heart of a person, and that internal change has external manifestations. The gospel influence in a culture works the same way: Christians within a culture act as agents of change, slowly transforming that culture from within.

Third, the effect of the kingdom of God will be comprehensive. Just as yeast works until the dough has completely risen, the ultimate benefit of the kingdom of God will be worldwide (Psalm 72:19; Daniel 2:35). “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).

Fourth, although the kingdom of God works invisibly, its effect is evident to all. Yeast does its job slowly, secretly and silently, but no one can deny its effect on bread. The same is true of the work of grace in our hearts.

The nature of yeast is to grow and to change whatever it contacts. When we accept Christ, His grace grows in our hearts and changes us from the inside out. As the gospel transforms lives, it exerts a pervasive influence in the world at large. As we “reflect the glory of the Lord, . . . the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NLT).

(https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-leaven.html)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will study Matthew 13,  the Parable the Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure, Pearl of Great Price, Fishing Net, and Nazareth Unbelief.

Matthew 13 

Five Parables of Jesus

Parable of the Mustard Seed (31-32)

31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed is contained in all three of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 13:31–32; Mark 4:30–32; Luke 13:18–19). In this parable, Jesus predicts the amazing growth of the kingdom of heaven. The mustard seed is quite small, but it grows into a large shrub—up to ten feet in height—and Jesus says this is a picture of kingdom growth. The point of the Parable of the Mustard Seed is that something big and blessed—the kingdom of God—had humble beginnings. How significant could the short ministry of Christ be? He had but a handful of followers, He was a man of no rank and without means, and He lived in what everyone considered a backwater region of the world. The life and death of Christ did not catch the world’s attention any more than a mustard seed would lying on the ground by the road. But this was a work of God. What seemed inconsequential at first grew into a movement of worldwide influence, and no one could stop it (see Acts 5:38–39). The influence of the kingdom in this world would be such that everyone associated with it would find a benefit—pictured as the birds perched on the branches of the mature mustard plant. (https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-mustard-seed.html)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com