March 16

Matthew 13

Jesus continues teaching with parables, then returns to His hometown of Nazareth.

INSIGHT

Throughout His ministry, there are periods during which Jesus teaches extensively in parables. Often the multitudes do not understand the meaning of the parables, but Jesus is careful to explain them to His disciples. This pattern is illustrative of God’s ways: to those who are the most receptive to truth, the Lord grants understanding. However, for those who do not receive the truth, greater understanding is not given. Light received brings greater light; light rejected leaves darkness. If you hunger for greater spiritual understanding, it is vital that you strive for faithfulness in what you do understand. Then light received can bring more light in your life.

PRAYER

Offer your praise to the God of light in the words of this psalm:
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions (Psalm 45:6-7).

Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession to the Lord:
“With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment;
But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,”
Says the Lord, your Redeemer (Isaiah 54:8).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us,
that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God;
and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:1-2).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Greater passion for moral excellence
• The ministry of Christian educational institutions
• Your activities for the day
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord (Psalm 31:24).