HOME | SCRIPTURE INDEX | MOVIE INDEX | ART INDEX | SEARCH | ABOUT | MOBILE | ADVERTISE | SUPPORT | BLOG | CONTACT

Matthew 13:31-52

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary (Matthew Henry, Wesley's Notes, Geneva Notes, etc) & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • Comparative World Scriptures from United Communities of Spirit
    • "Decision"
    • "The Last Judgment" 
  • Philo on Buried Treasure (Unchangeableness, 91-92) at (Rutgers University Dept of Religion) Mahlon H. Smith's Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus companion to the historical study of Christian texts.
  • "Anyone With Ears," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
  • Similitude VIII.3, Shepherd of Hermas. (c.145)
  • Chapter, XVI, The First Apology of Justin Martyr. (c 150)
  • XVII.8, 11, 15-17, 19-36; Tatian's Diatessaron (c. 150-160).
  • IV.IX.1, IV.XXVI.1, IV.XL.2, 3, IV.XLI.1, 3, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter II, Adversus Judaeos, Tertullian (c. 198)
  • Exegetical Fragments. (XXXI), Irenaeus (c 180)
  • I.11, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • V.12, VI.11, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • Chapter XXXV, On the Resurrection of the Flesh,  Tertullian (c. 211)
  • V.III, V.IV, The Refutation of all Heresies (Philosophumena), Hippolytus of Rome. (c. 225)
  • X.1-15, XI.4, Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Origen. (c.247)
  • Concerning Works and Almsgiving -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 252)
  • Latin text of Augustine's Sermon 74 (Mt. 13:52).   
  • Augustine on Matthew 13:52
    • "The Scribes then were they who professed the knowledge of the Law, and to them belonged both the keeping and the studying, as well as also the transcribing and the expounding, of the books of the Law."
  • Matthew XXV, Proslogium, Anselm of Canterbury, 1077-1078.
  • From the Catena Aurea, Patristic Commentary by St Thomas Aquinas.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "There are many in the Church who nevertheless are not of the Church, and therefore at length will be cast out: but the full and perfect cleansing of them is deferred to the last day."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "Though nothing can be given as a price for this salvation, yet much must be given up for the sake of it."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "The kingdom of God within us is a treasure indeed, but a treasure hid from the world, and from the most wise and prudent in it. He that finds this treasure, (perhaps when he thought it far from him,) hides it deep in his heart, and gives up all other happiness for it."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "The one pearl of great price, instead of being found by accident, as in the former case, is found by one whose business it is to seek for such, and who finds it just in the way of searching for such treasures."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "Valuables which, with us, are entrusted to banks, are in the East buried in fields and gardens to save them from robbers and accidents."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Radical Gratitude, lectionary-based stewardship, Northwest United Methodist Foundation. (.pdf)
  • Commentary, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011.
    • "In the Treasure parable, one's "treasure" (thesaurus in Greek) is an important metaphor in Matthew indicating where one's allegiance ultimately lies and its nature."
  • Mustard Seed Parable, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2011.
  • "Splashing Water on the Floor," Fr. Rick Morley, a garden path, 2011.
    • "Jesus’ parables, the words of St. Paul, and much of the Bible should serve as a reminder that when it comes to the enormity of God, God’s Kingdom, God’s Salvation, etc. we are not only merely privy to dim reflection—silhouettes—but a silhouette is all we can handle."
  • "Wow! Would you look at this?" Peter Woods, I am Listening, 2011.
    • "How wonderful to realise as I look back on my life, that I really didn’t make much happen.  When I tried too hard I tended to butcher it.  No, I have been at my best, when I have simply allowed life to surprise me, and then responded to grace in gratitude and in giving."
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, David Ewart, 2011.
    • "Even those who are accustomed to finding and trading fine things might still encounter a life-changing experience. Even those involved in the church all their lives might still be transformed in ways beyond their imagining."
  • Lectionary Blogging, July 24, 2011, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2011.
    • "Could one say that Jesus encourages his disciples, the ones taught and trained by him in the way of the kingdom, to get rid of the old and the obsolete as well as ideas which Matthew might have considered "new-fangled"?  Disciplined and trained, the disciples can be trusted to make this determination."
  • "The Kingdom of Heaven Versus the Law of Diverse Things," Russell Rathbun, The Hardest Question, 2011.
    • "What if what looks like disorder is voluptuous growth? "
  • Commentary, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Dale Allison, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2008.
  • Treasure and Trash -- Exegesis, John R. Brokhoff, SermonStudio.
  • "Strange Scripture," Alyce McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, Patheos, 2011.
    • "A rule of thumb of parable interpretation is this: identify what is strange about the parable. It is your window into the kingdom of God (or the kingdom of heaven as Matthew prefers to call it)."
  • Preaching Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Anna Carter Florence, Lectionary Homiletics sample.
    • Somehow, I think the renewal of preaching depends on this: reengaging the scribe, so that the text can write itself on human hearts.
  • "First Thoughts on Year A Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 6, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "The good scribe or interpreter is one who both draws on tradition (scripture) and draws on contemporary experience as a parable of God's reality in the world, thus on both old and new."
  • "Mustard, Mustard, and More Mustard," Daniel Deffenbaugh, Seeds of Shalom, 2008.
    • "In other words, this apparently insignificant seed not only wreaks havoc on the order of creation, as many farmers could attest, it is also invaluable in curing many of the ills that beset us as mortal beings. How much more appealing to think about the spread of this invasive species, this metaphor for the Kingdom of God, as a reintroduction of health and healing into our world."
  • "What Is the Kingdom Like?" Rev. Todd Weir, bloomingcactus.
    • "To what would you compare the Kingdom of Heaven?  It is like finding the technology stock you bought in the 1980s for $50 and suddenly realizing you are a millionaire.    It is like the owner of DeBeers finally finding the perfect diamond and selling a billion dollar empire to have it.  It is like the harassed physician tired of the HMOs, selling home and BMW and finding bliss in a mission in Congo.  It is like the crack addict waking up with a clear head and is free to choose a new life."
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "Mustard Seed, Leaven, Priceless Pearl," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
    • "Underline the phrase, ?Have you understood this?? Jesus asked this question of his disciples and Jesus asks us this question also. Are we starting to ?get it?? Are we starting to grasp the reign of God for our lives and in our lives?"
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian P. Stoffregen at CrossMarks.
    • "As in the weeds and wheat parables and the shocking, unexpected, and unclean images in parables for this week -- we can't be certain about who is good or rotten, evil or righteous. There is a scholarship and understanding that is part of the kingdom and it requires both the new and the old; but there is also a scholarship and understanding that is not part of the kingdom -- either emphasizing only the old or only the new or looking in the wrong treasure box."
  • "Violent Parables and the Nonviolent Jesus," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
  • Matthew in the Margins, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • "The Mustard Seed," Mark Vitalis Hoffman, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, CrossMarks Christian Resources. The Parables of Jesus - to learn & teach, to share & discuss, to re-imagine & re-present.
  • "Mustard Seed!" Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach. "Focus on scripture from a justice perspective." Exegesis, study, and teen study and activities.
    • "We are most like leaven when we act as invisible agents of change in our communities."
  • Sermon Preparation Thoughts and Questions by Wesley White, 2005.
    • "While there are a multitude of creative images for experiencing the presence of GOD, the best parable has always been the life of a human being who is able to listen to GOD and live with Neighbors."
  • "Risk and Reward," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "What is the greatest reward the world can offer you? What are you willing to sacrifice so you can own it?"
  • "The Mustard Seed and the Yeast," "Parables of the Kingdom," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • Wellspring of the Gospel, Ordinary 17A, Catherine McElhinney and Kathryn Turner, Weekly Wellsprings.
• Articles & Background:
  • "Parables of Jesus," "Mustard Seed," "Yeast," "Hidden Treasure," "Pearl," "Net," wikipedia.
  • "Matthew's Nonviolent Jesus and Violent Parables," Barbara E. Reid, O.P., (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
    • "Jesus' Sermon on the Mount instructs us to not return violence for violence; instead we should be like God, who offers boundless, gratuitous love to all. But in the same Gospel Jesus tells eight parables in which God deals violently with evildoers. Which of the divine ways are we to imitate?"
  • Synopsis (English) and discussion by Dr. Mahlon H. Smith, Rutgers University. Focus is on literary relationships of texts. Includes non-canonical parallels and discussion of textual origins.
    • "The Harvest" (synopsis only)
    • "Mustard Seed and Leaven " (synopsis only)
    • "The Trained Scribe"
      • "This parable asserts the authority of an ancient scribe to alter a text by interpolating new material that was not found in the text he was copying."
    • "The Harvest as Allegory"
      • "Then Jesus is reported to supply his disciples with an interpretation, in spite of his insistence a few lines earlier that they already knew 'the secrets of the kingdom' and, therefore, needed no explanation."
  • "The Doctrine of the Kingdom in Matthew 13," Mark L. Bailey, Bibliotheca Sacra, Dallas Theological Seminary, 1999.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Bailey, Mark L., "The Kingdom in the Parables of Matthew 13," Bibliotheca Sacra, 1998-1999:
    • "Guidelines for Interpreting Jesus' Parables"
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • "The Parable of the Mustard Seed"
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Bloom, Metropolitan Anthony, "The Life of Prayer," Theology Today, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Bridges, Linda McKinnish, "Preaching the Parables in Matthew's Gospel in Ordinary Time: The Extraordinary Tales of God's World," Review & Expositor, 2007. (Section on this text begins on p.343, but is best read in context of entire article.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Crook, Zeba Antonin, "The Synoptic Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven: A Test-Case for the Two-Document, Two-Gospel, and Farrer-Goulder Hypotheses," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Ford, Richard Q., "Body Language," Interpretation, 2002. (See also, "Parables," issue focus of Interpretation 56.3 (2002).)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Gaventa, Beverly R., "Both the New and the Old," The Christian Century, 1993.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Glick, G. Wayne, "Emancipation?" The Christian Century, 2006. (Poetry)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • "Homiletical Helps," Concordia Journal, 2011. (Section on this text begins on page 156)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerial
  • Jacobson, Delmar, "An Exposition of Matthew 13:44-52," Interpretation, 1975.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • McIver, Robert K., "The Parable of the Weeds among the Wheat (Matt 13:24-30, 36-34) and the Relationship between the Kingdom and the Church as Portrayed in the Gospel of Matthew," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Phillips, Peter, "Casting out the Treasure: a New Reading of Matthew 13.52," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2008.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Reid, Barbara E., O.P., "Violent Endings in Matthew's Parables and Christian Nonviolence," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Toussaint, Stanley D. and Jay A Quine, "No, Not Yet: The Contingency of God's Promised Kingdom," Bibliotheca Sacra, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Wilmshurst, S.M.B., "The  Historic Present in Matthew's Gospel: A Survey and Analysis Focused on Matthew 13.44," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Reviews:
  • Review: Jacob Neusner, Rabbinic Literature and the New Testament: What We Cannot Show We Do Not Know. (Trinity Press International, 1994) Reviewed by J. Duncan M. Derrett in Higher Critical Review.
    • "Mt 13:44 is clearer if one knows that moveables are conveyed along with land and yet require to be lifted or drawn."
• Sermons:
  • "What Is Priceless?" Marilyn Saure Breckenridge, SermonStudio.
  • "Go for the Gold," Bishop William H. Willimon, Day 1, 2005.
  • "Who's Who?" Dr. Angela Bauer, Episcopal Divinity School, 2004.
  • "The Mustard Seed," "Treasures and Pearls," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Sermons from Seattle.
  • "Looking for the Kingdom of God Too High Up and Too Far Away," the Rev. Dr. William L. Dols, Day 1, 2002.
  • "Understanding the Kingdom," John Jewell, 2002.
  • Proper 12, AKM Adam, Flesh and Bones, 2001. (Download is one long PDF file for book of sermons.)
  • "Nonchalant in the Real Estate Office," the Rev. Dr. Norman Pott, Day 1, 1996.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily
    • Ordinary 17, 2011
    • Ordinary 17, 2008
    • Ordinary 17, 2005
    • Ordinary 17, 2002
    • Ordinary 17, 1999
    • Ordinary 17, 1996 (Dr. Mary G. Durkin)
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, Proper 12, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2011.
  • "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," July 24, 2011, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 and God's Little Seeds by Bijou Le Tord.
  • The Mustard Seed, Elaine M. Ward, SermonStudio.
  • "Parable of the Mustard Seed," Illustrating the Stories (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
  • "X Marks the Spot," Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
  • "Yeast and Mustard Seed," Children's Time for Ordinary 17, Richard Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
  • "Jesus Tells Us about Heaven," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "Parable of the Treasure and the Pearl," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
• Drama:
  • "The Treasure," Kevin Penner, dramatix.
  • "X Marks the Spot," John Fewings, dramatix.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art Images: Matthew 13:44-52, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Matthew 13:31-35, Matthew 13:44-46, Matthew 13:44-52, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
  • Matthew 13:44-52, at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • Treasure in the Field PowerPoint Slide Masters. Henry Martin, sermons4kids.com.
  • Commercial Site: The Parable of the Seed / The Kingdom of God Is Like a Mustard Seed, (Film/Visual Liturgy), The Work of the People.
• Hymns and Music:
  • “To What Can the Kingdom of God Be Compared,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, 2011. This hymn celebrates Jesus’ three short parables about the reign of God (Matthew 13:31-52). Tune: TO GOD BE THE GLORY 11.11.11.11 with Refrain (“To God Be the Glory”).
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Matthew 13:31, 38, 39, 40, 44, 46, 49. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • Hymn Selections, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
  • "Long Have I Suffered," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Parables
  • Mustard Seed
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • In the movie "A Simple Plan," a treasure is found in a field, and a man sells everything he has to obtain it. Turns out that what he sells is what has been his true treasure all along.
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Matthew

• INDEX BY SCRIPTURE
• PODCASTS
• DAILY LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• BUECHNER RESOURCES INDEX
• FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS (includes Creation)
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF TERRORISM/WAR/PEACE RESOURCES
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

• Day of Pentecost - May 19
• Trinity Sunday - May 26
• Memorial Day - May 27
• Visitation - May 31
• Pr4/OT9/P+2 - June 2
• Corpus Christi - June 2
• Pr5/OT10/P+3 - June 9
• Barnabas - June 11
• Pr6/OT11/P+4 - June 16
• Pr7/OT12/P+5 - June 23
• John the Baptist - June 24
• Sts Peter & Paul - June 29
• Pr8/OT13/P+6 - June 30
• US Independence Day - July 4
• Pr9/OT14/P+7 - July 7
• Pr10/OT15/P+8 - July 14
• Pr11/OT16/P+9 - July 21
• Mary Magdalene - July 22
• St James the Elder - July 25
  
• Pr12/OT17/P+10 - July 28
• Pr13/OT18/P+11 - Aug 4
• Feast Transfiguration - Aug 6
• Pr14/OT19/P+12 - Aug 11
• St Mary - Aug 15
• Pr15/OT20/P+13 - Aug 18
• St Bartholomew - Aug 24
• Pr16/OT21/P+14 - Aug 25
• Pr17/OT22/P+15 - Sept 1
• Pr18/OT23/P+16 - Sept 8
• Holy Cross - Sept 14
• Pr19/OT24/P+17 - Sept 15
• St Matthew - Sept 21
• Pr20/OT25/P+18 - Sept 22
• Pr21/OT26/P+19 - Sept 29
• St Michael & Angels - Sept 29
• St Francis - Oct 4
• Pr22/OT27/P+20 - Oct 6
• World Communion Sunday - Oct 6
• Pr23/OT28/P+21 - Oct 13
• Thanksgiving - CA -Oct 14
• St Luke - Oct 18
• Pr24/OT29/P+22 - Oct 20
• Pr25/OT30/P+23 - Oct 27
• St Simon & Jude - Oct 28
• Reformation Day - Oct 31
• All Saints - Nov 1
• All Souls - Nov 2
• Pr26/OT31/P+24 - Nov 3
• Pr27/OT32/P+25 - Nov 10
• Veterans Day - Nov 11
• Pr28/OT33/P+26 - Nov 17
• Reign of Christ/
  Christ the King - Nov 24
• Thanksgiving - Nov 28

• Calendars
• YEAR A
• YEAR B
• YEAR C

©1997-2012, Jenee Woodard