Following an open invitation to his family, Jesus shares the first of many illustrative stories, called “parables,” which provide commentary on the different responses he has already received from the people he has encountered. Jesus uses these parables to distinguish between those who are not open to his message, and those who truly want to discover the Kingdom of God through him.

1. Matthew 12:50 - Do you have an honest desire to do the will of God, or does it sometimes feel forced? Spend a few minutes worshiping God and asking him to show you his love and blessing, so that you can serve him willingly and joyfully.
2. Matthew 13:21 - When things get difficult, is your tendency to go to God’s word, or to fear? Find a Bible verse that is encouraging to you, and keep it written somewhere you can reference it easily.
3. Matthew 13:22 - Do you think more about your needs and wants in this life, or about God’s promises toward you? List the things that tend to consume your thought life, and surrender them one by one to Jesus.

• The Bible Project: Matthew 1-13
• “Growing Your Soil” - Sermon