The Reading of the Week: Matthew 13:24-43. Click here for a review of Matthew 13's context.
"How could a loving God allow so much suffering?" It's a common question from people who look at what's happening in the world around us and can't help but wonder, "Where's God in all of this?" The same kinds of observations throughout Matthew 11 and 12 were prompting Jesus' followers to ask, "Where's the Kingdom in all of this?"
While the Parable of the Sower normalizes what's being experienced and the Parable of the Weeds promises that it's only a temporary reality, it's two tiny parables tucked in Matthew 13 that explain how the Kingdom can be here, and yet not be obvious.
These two parables, the mustard seed and the leaven, both focus on how the Kingdom starts out small and inconspicuous (like a tiny seed or yeast in bread dough), and yet, when the time is right, it will grow into something amazing. In other words, the Kingdom is present, the effects of it just aren't experienced yet.
Question: How does the hidden nature of the Kingdom impact how you understand everyday life?
If you're wondering, "Where's God in All of This?" then I invite you to check out a booklet by the same name (use the previous link to download a pdf or order a paper copy here). It's a free resource written by Pastor Joe and published by Lutheran Hour Ministries.