Dr Paul Allen

Geoffrey Chaucer wrote his famous Canterbury Tales in the 14th century. One of the stories in this narrative is the Knight’s Tale. As a group of pilgrims is on its way to Canterbury, the knight tells his tale about two rival knights, Arcite and Palamon, both vying for the hand in marriage of a fair maiden, Emily. The knights face each other in a public tournament for her hand. Both seem to want victory, but… But then comes the prayer which reveals their true desires. Emily prays that she will marry the one who truly loves her. Palamon prays that he will marry her. Arcite prays for victory in the tournament. All three prayers are answered when Arcite wins the tournament, but then he falls off his horse and dies, so Palamon, who truly loves Emily, gets to marry her. This story shows what happens when true desires are exposed, which is what we see in Matthew 13. In Matthew 13:44-46 we see two short parables about the Kingdom. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in...

The Parables of the kingdom : a. The Sower ( Matt. 13:1-9 & 13:10-23) -  The point -  One’s response to the gospel shows one’s relationship to the kingdom. - In Matt.  13:19  calls the gospel “the word of the kingdom”. - Matt.  13:19  comments on those who hear the gospel and don’t respond, Matt. 13:20-22 comments on those who hear and respond positively (but not in saving faith), and Matt. 13:23  comments on those who hear and respond in saving faith; namely the message of the gospel produces fruit (though that “fruit” isn’t explained, but Matt. 13:18-23 suggest that it has something to do with  persevering in trial, as well as avoiding “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches“.   It would see to be some sort of vague “fruit” that is the natural product of saving faith; perseverance and righteousness.). b.  The Weeds (Matt. 13:24-29, 13:36-43) -  The point  ...