The King Revealed: Parables, Power, and the Price of Unbelief
- Be God's Glory
- Oct 14
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 15
Welcome to Day 286 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
In Matthew 12–14, the identity and authority of Jesus as the promised Messiah are powerfully revealed through His teachings, miracles, and responses to opposition. These chapters mark a turning point in His ministry as conflict with the Pharisees intensifies, the mysteries of the Kingdom are unveiled through parables, and His divine power over nature, sickness, and death is displayed. Jesus exposes the hardness of human hearts while extending grace to those with faith. Through rejection, revelation, and restoration, these chapters show the contrast between belief and unbelief—revealing that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who hear and understand the Word of God with humble hearts. Ultimately, Matthew 12–14 highlights the compassion of Christ toward His people, the call to faith amid fear, and the cost of following the One who reigns with divine authority.
Matthew 12
Matthew 12 presents growing conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees as they challenge Him over Sabbath laws and His authority. Jesus defends His disciples’ actions by declaring Himself “Lord of the Sabbath,” emphasizing that mercy is greater than sacrifice. When He heals a man with a withered hand, the Pharisees plot against Him, revealing their hardened hearts. Jesus then confronts their accusation that His miracles come from Satan, teaching that a divided kingdom cannot stand and warning about the unpardonable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit—rejecting God’s truth through willful unbelief. The chapter ends with Jesus redefining true family as those who do the will of His Father, showing that spiritual relationship with God outweighs blood ties. Through this, Matthew 12 exposes religious hypocrisy and highlights Jesus’ authority and compassion as the true fulfillment of God’s law.
Matthew 13
In Matthew 13, Jesus begins teaching in parables, revealing the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven to those with receptive hearts. The Parable of the Sower illustrates how different hearts respond to God’s Word, while other parables—like the Wheat and Tares, Mustard Seed, and Hidden Treasure—show the Kingdom’s growth, value, and eventual judgment. Jesus explains that parables both reveal truth to believers and conceal it from the hard-hearted. The chapter emphasizes spiritual discernment, calling listeners to truly hear and understand the message of the Kingdom. When Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth, the people’s unbelief prevents them from receiving His mighty works, demonstrating that faith is essential to experiencing God’s power.
Matthew 14
Matthew 14 opens with the tragic account of John the Baptist’s beheading, foreshadowing the suffering that awaits all who faithfully proclaim truth. Despite His grief, Jesus shows compassion by feeding over five thousand people with five loaves and two fish—revealing His divine provision and care. Later, He walks on water, demonstrating His authority over creation and inviting Peter to step out in faith amid the storm. When Peter begins to sink, Jesus lovingly rescues him, teaching the necessity of steadfast trust. The chapter concludes with Jesus healing all who touch His garment, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God who brings restoration and hope. Matthew 14 reveals a Savior who meets both spiritual and physical needs while calling His followers to trust Him completely.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Matthew comes from the Hebrew name “Mattityahu”, which means “Gift of Yahweh” or “Gift of the Lord.” This name beautifully reflects Matthew’s role as one chosen by God to record the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Before following Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector, a profession often despised in Jewish society, yet his name signifies that God can transform anyone into a vessel of divine purpose and truth.
Purpose of the Book:
The Gospel of Matthew was written to present Jesus Christ as the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the rightful King of the Jews. Its primary purpose is to prove that Jesus is the promised Savior who fulfills the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Matthew emphasizes the Kingdom of Heaven, a theme unique to his Gospel, portraying Jesus as both the divine Son of God and the authoritative teacher who reveals the righteousness of God’s kingdom. The book bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing how Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection complete God’s redemptive plan. Matthew’s Gospel also provides a blueprint for discipleship, emphasizing faith, obedience, and spreading the good news to all nations (Matthew 28:18–20).
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The author of the Gospel is traditionally identified as Matthew, also called Levi, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He was a Jewish tax collector before Jesus called him to follow Him (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27–28). Early church tradition strongly affirms Matthew’s authorship.
Internal Evidence: The Gospel includes detailed financial references (such as the coin in the fish’s mouth in Matthew 17:27 and the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30), which align with Matthew’s background as a tax collector and accountant.
External Evidence: Early Christian writers confirm Matthew’s authorship:
Papias (c. A.D. 100–140), as quoted by Eusebius in Ecclesiastical History (Book 3, Chapter 39), wrote: “Matthew composed the oracles (sayings) in the Hebrew language, and everyone interpreted them as he was able.”
Irenaeus (c. A.D. 180), in Against Heresies (Book 3, Chapter 1), stated that “Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect while Peter and Paul were preaching in Rome.”
Origen (c. A.D. 230) and Eusebius both affirmed Matthew as the author of the first Gospel.Additionally, the Gospel itself aligns with Jewish customs and thought, indicating that its author had a deep understanding of Jewish law and prophecy—consistent with Matthew’s identity as a Jewish disciple.
Key People:
Jesus Christ – The central figure, revealed as the Messiah, King, and Son of God.
Mary and Joseph – The earthly parents of Jesus, demonstrating faith and obedience.
John the Baptist – The forerunner who prepared the way for Christ through repentance and baptism.
The Twelve Disciples – Including Peter, James, John, Andrew, and Matthew himself, chosen by Jesus to continue His ministry.
The Pharisees and Sadducees – Religious leaders who opposed Jesus and represent hypocrisy and legalism.
Pontius Pilate – The Roman governor who authorized Jesus’ crucifixion.
Mary Magdalene – A faithful follower of Jesus who witnessed His resurrection.
The Angel of the Lord – A recurring messenger of God’s direction and revelation throughout the narrative.
Conclusion
The Book of Matthew serves as a powerful declaration that Jesus Christ is the promised King and Savior who fulfills God’s covenant promises. It bridges prophecy with fulfillment, law with grace, and Israel’s hope with the world’s redemption. Matthew’s Gospel calls believers to recognize Jesus not only as the Messiah of Israel but as the Redeemer of all humanity. Through His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice, Jesus reveals the heart of God and the call for His followers to live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. The book concludes with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20), reminding us that God’s purpose for His people is to share His truth, make disciples, and continue His work on earth through faith, obedience, and love.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Matthew 12
God’s character in Matthew 12 is revealed as merciful, just, and sovereign over all religious traditions. Jesus, as the Lord of the Sabbath, shows that God desires mercy more than sacrifice and that His compassion outweighs legalistic rituals. He displays divine patience toward those who oppose Him, yet firmly confronts hypocrisy and unbelief. Through His actions, we see a God who restores what is broken and welcomes those who seek truth over tradition.
In this chapter, Jesus embodies Yahweh Rapha (The Lord Who Heals) as He heals the man’s withered hand, showing that healing and restoration are part of God’s nature. He also reveals Himself as Adonai haShabbat (Lord of the Sabbath), affirming His divine authority over creation and rest. The lesson God teaches in Matthew 12 is that true relationship with Him is not about religious performance but about a heart of mercy and obedience. He calls His followers to align their hearts with His compassion and to trust His authority over every area of life.
Matthew 13
God’s character in Matthew 13 is that of a wise teacher and patient sower. Jesus reveals God’s heart to make the mysteries of His Kingdom known to those who are humble and willing to hear. He is gracious in revealing truth, yet just in allowing those who harden their hearts to remain blind to spiritual understanding. Through the parables, we see a God who values growth, transformation, and perseverance in the lives of His people.
No specific Hebrew names of God are mentioned directly in Matthew 13, but the chapter reveals the nature of El Hakadosh (The Holy God) who separates truth from falsehood and righteousness from wickedness, much like the separation of wheat from tares. The lesson in this chapter is that God calls us to cultivate receptive hearts that respond to His Word. He teaches that the Kingdom of Heaven grows within us when we listen, obey, and value His truth above all else—trusting that even small seeds of faith can produce great harvests.
Matthew 14
In Matthew 14, God’s character shines through His compassion, sovereignty, and power. Jesus reveals divine empathy as He feeds the multitude despite His own grief, showing that God’s love never ceases even in sorrow. His command over nature as He walks on water displays His supremacy over chaos and fear, proving that nothing is beyond His control. In every miracle, God’s compassion meets human need, affirming His intimate involvement in our struggles.
This chapter reflects the nature of Yahweh Yireh (The Lord Will Provide), seen when Jesus multiplies the loaves and fishes to feed the crowd. It also reflects Yahweh Nissi (The Lord My Banner), as Jesus demonstrates victory over fear and doubt when He calms the storm and rescues Peter. The lesson God teaches in Matthew 14 is that faith grows when we trust Him in the impossible. He calls us to look beyond our fear, fix our eyes on Him, and believe that He will provide, protect, and sustain us in every season.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Jesus’ response to the Pharisees in Matthew 12 reveal God’s mercy and patience toward those who misunderstand His truth?
What does Jesus being “Lord of the Sabbath” teach us about God’s authority over religious traditions and human rest?
How do the parables in Matthew 13 reveal God’s wisdom and His desire for people to truly understand His Word?
In what ways does Jesus’ compassion in feeding the five thousand in Matthew 14 show God’s heart for provision and care?
What do Jesus’ miracles of healing and deliverance in these chapters teach us about God’s power to restore what is broken?
How does Jesus’ response to rejection and unbelief reveal God’s patience and justice working together?
When Jesus walks on water and calms the disciples’ fear, what does that moment teach us about God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in times of chaos?
Questions About Themes:
What is the central conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees in Matthew 12, and how does it reflect the danger of religious hypocrisy?
How do the parables in Matthew 13 illustrate the different ways people respond to God’s Word and truth?
What does the Parable of the Sower reveal about spiritual growth and the condition of the human heart?
How do Matthew 13’s parables of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price demonstrate the true value of the Kingdom of Heaven?
How does Matthew 14 show the tension between fear and faith, particularly through Peter’s experience walking on water?
What role does faith play in experiencing the power and presence of God throughout these three chapters?
How does the rejection Jesus faces in His hometown and by religious leaders contrast with the faith of those who sought Him sincerely?
Reflective Application Questions:
In what ways might you be tempted to value religious habits over genuine mercy and compassion like the Pharisees in Matthew 12?
How can you make space in your life to hear and understand God’s Word more deeply, like the good soil in the Parable of the Sower?
What does it mean for you personally to live as someone who treasures the Kingdom of Heaven above everything else?
How can you respond to rejection or misunderstanding in your faith with the same grace and patience that Jesus demonstrated?
When you face fear or uncertainty, how can you follow Peter’s example by stepping out in faith and fixing your eyes on Jesus?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God’s provision more, remembering that He is Yahweh Yireh, your Provider?
How can the miracles, teachings, and parables of Jesus in these chapters deepen your faith and shape your daily walk with Him?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
Comments