Today we read Matthew 13. This chapter contains several beautiful parables. A parable is a teaching by Jesus about heaven, in which He uses earthly examples to make His instruction easier for us to understand. Sometimes He has to explain His teaching because the disciples do not understand Him at first. See the parable of the sower (teaching in verses 3-8; explanation in verses 18-23). May you be blessed by today’s teaching by Jesus and may you be His good seed (verse 23)!

Today we read Matthew 12. “Blasphemy against the Spirit” in verse 31 means that the only sin that will not be forgiven is to believe in Jesus and then at a later point to turn away from faith in Him and remain in that unbelief–and never repent of it. Please keep us from committing that horrible sin, Lord Jesus!

Today we read Matthew 11. Jesus gives us rest. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. This does not mean that *life* as a Christian is always easy because the world will often oppose us. It means that Jesus carries all our sins and sorrows to the cross. What a gift that is!

Read Matthew 10. A key message here is that Jesus tells His followers to “have no fear” (verse 28). If you believe in Jesus Christ, even if earthly rulers might kill you for your faith in Him, your soul is safe. And you will be raised again to eternal life at the Last Day–with a new glorified body–and will forever be with Jesus and all the other believers from throughout history. That is most comforting!