Genesis 13, Matthew 13

DateVersionReading Plan
January 13, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Genesis 13

Having been sent away by Pharaoh, Abram went up from Egypt along with his wife, his nephew Lot and all that he had. They settled in a place between Bethel and Ai, the region that had been given to Abram’s descendants. However, the land could not sustain both Abram and Lot due Abram’s richness in livestock, silver and gold and Lot’s flocks and herds.

Abram took initiative to keep their relationship in tact by separating; Lot to take the left hand of the land and Abram the right. Lot saw that Jordan valley in the east was well-watered, so he proceeded to journey there. As the TGCBC makes note, “Despite appearing ‘like a garden of the Lord’ (v. 10), Lot’s eastward journey (v. 11) recalls the eastward expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, and Cain’s eastward journey that took him away from God’s presence.” The relationship between eastward travel and settling and separation from the LORD is a fascinating theme. Lot went as far as Sodom whose men “were wicked, great sinners against the LORD.” (Gen. 13:13).

After Abram’s separation from Lot, the LORD told Abram that all that land was his and that he would have offspring as the dust of the earth. This is similar to Abram’s original calling in Gen. 12:2, but does not coincide yet with God changing Abram’s name to Abraham which comes later in Gen. 17:5.

Key Takeaways and Application

Abram was gracious in wanting to preserve his relationship with Lot by proposing their physical separation, demonstrating Abram’s virtuous motive to remain kinsmen. While in our modern day we do not necessarily have land conflicts of this scale, we do have neighbors with whom we should seek peaceable cohabitation.

Matthew 13

The chapter primarily consists of Jesus’ parables, beginning with the parable of the sower. This was both given by Jesus and explained by Him to the disciples. There are four types of soil which represent the receptivity of the one who hears the gospel. Three of the soils are—to one degree or another—unfruitful, while one yields a bountiful harvest. The amount of yield (”in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty” – Matt. 13:23) “would have surprised Jesus’ audience, when a yield of ten-to-one was quite successful.” (ESVEC) The varied quantities also indicate that not every believer will have the same ministerial yield. Some will have a widely impactful reach while others will have a more modest ministry.

Another noteworthy account contained in the chapter is at the very end, when the people of Jesus’ hometown are astonished at His teachings. They took offense to Jesus, questioning His background, polemically attacking his family of origin and source of wisdom.

Key Takeaways and Application

The parable of the sower and of the weeds should make us reflect on which soil we espouse. Are we receptive to the gospel, contrite in our response to its message as it leads to repentance and faith?

The enmity shown toward Jesus’ by those in His hometown also showcases at some level the false perception that reputable family lineage and formalized teaching are required to obtain Godly wisdom. This undermines the Spirit’s ability to imbue wisdom and empower those of even the most humble estate.

Resources