Matthew 13:13-17

1. Modernism indeed marked a transformative era in the realms of art, literature, and education. It was a period of profound change, where the very foundations of societal norms and artistic conventions were questioned and redefined. In education, this translated into a curriculum that emphasized innovation, individuality, and a break from the rigid structures of the past. Universities and art schools became the incubators for modernist ideas, fostering environments where students were not only learners but also contributors to the evolution of culture. This educational shift had a ripple effect, influencing various fields and leading to advancements in technology, communication, and social dynamics. The legacy of Modernism in education is still evident today, as it laid the groundwork for contemporary educational philosophies that value creativity, critical analysis, and an interdisciplinary approach.

2. In contrast to Modernism, Postmodernism emerged as a movement focused on deconstructing established systems and challenging grand narratives. It rejects the notion of objective truth and formal knowledge imparted through traditional education. Instead, Postmodernism emphasizes the subjective, valuing personal experience, feelings, and imagination. Truth, in the Postmodernist view, is fluid and contingent, subject to interpretation and reinterpretation. While philosophical concepts like Modernism and Postmodernism have influenced our education system, focusing on learning and application, today I want to shift our attention to understanding knowledge in a different context. This is particularly important for Christians when approaching the Bible, as hearing and understanding are foundational to our faith. So, let's explore the meaning of education in light of today's sermon. Please turn with me to Matthew 13:13-17.

Matthew 13:13–14 (NRSV)

The reason I speak to them in parables is that ‘seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.’ With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: ‘You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive.

Matthew 13:15–16 (NRSV)

For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.

Matthew 13:17 NRSV

Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.

3.In Matthew 13:13-17, Jesus’ audience struggled to understand his parables. They were expecting clear, direct teachings, but Jesus used parables to challenge their assumptions and encourage deeper thinking. We now have the benefit of hindsight and the full biblical context, which helps us understand why his listeners were confused. This allows us to engage with the parables more deeply and gain spiritual insights they may have missed. Similarly, in John 14, Jesus spoke to his disciples about heaven and the way to get there, offering teachings that required them to look beyond their expectations.

John 14:1–3 NRSV

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.

John 14:4–7 NRSV

And you know the way to the place where I am going.”Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

4. When I was a child, the elders at our church often spoke of a grand mansion in heaven, boasting 100 rooms, just for them. They believed that if I remained faithful, God would reward me with this magnificent dwelling. Whenever I asked for more details, they would point to John 14:1-3. This vision of heaven, shaped by the cultural context of these Korean elders, reflected their deep desires. In Korea, where high-rise apartments dominated the housing landscape, their dream of heaven became intertwined with the idea of owning a vast, splendid home—something rare in their earthly experience.

5. What is the Canadian concept of heaven? Our expectations of heaven are often shaped by our personal experiences and cultural context. Because of this, we can’t easily judge whether the views of Korean elders, or anyone else, are right or wrong. This also helps explain why the Jews misunderstood the coming of the Messiah when Jesus arrived. Their understanding of the Messiah’s coming wasn’t grounded in Scripture but shaped by their desire for political freedom. They longed for a Messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule and establish a nation more powerful than the empire. Their situation and hopes heavily influenced these expectations.

6. From this perspective, we gain insights into the nature of education. Learning is a two-fold path: gaining knowledge and accumulating experience. We gather knowledge from educators, mentors, and those who have walked the path before us. We then strive to apply this acquired knowledge to our lives, thereby gaining valuable experience.

7. However, expectations can impede our educational progress. When balanced, expectations can motivate and guide learning. Yet, when these expectations harden into prejudice, they become barriers to true learning and understanding. Racism stands as a stark illustration of the destructive power of unchecked expectations. Prejudice against certain nationalities hinders the formation of meaningful relationships and obstructs genuine understanding.

8. Historically, deep divisions existed between Jews and Gentiles. Each group held reservations about the other, and Jews believed salvation was exclusive to their chosen people. They held that God's covenant with them ensured their salvation. However, through Jesus Christ, God dismantled the wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles. His sacrifice extended salvation to all, including the Gentiles, demonstrating the boundless reach of His love and grace.

Romans 10:10–13 NLT

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

9. The New Testament of the Bible reveals numerous prejudices against Jesus Christ, rooted in expectations. First-century Messianic expectations portrayed the Messiah as a powerful king who would vanquish the Roman Empire and establish a mighty kingdom for the Jews. This expectation blinded them to recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, leading to rejection and misunderstanding of his teachings. Their rigid expectations obscured God's plan and love.

10. In contrast, Jesus' disciples recognized him as the promised Messiah through faith, not expectation. Faith enabled them to shed their prejudices and embrace God's plan. Faith allowed them to truly hear Jesus' teachings.

Ephesians 2:19 MSG

That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building.

Ephesians 2:20–22 MSG

He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

11. Today, as we gather for our Sunday School picnic and mark the start of a new school year, let's create an atmosphere where faith takes centre stage. Beyond the games and laughter, let's prioritize nurturing the spiritual growth of our children.

12. Let's foster an environment where faith thrives. We can do this by sharing our own beliefs openly and honestly, and by sharing stories of how God has worked in our lives.  Remember, our expectations can sometimes limit our understanding of God's vastness. True faith, however, opens our eyes to a God of infinite love and power, who has redeemed us and given us new life.

13. So let's embrace faith in Christ with all our hearts. Let's set aside any preconceived notions or prejudices, and open ourselves to the amazing ways God is working in and through us, even in the lives of our children. This new school year, let's make it our mission to help our children experience the transformative power of God's love.