63. The wheat and tares-
Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43
-Jesus gives this parable and explains it to His disciples
explaining the nature of good and bad coexisting together in this world until
the end judgment. The Son of Man (God, the Messiah, Jesus) is the sower of the
good seed and these are those of the Kingdom of God whose righteousness will
shine like the noon day sun (Daniel 12:3). The enemy sows the tares (the
weeds), which represent the sons of the evil one (the unregenerate, the lost,
the unsaved). These are the stumbling blocks and rule breakers who have not
repented and come in humility to the Savior, Jesus Christ, for forgiveness of
sins and reconciliation with the Father. The reality of hell is prevalent here
in Jesus’ teachings because He is warning His listeners about the wrath to come
if they do not come to Him. *Application* Warning signs all around us are there
to help us avoid the danger that could otherwise overtake us and hurt us in a
variety of ways. Pay attention to the warning signs God gives us for direction
and protection from all that is evil and seeking to destroy us. Remember that
evil will coexist with us until the time of the end when the final harvest is
made. Endure and grow in Christ as good and pure wheat, undiluted by the weeds
that surround you. This only happens by seeking God and living by His Spirit
and clinging to Godly friends and acquaintances who do have an impact and
influence.
Verses to Memorize-
Matthew 13:41-42
64. The mustard seed-
Matt. 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19
-Small beginnings have great implications, endings, and
benefits in the Kingdom of God. This was Jesus’ point in this parable of the
tiny mustard seed that grows into a fruit bearing home for the birds.
*Application* Jesus reassures us that it takes time to become mature in the
Kingdom economy, but it is worth it. Do not despise small beginnings. God is in
these little things and desires to grow us into His fullness and greatness. One
day we will realize how awesome our seed has grown in the Kingdom and know the
truth of Christ’s words in this passage.
Verses to Memorize-
Matthew 13:31-32
65. The leaven
(yeast)- Matt. 13:33, Luke 13:20-21
-Likewise to the mustard seed turning to a large and
productive tree, Jesus shares that the Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast
(leaven), which expands and becomes bigger and bigger with age and the baking
process. *Application* In contradiction to the general expectation, Christ’s
Kingdom began quietly and very unexpectedly. Most of God’s chosen people were
looking for a mighty political ruler that would overtake the world with force
and extreme external power. Jesus initiated the Kingdom with His first coming
as a sacrificial Servant that saved the world from its demise and sin. This can
easily be overlooked, but it shouldn’t. God’s ways are higher than our ways and
His plan far exceeds anything our finite minds could conceive (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Enjoy the fact that His Kingdom is ever expanding and will one day be the only
power left in this world. In the end love wins!
Verse to Memorize-
Luke 13:21
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