Day #21: January 21, 2009 - Matthew 13:24-43

In today's reading, we see Jesus continue teaching parables. This passage begins with the parable of the weeds. Jesus illustrates that the Kingdom of God grows quietly and abundantly, yet evil still exists in the world. The picture of weeds planted in the fields was a known practice in ancient warfare and feuds—destroy a nation’s (or person’s) agricultural base and his military power would also be destroyed. Because no one recognized the weeds, both weeds and wheat grew at the same time.

Who are these “weeds”? Jesus explain that “the weeds are the people who belong to the evil one” (13:38). They may be people in the church who appear to be believers but who never truly believe. Folks who show up to church week after week. Year after year, yet, no change takes place. No repentance. Our arch enemy, Satan (13:39), is always working to stop the growth of God’s Kingdom. In this parable, the enemy caused a problem, so the servants asked if they should pull out the weeds. The owner decided that the wheat and weeds should grow together until the harvest—a common metaphor for the final judgment (Jeremiah 51:33; Hosea 6:11; Revelation 14:14-16). Jesus was making the point that while His coming signaled the arrival of the Kingdom, its consummation would be delayed until His return. God will not eliminate all opposition until the end of the age. The children of God and children of Satan would grow together “until” the harvest; then, God would judge and sort out his children from Satan’s children.


Then, Jesus Tells the Parable of the Mustard Seed. No one parable can completely describe God’s Kingdom in all its aspects, so Jesus taught several parables. Through this parable, Jesus explained that his Kingdom of God would have a small beginning. Indeed, it began with Jesus alone and, upon his ascension, was left in the care of twelve apostles and just a few hundred other followers. Jesus compared this beginning to the mustard seed, which was the smallest seed that a farmer used. The mustard seed was so small that it would take almost twenty thousand seeds to make one ounce. No other seed so small produced such a large plant. Jesus’ point was that just as a tiny seed will grow into a large plant, so God’s Kingdom will produce many people who truly believe. (Lord, do that kind of work here at COV)


Next, Jesus Tells the Parable of the Yeast. Like the parable of the mustard seed, this parable stresses small beginnings with great growth. Yeast permeates and transforms; thus, we see another aspect of the Kingdom. In other Bible passages, yeast is used as a symbol of evil or uncleanness. Here it is a positive symbol of growth. Although yeast looks like a minor ingredient, it permeates every part of the dough. Although the Kingdom had small beginnings, it would grow to have a great impact on the world. (Lord, use our people here at COV to permeate every area of our valley)

Jesus reminds us of why he spoke in parables - He quotes Psalm 78:2. This Psalm reviews Israel’s history from the time of slavery in Egypt to David’s reign. This psalm was told over and over to each generation so they would not forget God and make the same mistakes as their ancestors. The mysteries hidden refers to God’s mighty acts in redeeming his people despite their sin and unfaithfulness.

Finally, in this last parable of this passage, Jesus Explains the Parable of the Weeds. The young weeds and the young blades of wheat look the same and can’t be distinguished until they are grown and ready for harvest. Weeds (unbelievers) and wheat (believers) must live side by side in the world. God allows unbelievers to remain for a while, just as a farmer allows weeds to remain in his field so that the surrounding wheat won’t be uprooted with them. At the harvest, however, the weeds will be thrown away. Jesus explained to his listening disciples that the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom, sown by the Son of Man in the field of the world. In this world also exist people who belong to the evil one, sown by him into this world. At the end of the world, the angels would come and the harvest would begin. At this harvest, God will separate his people from Satan’s people. As the harvesters collect the weeds into bundles to be destroyed, so Satan’s works and Satan’s people will be thrown into the furnace—a metaphor for final judgment (Daniel 3:6). Jesus often used the term weeping and gnashing of teeth to refer to judgement and hell. The “weeping” indicates sorrow or remorse, and “gnashing of teeth” shows extreme anxiety or pain. Hell is a place of great pain, loneliness and regret. Those who say they don’t care what happens to them after they die don’t realize what they are saying. We should be doing everything we can to share the Love of god with people and make clear to them the plan of salvation. God will punish them for living in selfishness and indifference to him. Reflecting words from Daniel 12:3, Jesus described the final glory of the godly. Those who receive God’s favor stand in bright contrast to those who receive his judgment. Heaven will be a glorious place!

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read?)



I desire so much for the people of COV to grow and mature in their faith. I am praying big time that UCOV (every wed night from 7-8:30) will be a catalyst for this. Lord, take people deeper in the commitment to you than ever before. Take them deeper in their understanding of your word and truth than ever before. As I read this passage, my energy and spirit are reignited to grow true disciples at COV and to see that every disciple have a heart for the lost and a clear understanding of what hell is like. Lord break our hearts with the reality of hell.


PRAYER


Give me opportunities to share my story of faith today and give me a renewed heart to CARE about the spiritual condition of others. Lord, open the door of Akil's heart. Give Rob a open heart to grab lunch and give him a soft heart. Draw Mike back into a relationship with you. Bring people into the life of Lauren who will love her and share with her about you.