Jesus, throughout His earthly stay spoke often of the coming dispensation which would ultimately put an end to the then current one. The parables of Matthew 13 hint the Apostles and all of mankind to what was coming. Not a time where mere moral precept would need constant explanation and exercise, but instead, coming was a battle between light and darkness. Jesus, the Light Himself, and Way, Truth and Life represents the Kingdom of heaven, Satan and His armies, the opposition.
Jesus starts with a parable in Matthew 13 –“Behold, a sower went forth to sow; “””some seeds fell by the way side, Some fell upon stony places, some fell among thorns, other fell into good ground.”
In explanation Jesus speaks to the Apostles only,
“When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.
Jesus then tells of “tribulation or persecution arising because of the word, and offended ones..” And “the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choking the word, and becoming unfruitful. ” But,” he that heareth the word, and understands it; which also bears fruit, and brings forth fruit…”
Friends, beyond a mere Law-following, our watch includes a stealing devil, choking cares, deceit of riches, tribulation and persecution — all of which are defeated by “hearing the Word and understanding it.” Matthew 13:23
“There’s more, “…a man sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. Matthew 13:26
So? “”An enemy hath done this.”
“Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest” Matthew 13:28-30
Beloved, a hateful, hostel, oppositional one has done this. “Sunauxanō!”let them both grow together. Yes, With suspicion? No,
” Note, It is not possible for any man infallibly to distinguish between tares and wheat, but he may be mistaken; and therefore such is the wisdom and grace of Christ, that he will rather permit the tares, than any way endanger the wheat. It is certain, scandalous offenders are to be censured, and we are to withdraw from them; those who are openly the children of the wicked one, are not to be admitted to special ordinances; yet it is possible there may be a discipline, either so mistaken in its rules, or so over-nice in the application of them, as may prove vexatious to many that are truly godly and conscientious. Great caution and moderation must be used in inflicting and continuing church censures, lest the wheat be trodden down, if not plucked up. “MH
The wisdom from above, as it is pure, so it is peaceable, and those who oppose themselves must not be cut off, but instructed, and with meekness, 2Timothy 2:25.
Next, “The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:”
And, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. “
Both the mustard seed and the leaven are tiny to begin. However both can grow into a something great. We must beware of this principle of growth and letting evil get a foothold.
Parables of a goodly pearl and treasure in a field remind us of keeping focus on the things of greatest value.
Last, but not least we have:
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:50
Beloved, there will be an ultimate day of reckoning. We must pray for those lost ones. Love ya
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