During September we used the parable of the sower as the basis of our sermon series … focusing on the eagerness of God to save. Now, for the next few weeks we want to focus on the seed. The power of the word is amazing … but it is only as effective as a person will allow. In fact, the majority will not respond favorably. How should we treat those who do not? And how does this fit into our overall purpose and mission as we live on earth? Today, we’ll discover how in Jesus’ parable of the weeds.
I. The Story
A. Matthew 13:24-25: He presented another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while people were sleeping, his enemy came, sowed weeds
the wheat, and left. B. Matthew 13:26-27: When the plants sprouted and produced grain, then the
also appeared. The landowner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Master, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Then where did the weeds come from?’ C. Matthew 13:28b-30: ‘So, do you want us to go and pull them up?’ the servants asked him. “ ‘No,’ he said. ‘When you pull up the weeds, you might also uproot the wheat with them. Let both _grow together_until the harvest. At harvest time I’ll tell the reapers: Gather the weeds first and tie them in bundles to burn them, but collect the wheat in my barn.’ ”
II. What Does the Story Mean?
A. Matthew 13:37: “The one who sows the good seed is the
; i.e., Jesus Christ. B. Matthew 13:38a: the field is the
; C. Matthew 13:38b: and the good seed—these are the
.
- We’re not here by accident. He wants us in the world.
D. Matthew 13:38c: The weeds are the children of the
, E. Matthew 13:39a: and the enemy who sowed them is the
.
Satan is at work over-sowing what God has done.
His people exist together in the world with us.
F. Matthew 13:39b: The harvest is the end of the age, …
Why is this important to understand?
It’s not for us to go rip out the weeds. This is not the age of judgment.
John 3:17: For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to
the world through him. This is an age of grace. We work for redemption. Hearts of compassion — not hearts of condemnation.
G. Matthew 13:39c: the harvesters are
.
- Angels are called to judgment. We’re called to righteous influence. We’re the sowers.
III. As We Close…
A. What comes at the end?
Matthew 13.40: Therefore, just as the weeds are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age.
Matthew 13.42: They will throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Eternal punishment in hell.
B. Our job is be patient and plant seed now … influence people for good.
Learn to co-exist while God works everything out.
One day, judgment will come. We move in trust of God’s promise.
Matthew 13:43a: Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom.
C. Matthew 13:43b: Let anyone who has ears listen. Are you listening?