October 5, 2022 -- Matthew 13:36-43 -- Wheat and weeds sown into the world

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People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
Matthew 13:36-43 ESV

Jesus sows good seed. His followers are sons and daughters of the Father in heaven. They bear good fruit. Their lives are dedicated to the Father. That is true fruitfulness, to obey the Father, living lives of thankful obedience to Him for the greatness of His salvation poured out into their lives. Included in this parable is a terrifying image, that the devil sows sons and daughters into this world whose purpose is to choke out the children of God, to oppose them and seek to overrule them. Consider the implications of this parable.

  • This is why a Christian cannot marry a non-Christian—one serves the Father in heaven and the other, no matter how disarmingly charming, is working the devil’s purposes of destroying the works of God.

  • This is why the Christian has, as his closest advisors Christian friends only, no others need apply. Non-Christian friends may be friends, but all their counsel is from the depths of hell and is Devil-designed to throw as many as possible into the lake of fire. So a Christian takes counsel from the Word of God, from the direction of the Holy Spirit and from Christian friends whose walk with God is bearing fruit.

  • This is why the Christian studies the word of God—so help him discern what is wheat and good and true from what are weeds. Weeds, at first, may appear like the wheat, at an early stage seeming so innocuous or so like a Christian might be, but they are children of the Devil and can only bring choking destruction.

Take courage, believer, Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). The Father in heaven and Jesus, Who is seated at the Father’s right have, have poured out the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge so that the believer will be able to distinguish what is good and true and holy. This is why it is so sweet to trust in Jesus and to take Him at His Word

Father in heaven, there is such a perverse rebellion in my heart, something that inclines me to argue with Your Word and Your wisdom. Yet, Your Word is tested and true. It is completely reliable and reveals Your faithfulness to Your sons and daughters. Thank You for Your steadfast patience and love toward all Your people. By the powerful presence of Your Spirit, help me in this day to give to You all my obedience. You have already given fullness of life in Jesus Christ. You have already put Your Spirit in my heart so that the battle's outcome is already assured: Jesus has already overcome the world, He has already disarmed the Devil. Blessed are You, Triune God, and beautiful and perfect in all Your ways. Amen.

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