*Matthew 13:24-43
Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to a field where good seeds are sown, but an enemy sows weeds as well, and the final separation will happen at the harvest.
- The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds:
- Jesus tells a parable about a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while everyone slept, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat.
- When the plants grew, the weeds appeared alongside the wheat, and the servants asked if they should pull out the weeds.
- The man instructs them to let both grow together until the harvest, at which time the weeds will be gathered and burned, while the wheat will be collected into his barn.
- Explanation of the Parable:
- Jesus explains that the one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man (himself), the field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, and the weeds are the sons of the evil one.
- The harvest represents the end of the age, and the angels will separate the evil from the righteous, casting the evildoers into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
- The Parable of the Mustard Seed:
- Jesus tells another parable about the kingdom of heaven being like a mustard seed, which is small but grows into a tree, providing shelter for the birds of the air.
- The Parable of the Yeast:
- He also compares the kingdom of heaven to yeast that a woman mixed into a large amount of flour, causing it to permeate the whole batch.
- Understanding Parables:
- Jesus concludes by explaining that he speaks in parables to reveal truths about the kingdom of heaven to those who are receptive, while concealing them from those who are not.
13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
13:26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
13:31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 13:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
13:36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
13:37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
13:40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.