JUDGMENT COMING
Matthew 13:24–30; 36–43
Wheat or Weeds (24–30)
In this very important chapter, we gain a better understanding of the Kingdom of God, and we encounter what some have called the mystery parables. Remember, parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings. As we come to verse 24, Jesus shares the parable of the wheat and the tares.
The sower has planted wheat. However, the enemy comes at night and sows weeds among the grain. As the crop begins to sprout, it is difficult to distinguish between the wheat and the weeds.
The landowner instructs his servants not to attempt to pull out the weeds lest they also pull out some of the wheat. He tells them to wait for harvest time. At that time, the wheat and the weeds will be separated safely. The weeds will be burned, and the wheat will be gathered and taken into the barn.
Our job is not to pull out the weeds; our job is to sow the seed. From our limited perspective, it’s hard to distinguish between authentic and counterfeit believers. It’s best if we examine our own lives and settle that issue as we anticipate His soon return.
Jesus or the Devil (36–39)
In these verses, Jesus gives the interpretation of the parable of the wheat and the tares. He identifies Himself as the Sower and the field as the world. The seed is the gospel, and the crop of wheat represents believers. The enemy who comes by night is the devil.
The tares that he sows among the wheat represent the children of wickedness. These are people who may say many of the right things and make you believe they are authentic followers of Christ. J. Vernon McGee writes that the tares can also represent false doctrine. In our day, there are many who preach a different gospel.
There are those who preach a prosperity gospel or other nonbiblical doctrines that deceive many. Every heresy has a little bit of truth and a lot of error. We must be discerning and vigilant.
Heaven or Hell (40–43)
At the end of the parable, Jesus explains that at harvest time, the Son of Man will send His angels to gather the unbelievers out of His Kingdom. They will be cast into the fire, and there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” However, the righteous ones will shine like the sun in the Kingdom.
I’m reminded of Jesus’ earlier teaching in Matthew 7:23 when Jesus says to those who claimed to know Him, “I never knew you. Depart from me!”
It is possible to join a church but not join Christ. It is possible to know a lot about Jesus, but knowledge alone won’t save you. It’s even possible to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and not be saved. James 2:19 states that even the demons believe and tremble. In order to be on the “right side” in the Judgment, you need to understand that you are a sinner. You cannot save yourself. The Bible says whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. We must believe what the Bible says about Jesus.
It is only by acknowledging our sinfulness and our need of the Savior, by inviting Him into our lives in humble surrender and receiving Him as Lord and Savior that we are saved. The Holy Spirit will confirm in our hearts that we are children of God. He will seal us for that day when we will see Jesus face-to-face.
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
