Parable of the Tares is an illustration about a sower who sows good seeds in his field "but while he slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way." (13:25) Tares are pretty much weeds but disguised as wheat but when they grow the difference between the two crops are evident. The servants of the sower concerned, asks if they should uproot the tares from the field. The sower replies "Let them both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."" (13:30) The tares/weeds represents those who pretend to be Christians but truly do not have relationship with God and instead are children of the devil. Notice that Jesus says the two groups of people will not be separated until harvest/judgment. The fate of each group will be clearly just. (13:42-43)
Parable of the Net (13:47-50) is very similar to that of the tares. It emphasizes that there will be a separation of the righteous and the wicked at the final judgement.
Life Application: We are surrounded by people who profess to be Christians but are really not. Some of these people even attend our churches. At times it's tempting to call them out on it but Jesus is telling us it is not our duty to judge the character or motives of other people - they will be judged at judgment. Instead focus on your salvation and live in obedience to God.
Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast (13:31-35) - Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as a mustard seed and leaven (yeast). The short parables are used to illustrate the small beginnings of the Christian movement, appearing insignificant at first, but has far-reaching results.
Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl (13:36-43) - The kingdom of heaven is described as something so precious and treasured that is worth selling everything for. There is a cost to inheriting salvation.
Parable of the Householder (13:51-53) - Jesus here describes every teacher of the law who is instructed about the kingdom of heaven like an owner who brings out new treasures as well as old. Jesus is illustrating the importance of the Old Testament and the New Testament. The NT purpose was to give greater understanding of the OT.
Life Application: Reflect: How much do you value heaven?
After his teachings with parables, Jesus returns back to his hometown of Nazareth. He taught in their synagogue and did all sorts of mighty works. But because he was so familiar, they were offended and rejected Him. They said, "Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary?..." (13:55) Jesus said to them "Only in his hometown an in his own house is a prophet without honor." (13:57). Jesus did not do many mighty works in that town because of their unbelief.
Life Application: Rejection is part of preaching the gospel. And it even hurts more when we receive such rejection from those who are familiar to us like family and friends. Don't be discouraged, pray for them and just keep pressing on.
Dear God, help me to focus on my salvation and not be distracted by those who are not wholeheartedly serving you. Give me a discerning heart to know who those types of people are in my life. Also please help me to faithfully serve you despite of rejection I might face.
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