In today's study from Matthew 13:1-9, 18-30, and 36-43, we wrap up the first parable with a look at the last soil and discuss the parable of the Tares and the Wheat.
The Fourth Soil: the Good Ground (v.8)
This soil
represents the one who hears the word, understands it and bears fruit (Matt.
13:23). Luke 8:15 adds “which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word,
keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” So, those with an “honest
and good heart” are those who…a. Hear the Word, b. Keep the Word, and c.
Bring forth fruit as a result of the Word. Notice that we don’t all produce the
same amount of fruit (Matt. 13:23d).
Mat 25:14-15 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a
man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his
goods to them. (15) And to one he gave five talents, to another
two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately
he went on a journey.
Some
have more God-given ability than others. Whatever those abilities are, we will
be held accountable for them. 1 Peter 4:10-11 “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the
oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God
giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom
be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Application of the Parable
Now, the question is, “What
kind of soil are you?” Are you like
“the wayside?” Have you heard the
gospel, but you’re still not a Christian? You are in the process of hardening
your heart!
2Co 6:2 For He
says: "IN AN ACCEPTABLE TIME I HAVE HEARD YOU, AND IN THE DAY OF SALVATION
I HAVE HELPED YOU." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the
day of salvation.
The captain of
the Titanic refused to believe the ship was in trouble till water was ankle
deep in the mail room. Only then was it apparent the multi-layered hull had
been pierced and the unsinkable ship was going to sink. Ships that could have
arrived before the great ocean liner went down weren't summoned until it was
too late.
Are you like “the stony
places?” Have you responded to the gospel in time past, but you are not being
grounded in your faith. You may eventually fall away when persecution and
temptation comes!
Are
you like the soil “among thorns?” Maybe you’ve responded to the gospel, but now you
are too preoccupied with the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life. You
will not bear much fruit if you are (John 15:1-6). Your fruit is proof of your
salvation!
Are you like “the good soil?” You’ve
responded to the gospel and bearing fruit.
The
Tares and the Wheat
vv.24-30
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The
kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his
field: (25) But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed
tares among the wheat, and went his way.
(26) But when the blade was sprung
up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. (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? (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?
(29) But he said, Nay; lest while
ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. (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.
vv.36-43
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. (37) He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of
man; (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; (39)
The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the
world; and the reapers are the angels.
(40) As therefore the tares are
gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. (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; (42)
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and
gnashing of teeth. (43) Then shall the righteous shine forth as the
sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Now this is a parable that we really
don’t have to dig too deeply because the Lord Himself gives the interpretation.
The
Good Seed – unlike in the
first parable, the seed is not referring to the gospel, but those who believe.
1Pe 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible,
through the word of God which lives and abides forever,
The
Wheat – The children
of God (v.25).
The
Tares – The children
of the Devil (v.25).
