Wheat, Weeds, and Tiny Seeds

Wheat, Weeds, and Tiny Seeds

1.) The Parables (vv 24-33)

2.) The Prophecy (vv 34-35)

3.) The Private Lesson (vv 36-43) 

The Parables (vv 24-33) 

The Spread of the Gospel Video (https://youtu.be/9Gp-_ZsUagc?si=Bb8-XeltfWqCHk7M)

“What these two parables ask of their hearers, then, is confidence in the little gospel. The gospel goes out as seed, little but alive, and it comes back with big things like food, shade, and shelter for the nations. We will be tempted to distrust the little gospel we bear when we compare it with earthy “powers.” But where are all the ancient faiths, philosophies, and forces that once vexed the church? Where are the Epicureans, the Stoics, the Gnostics, the mystery religions, the Roman army itself?…The church is an anvil that has worn out many hammers. Sects and ideologies almost always seem stronger than the church. Sects and ideologies fly; the church limps. Sects and ideologies die; the church limps on. Stick with the church.” -Dale Bruner 

The Prophecy (vv 34-35)

“It sounds as if the two aspects contradict each other, but in reality they supplement each other. For those in the crowds who have turned against Jesus, parables confirm their rejection; but for those open to Jesus’ truths, they reveal hidden secrets regarding the reality of the kingdom. Parables are kingdom centered and as such reveal new truths and are proof that the final kingdom has arrived.” -Grant Osborne

The Private Lesson (vv 36-43) 

“While Jesus taught the church in the Parable to be patient with evil (vv. 24-30), his Interpretation now assures us that this does not mean that Jesus will be lax with evil: there will be a Judgment Day! In this sense, the Interpretation is the perfect companion to the Parable: Be patient with evil now, for it will get its due then. Christians need this second point lest they think their Lord winks at all that is vicious in life and so seems without character.” -Dale Bruner 

Romans 5:1-- Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…(NIV)

Romans 5:9-10--  Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (NIV)

2 Peter 3:9-- The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV)

“[These men] endeavored to build a community of faith, beauty, and compassion, nourishing souls even in a place that destroyed bodies. Perhaps something like this was what Jesus had in mind as he turned again and again to his favorite topic: the kingdom of God. In the soil of this violent, disordered world, an alternative community may take root. It lives in hope of a day of liberation. In the meantime, it aligns itself with another world, not just spreading rumors but planting settlements-in-advance of that coming reign.” -Philip Yancey