February 8, 2026

The Mysteries of the Kingdom – The Parable of the Wheat and Tares

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Matthew 13:24-43
Service Type:

Introduction

  • The passage contains the words "an enemy has done this"
    • Jesus’ setting – agriculture
    • He left the stories with the people – a private interpretation only for the disciples
  • A story about the kingdom of heaven – explanation
  • The theme is the kingdom of God
    • This is the most referenced teaching – over 150 times in the gospels
    • His main method in teaching – parables
      • "Without a parable He did not speak to them" (v34)
      • Over 30 parables recorded – 2 explained to the disciples, which give a key to interpreting the other parables
  • Overview:
    • The Nature of the Kingdom
    • Life in the Kingdom
    • The Final State of the Kingdom

The Nature of the Kingdom

  • The field is the world
    • JC Ryle – likened the field to the Church
    • Jesus is unfolding the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven to the Jews
      • "I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world" (v35)
      • What mystery – that the gospel would go to the Gentiles
        • Example of Paul
    • The field is not Israel but Jews and Gentile
  • The sons of the kingdom
    • Have you been born again?
    • Have you bowed the knee to king Jesus?

Life in the Kingdom

  • We divide the world in different ways – examples
  • In the Bible – two essential categories:
    • A son of the kingdom
    • A son of the devil
      • "the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one" (v38)
  • How do you become a son of the kingdom?
    • Repent from your sin
    • Believe in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
    • Choose Jesus as your Lord and Saviour
    • Seek forgiveness
    • Be welcome and received into His kingdom
  • Are you in the kingdom?
    • Example of the fish, sheep/goats
    • Example of Psalm 1
  • If you are in the kingdom
    • You will rub shoulders with those who are not
      • Not to withdraw or isolate yourself
        • To be salt and light
        • Example of the Reformation
      • Not Christian domination – preaching the gospel
        • Nothing is ever forced – always voluntary
    • The distinction is the fruit that is borne
      • Are you bearing fruit?

The Final State of the Kingdom

  • The major application
    • Harvest time – there will be a separation, a purging, a casting out
      • "The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness" (v41)
        • Lawlessness – examples
      • "cast into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (v42)
        • Jesus is warning people
        • Sin is so serious in the sight of God
      • "Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father." (v43)
        • Not because of themselves but simply because the believe and have trusted in Jesus
        • They will shine with God’s glory
  • The final state of the Kingdom – is final
    • Example of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus – Luke 16
    • Jesus spoke more about hell than heaven

Closing Remarks

  • Are you in the kingdom?
  • Trust in Jesus
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