Parables Of The Kingdom. Conditions Of The Heart. Matthew 13:24-58 Part 2

2025.06.01 Sermon notes Matthew 13.24–58 - Kingdom Secrets and Eternal Realities - Parables of the Kingdom PART 2

William Akehurst, HSWC

Big Idea: Jesus reveals the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven through parables that call for discernment, devotion, and decision.

Scriptures: Matthew 13:24-58, 2 Timothy 2:19, Zechariah 4:10, Psalms 78:2, Revelation 14:15-16, Philippians 3:7-8, Luke 14:33,

1. The Wheat and the Tares (vv. 24–30, 36–43)

Matthew 13:24-30 The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares

24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who 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 grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let 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.” ’ ”

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

Matthew 13:36-43 The Parable of the Tares Explained

36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”

37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 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, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Key Truth: Righteous and unrighteous will coexist until the final judgment.

Insights:

• Satan plants counterfeit believers.

• We are not called to uproot, but to stay faithful and discerning.

• There is coming a final separation – God is just, and no evil escapes His notice.

Application:

• Don’t be discouraged by the presence of evil. Stay focused.

• Don’t take judgment into your own hands. Trust God's timing.

Are you wheat or tare? Examine your heart.

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

Revelation 14:15-16

15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” 16 So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

2. The Mustard Seed & Leaven (vv. 31–33)

Matthew 13:31-33 The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30–32; Luke 13:18, 19)

31 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, 32 which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”

The Parable of the Leaven (Luke 13:20, 21)

33 Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”

Key Truth: The Kingdom’s growth may start small but becomes transformational.

Insights:

• The mustard seed represents humble beginnings (e.g., Jesus' ministry, the Church).