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).
• The leaven speaks of internal, unseen transformation – the Gospel affects the whole person and community.
Application:
• Don’t despise small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10).
• Zechariah 4:10
10 For who has despised the day of small things?
For these seven rejoice to see
The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
They are the eyes of the LORD,
Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.”
• Is the Kingdom advancing in you? Are you influencing others for Christ?
• What areas of your life still need the Kingdom’s transforming power?
3. Prophecy and the Parables 34-35
34 All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, 35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
“I will open My mouth in parables;
I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.”
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,
4. The Hidden Treasure & Pearl (vv. 44–46)
Matthew 13:44-46 The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Key Truth: The Kingdom of Heaven is worth everything.
Insights:
• The man and the merchant represent those who discover the incomparable value of salvation.
• Selling all reflects complete surrender and joyful sacrifice.
Application:
• Is Jesus your greatest treasure?
• What are you still unwilling to surrender to gain the Kingdom?
• The Kingdom costs you everything—but gives you everything that matters.
Philippians 3:7-8
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
5. The Dragnet (vv. 47–50)
Matthew 13:47-50 The Parable of the Dragnet
47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
Key Truth: There is a final judgment where true and false are separated.
Insights:
• The net = the Gospel call which gathers all kinds.
• The sorting is God’s work – He knows the heart.
• Hell is real – a place of separation and regret. This demands urgency.
Application:
• Be sure of your own salvation.
• Evangelize with urgency – the net is being cast, but time is short.
• Teach the whole Gospel, including the reality of judgment.
6. The Kingdom Scribe (vv. 51–52)
Matthew 13:51-52
51 Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?”
They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”
52 Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”
Key Truth: Disciples are responsible for understanding and teaching Kingdom truth.
Insights:
• A faithful scribe teaches both old and new – connects OT and NT.
• The Gospel is not a contradiction of the old, but a fulfillment.
Application:
• Are you a faithful steward of the Word?
• Are you growing in the Word to share it with others?
• Invest in both learning and teaching the truths of the Kingdom.
7. Rejected at Nazareth (vv. 53–58)
Matthew 13:53-58 Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (Mark 6:1–6; Luke 4:16–30)
53 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. 54 When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” 57 So they were offended at Him.
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” 58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Key Truth: Familiarity can hinder faith.
Insights:
• Jesus was dismissed because people thought they knew Him.
• Their prejudice and assumptions blinded them to truth.
Application:
• Guard against spiritual apathy and assumption.
• Don’t miss what God is doing because it doesn’t fit your expectations.
• Is your faith active, or dulled by routine and familiarity?
Life Application Summary
Parable: Wheat & Tares
Key Lesson: Evil will be judged in God's time
Application: Trust God with discernment and final justice
Parable: Mustard Seed & Leaven
Key Lesson: The Kingdom grows and transforms
Application: Let God's Word grow and change you daily
Parable: Hidden Treasure & Pearl
Key Lesson: The Kingdom is worth everything
Application: Live surrendered and joyful in Christ
Parable: Dragnet
Key Lesson: Judgment is coming
Application: Live prepared; evangelize urgently
Parable: Scribe
Key Lesson: We are stewards of truth
Application: Study, live, and teach the Word faithfully
Parable: Nazareth
Key Lesson: Familiarity can blind
Application: Stay humble and open to God’s voice
Discussion and Reflection Questions
1. How can you discern the difference between wheat and tares without becoming judgmental?
Explanation:
Jesus teaches that both true and false believers will exist side by side until the end. We are not called to root out tares (counterfeit believers) ourselves, because we may not see clearly, and doing so may damage true believers (Matthew 13:29). Only God sees the heart.
Answer:
We discern by examining fruit (Matthew 7:16), not to condemn but to protect ourselves and remain wise. We must walk in truth and grace, remaining spiritually alert without assuming the role of judge. Prayer, humility, and the Holy Spirit help us stay discerning but loving.
POINT: Be watchful and wise, but leave final judgment to God.
2. What “small beginnings” are you trusting God to grow in your life or ministry?
Explanation:
The mustard seed and leaven illustrate how God’s Kingdom starts small but grows powerfully and permeates everything (Matthew 13:31–33). God often uses what seems insignificant.
Answer:
Answers will vary (e.g., mentoring one person, starting a prayer group, teaching a class, writing a devotional, etc.). The important part is trusting that God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6) and that our role is to plant, water, and stay faithful.
POINT: God honors faithfulness in small things and brings growth in His time.
3. What would total surrender look like for you today?
Explanation:
The man who found treasure and the merchant who found the pearl sold all they had to gain it (Matthew 13:44–46). The Kingdom of God is of infinite worth, requiring our total surrender and devotion.
Answer:
Surrender may mean giving up control, letting go of idols (e.g., comfort, reputation, possessions), or obeying a specific calling. For some, it may involve lifestyle changes, financial sacrifice, or renewed commitment to God’s Word and service.
POINT: True discipleship demands complete surrender—but results in ultimate joy.
4. Are there places where familiarity or assumptions are limiting your faith?
Explanation:
In Nazareth, the people thought they knew Jesus too well to believe in Him (Matthew 13:53–58). Their familiarity bred unbelief, and He did not do many miracles there.
Answer:
Common examples:
• Becoming spiritually stale through routine.
• Dismissing God’s work in others due to past perceptions.
• Limiting faith because of personal history or tradition.
POINT: Faith grows when we stay open, humble, and willing to see God move in new ways.
5. How will you invest in your understanding and teaching of the Kingdom?
Reflective/Personal:
• "In what ways are you growing in your understanding of the Kingdom, and how are you sharing that truth with others?"
• "How are you stewarding your knowledge of God’s Kingdom for the benefit of others?"
• "What steps are you taking to deepen your grasp of Kingdom truths and help others do the same?"
Challenge:
• "What will you do to actively learn and teach the truths of the Kingdom?"
• "How can you better equip yourself to explain and model the message of the Kingdom?"
• "Are you intentionally developing as both a student and teacher of God’s Word?"
Explanation:
The scribe trained for the Kingdom brings out treasures old and new (Matthew 13:52). We are called to learn and pass on Kingdom truth faithfully.
Answer:
Suggestions:
• Commit to regular study of Scripture.
• Join or lead a small group.
• Develop teaching skills through mentoring or resources.
• Share what you’re learning with family, friends, or online.
POINT: God calls every disciple to be both a learner and a teacher of Kingdom truth.
Let’s Pray,
FATHER, we have heard YOUR WORDS with our ears and invite HOLY SPIRIT to Apply these matters to our hearts. Increase our faith that we may STAND firm on the promises of YOUR WORD and grow in our knowledge and understanding of FATHER, SON and HOLY GHOST, in JESUS’ Name. Amen.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Bill
HYMN SELECTIONS:
1. “I’d Rather Have Jesus”
Theme: The surpassing value of the Kingdom (vv. 44–46 – Hidden Treasure & Pearl)
This hymn emphasizes choosing Christ above all earthly things, echoing the parables where everything is sold to gain the treasure or pearl.
"I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold, I'd rather be His than have riches untold…"
2. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” #1
Theme: God’s justice and protection in the face of evil (vv. 24–30 – Wheat & Tares)
A reminder that while evil is present in the world, God is sovereign and will bring final justice.
"And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us…"
3. “Take My Life and Let It Be” #335
Theme: Surrender and total devotion (vv. 44–46 – Hidden Treasure & Pearl)
A powerful response to the call of complete surrender for the sake of the Kingdom.
"Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee…"
Also: “I Surrender All” #316
(vv.44-46 - The Kingdom of GOD is worth everything.)
A call to complete surrender, Hold nothing back.
“All to JESUS I Surrender…I Surrender All”
4. “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations” #436
Theme: The Gospel going out to all (vv. 47–50 – The Dragnet)
Emphasizes the urgency and call to proclaim the message of the Kingdom before the final separation.
"We’ve a story to tell to the nations that shall turn their hearts to the right…"
5. “Open My Eyes, That I May See” #506
Theme: Spiritual perception and faith (vv. 53–58 – Rejected at Nazareth)
Encourages worshipers to overcome familiarity and open their hearts to receive Christ anew.
"Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me…"
