The Kingdom of His Patience
Christian discusses the parable of the wheat and tares from Matthew 13, emphasizing the coexistence of good and evil in the world. The good seed represents the sons of the kingdom, while the tares symbolize the sons of the evil one. Christian highlights that the kingdom of heaven is both a present and future reality, where the transformation of believers occurs gradually. He stresses that the kingdom is spiritual, focusing on inner change rather than external circumstances. The parables illustrate that the kingdom grows from small beginnings, like a mustard seed, and that true greatness in the kingdom comes from humility and purity. Christian warns against the desire for worldly greatness, urging believers to embrace their identity as a small flock chosen by God. He concludes by stating that the kingdom's values are often upside down compared to worldly values, where the last shall be first and the weak shall be strong. The ultimate goal is to shine as sons of God, reflecting Christ's glory in a world that often misunderstands the nature of true greatness.
- Parable of wheat and tares: coexistence of good and evil
- Kingdom of heaven: present and future reality
- Spiritual transformation over external change
- Growth from small beginnings (mustard seed)
- Importance of humility and purity
- Warning against worldly desires for greatness
- Upside down values of the kingdom
- Goal: to shine as sons of God
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.
24 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.
