The Parable of the Wheat and Tares (Mt 13:24-30,36-43) Intro This has been called the '2nd most controversial text in the Bible' (Trench, _Parables_) because of the divisions and debates from Augustine & the Donatists & Novatians until today.
Review: The Kingdom Expectation Mal 4:1-3; Mt 3:10ff: the kingdom will burn up the wicked & restore paradise on earth
Exposition: Do you want us to go & weed out the tares? 1. The distress of the servants over tares in the field (the world/kingdom), v.24-27 2. The desire of the servants to remove the tares (the wicked), v.28-29 He says of the angry Pharisees, 'Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone.' (Mt 15:13-14), compare the Samaritan villagers (Lk 9:54-56). 3. The direction to the servants to let both grow together till the harvest (the end of the age), v.30 Same truth as in parable of the pounds (Lk 19:12-27).
Application: 3 Lessons 1. Do not become distressed or disappointed by this mixture in the kingdom. 2. Do not endeavor to separate out the wicked in this age. 3. It's going to be wheat & tares mingled together right till the end. "Do not say, 'Why were the former days better than these?' For you do not inquire wisely concerning this" (Eccl 7:10; see Heb 12:1-3).
Conclusion: Dan 12:2-3 The Lord doesn't want separation in the world. The Lord wants a harvest. If his servants attempt separation, it will damage his harvest (Jn 17:15-18).
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