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JESUS AND HIS PARABLES (III)
LORD’S DAY, JUNE 1
Matthew 13:24-43

Mark 4:26-34

 

“…I will open

my mouth in parables…”

 

JESUS AND HIS PARABLES (III)
 
The parable of the tares tells us that the church visible or church on earth is characterised by a mixed multitude of true and false believers. Tares are weeds that look like wheat. These imitation wheat refer to professors but not possessors of Christ. They look like Christians but are not. God will separate them at the end, and cast them into the lake of fire (see Matt 13:36-43).
 
The parable of the harvest tells us that the growth of the kingdom is due to God. Christians are responsible for sowing the Gospel seed, but it is God who causes the seed to take root and bear fruit. It is God who gives the increase (1 Cor 3:6-7). God alone deserves all the glory for the growth of His kingdom.
 
The parable of the mustard seed tells us that the kingdom of God has a very humble beginning. Like a mustard seed, it starts off very small. Jesus, for instance, had only a small band of disciples. At the end of His ministry, His following was just above 500 (1 Cor 15:6). The kingdom will take time to grow. The Church, as Rev Timothy Tow says, is not a mushroom that sprouts overnight and soon after dies off. The Church is a mustard tree that takes years to grow and will last for a long time. A mustard tree fully grown stands 10 to 15 feet high. Its sturdy branches provide shelter for many species of birds. Likewise, Christ welcomes Jew and Gentile, men and women, young and old, rich and poor, to seek His salvation from this sin-plagued world through His Church.
 
The parable of the leaven tells us that the kingdom of God has a pervasive influence in the world. Leaven is yeast used in bread-making. A little yeast added to the dough will cause the bread to rise. The leaven is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church has good news for a world gone bad. Jesus saves! And this good news, which began in Jerusalem and Judaea, has spread to Samaria, and is now gone out to all parts of the world (Acts 1:8).
 
THOUGHT: Bad news in the papers, but Good News in the Bible.

PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for the Good News in a bad news world.

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