Chapter 13

In the parable of the sower – the extravagance of the sower – and yet only ¼ of the seed prospered.
In the parable of the tares (this morning) – we learn that even the plants which prospered require vigilance.
Both of these parables required divine interpretation (v. 18), “Hear the parable of the sower” -
(v. 36), “Explain to us the parable of the tares.”
Tonight’s parables require no divine interpretation – diligent human application!

I. Parables of the Kingdom

A. “…A Mustard Seed” (vs. 31-32)

1. (vs. 31-32), “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; - and this is smaller than all seeds; - but when it is full grown it is larger than the garden plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”
a. It is important to note what Jesus is talking about … “The kingdom of heaven.”
1) Remember: a K. requires 2 things; a king (Jesus) and a realm
2) Matthew uses “K.” 3 ways: the life of the believer (5:3), church (16:18-19), heaven (25:34).

b. I believe that how Jesus is using it in this parable – can refer to either the believer – or the church.
1) Notice the points our Lord makes: A Small Beginning but a Big Finish!
(i) Believer: Jesus becomes a part of our lives – then He becomes our life (Heb. 12:1-2).
(ii) Church: Started small (Acts 2:41 cf. #s in Jerusalem) – (Col. 1:5-6), “…the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit.”
2) That which would destroy it – becomes those who are comforted by it.
(i) (v. 4), “…some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up.”
(ii) (v. 32), “The birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”
(iii) (Phil. 3:6), “As to zeal – a persecutor of the church” – (Acts 9:21), “All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, ‘Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who were called by this name, and who came here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the priests?’ – But Saul kept increasing in faith.”
(iv) (Matt. 5:44-45), “I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you – in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

c. POINT: As God’s kingdom grows (in the believer or His collective people) – the growth should become evident to all!!!

B. “…leaven” (v. 33)

1. “And He spoke another parable to them, - ‘The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, - which a woman took, - and hid in three pecks of meal, - until it was all leavened.”
a. At 1st look – these two parables sound alike – “The growth of the kingdom” – but they’re different
1) Both the mustard seed & leaven exert growth – but the work of the seed becomes obvious.
2) The leaven’s power is seen within the meal – but it is NOT OBVIOUS from a distance.

b. The influence of the leaven on the rest of the dough is profound in that it has the power to change.
1) In a negative sense – God warns us of the “leavening” power of sin – (I Cor. 5:6-7), “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? Clean out the old leaven…!” – (Gal. 6:1), “Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual….”
2) In a positive sense – the influence of God’s people should make a difference in the world – (Matt. 5:13, 14-16), “You are the salt of the earth … you are the light of the world.”

c. POINT: God’s people should be making a positive difference no matter where God has hidden us.
1) While the parables of the sower & the tares may discourage some – clearly Jesus wants us to be encouraged by the “seed” & the “leaven.”

C. “…a treasure” (v. 44)

1. “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, - which a man has found and hid; - and from joy over it he goes and sells all he has, - and buys that field.”
a. This man was not looking for treasure – but happened to stumble upon something of great value.
1) (Jn. 1:45-46), “Philip found Nathaniel and said to him, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ – And Nathaniel said to him, ‘Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said…, ‘Come and
2) (Jn. 4:7, 29), “There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. – Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink.’ … ‘Come, see a man who told me all things I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?”
3) (Jn. 3:8), “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, - but do not know where it comes from or where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

b. Notice, the value of the treasure was greater than the value of all he owned, “…sells all he has”
1) Once we recognize that God’s rule in our lives – is greater than our lives (& possessions) – then we will truly understand God’s kingdom!!!
2) (Matt. 10:37-39), Relationships – Lifestyle – Possessions!

c. POINT: People who may not be looking for God (but who have good hearts… sower) – will recognize the value of having Jesus in their lives once they find Him!

D. “…a merchant seeking fine pearls” (vs. 45-46)

1. “Again the kingdom is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one of great value, he went and sold all he had, and bought it.”
a. Some people are truly looking for the truth (Matt. 7:7) – and know its value when they find it!
1) This certainly has an evangelistic component – (Paul’s mission’s strategy – Rom. 1:16)
2) Yet each on of us should also recognize it continuing value in our lives (Matt. 6:10, 33).
3) Indeed, those who are valuing the things of God in their lives – are also pearls which God values as He seeks after them – Jn. 4:23, “…hour is coming and now is … Father seeks to be

E. “…a dragnet” (vs. 47-50)

1. Tares = Present mixture (main point) – Dragnet (future separation BY GOD!)