Matthew 13:24-43 Three More Parables

In our era of modern farming, weeds are still a problem in wheat fields.  Unlike cotton, which is planted in rows, wheat is broadcast, leaving no bare ground one can use to transport spray rigs without damaging the crop.  It would really be a sorry enemy who would sow weeds in another's field!

My commentary said that Satan is primarily an imitator:  He plants false Christians, he encourages a false growth, and he introduces false doctrine ... he can't uproot true Christians, so he plants counterfeit Christians in their midst."  Here, good seed represents true Christians, and the field is the world.  Christ is planting us where He intends us to grow and bear fruit.  "We must stay awake to make sure that Satan's ministers do not get into the true fellowship and do damage."

In the parable of the mustard seed, my commentary said Jesus didn't explain this parable, so we must use what He did explain in the other parables to find its meaning.  In Matthew 13:19, birds represented Satan.  In Daniel and, a tree is a symbol of world power.  "These facts suggest that the parable teaches an abnormal growth of the kingdom of heaven, one that makes it possible for Satan to work in it."

The "leaven" parable "illustrates the inward development of false doctrine and false living ... sin is like leaven (yeast):  It quietly grows, it corrupts, and it puffs up."

Thanks for these warnings, Father.  Give me discernment to discover what is so very easy for You to see.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford