Bible Pathways - October 6, 2005
October 6
Read Matthew 13
In Today's
Jesus' parables; execution of John the Baptist; feeding of 5,000; Jesus walks on the water
In the first parable of Jesus that Matthew recorded, Jesus described four kinds of responses from those who hear His Word. The true disciple of Christ is represented by the good ground that receives seed, which in turn brings forth fruit as much as an hundredfold (Matthew 13:8-23). His second parable was about tares (weeds) that grew in the same field with wheat but produced no fruit (13:24-30). The tares look identical to wheat as they grow. In their young stages, only the expert can tell the difference. But, when these weeds reach maturity, the tares have no head and are of no value. In this parable, the Master said: Let both grow together until the harvest (13:30). Jesus explained that the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom (13:38).
The tares represent those who outwardly appear to be a convert to Christ, but who have never truly received Jesus as Lord of their life. They may join the church, give their tithes, and deceive members of the church as well as themselves but they do not deceive Christ. It may seem startling to read that the Son of Man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His Kingdom all . . . which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (13:41-42).
No one expects to be hurled into an eternal lake of fire, where there is weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth forever (Revelation 20:15). But, Jesus warned: Narrow is the way, which leadeth to life, and few . . . find it (Matthew 7:14). These few have characteristics that are not found in the majority of people. They repented and admitted that they were sinners and needed a Savior, and they asked the Lord to forgive them of their sins, and submit their lives to do His will. Jesus is truly the Lord of their lives. They look forward to attending worship services and daily serve Him.
To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and . . . be saved (Acts 16:31) means much more than a mere mental assent — it's living in submission to Christ. Continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel, which ye have heard (Colossians 1:21-23).
Word Studies:
13:5 forthwith = quickly; 13:15 is waxed gross = has grown hardened; 13:20 anon = immediately; 13:21 dureth for a while = continues only a short time; 13:25 tares = weeds — symbolic of satanic activities; 13:33 leaven = yeast — symbolic of sin; meal = ground grain; 14:8 charger = large platter.
Cross References:
For Matthew 13:14-15: See Isaiah 6:9-10. Matthew 13:32: See Psalm 104:12; Ezekiel 17:23; 31:6; Daniel 4:12. Matthew 13:35: See Psalm 78:2. Matthew 13:41: See Zephaniah 1:3. Matthew 13:43: See Daniel 12:3.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer · Staff: Benjamin Wallace · Government Officials: Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX) and Rep. Brian Higgins (NY) · Country:
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 2:1
