Stories of the Kingdom Matthew 13 24 30

Stories of the Kingdom

Matthew 13: 24 -30 (NIV) The parable of the weeds 24 Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed ears, then the weeds also appeared.

Matthew 13: 24 -30 (NIV) 27 ‘The owner’s servants came to him and said, “Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from? ” 28 ‘“An enemy did this, ” he replied. ‘The servants asked him, “Do you want us to go and pull them up? ”

Matthew 13: 24 -30 (NIV) 29 ‘“No, ” he answered, “because while you are pulling up the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: first collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn. ”’

Stories of the Kingdom

Matthew 13: 36 -43 (NIV) The parable of the weeds explained 36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field. ’ 37 He answered, ‘The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.

Matthew 13: 36 -43 (NIV) 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 ‘As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age.

Matthew 13: 36 -43 (NIV) 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

God’s Kingdom • The Jewish people were looking for something or someone else • Jesus came with a different agenda • A place where we see God’s goodness & love break out • We see his Kingdom in action today

God’s perfect future • Judgement has to come to wipe out all that is not good • He wants to gather all the wheat • Hell is real. . But there is hope for all • All will be made well

Revelation 21 (NIVUK) A new heaven and a new earth 4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. ’ 5 He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’

As Kingdom people we: 1) Put Jesus first o It’s all about knowing Him & how we respond to Him

36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field. ’ 37 He answered, ‘The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.

As Kingdom people we: 1) Put Jesus first o It’s all about knowing Him & how we respond to Him o Find space & time to be in his presence o Ensure he influences our decisions

As Kingdom people we: 2) Get free John 16: 33 ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. ’

As Kingdom people we: 2) Get free • Jesus wants us to know and experience complete freedom ‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. ’ Galatians 5: 1

As Kingdom people we: 3) Bring freedom to others

As Kingdom people we: 3) Bring freedom to others 7 As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near. ” 8 Heal those who are ill, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10

As Kingdom people we: 3) Bring freedom to others o Freely you have received, now freely give

As Kingdom people we: 3) Bring freedom to others o Freely you have received, now freely give o He longs to give everyone a chance to come back to Him o What seeds are you sowing today?

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. ” Romans 12: 1 (The Message)