Ever wondered why there are so many imposters and hypocrites in churches? What should we do about it? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares insights both this topic from a story that Jesus told. 

Why did Jesus use parables?

Matthew 13:12-13a 

Jesus didn't use parables to make everything clear, but to make everyone think. 

Jesus' parables reveal people's hearts—they penetrate some hearts and they harden others. With His use of parables, Jesus isn't hiding truth FROM people; He's hiding it FOR people, in hopes that it draws them closer to Him.

Questions to ask when reading a parable:

1. Who does each character represent? 

2. What is the surprise twist in the story? 

3. What are the kingdom lessons behind each story? 

Today's parable: The Wheat and the Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30 

The weeds in the story, are also called tares, but they're known today as darnel weed, often called false wheat. 

Jesus' explanation

Matthew 13:36-43 

3 Questions to ask:

Who does each character represent?

Jesus – Farmer

The field – the world

Wheat – people who follow Jesus

Weeds – the people who don't follow Jesus

The farmer's enemy – the devil

The harvest – the end of the world

The harvesters – the angels

What is the twist in the story?

The farmer waited until harvest to sort the wheat from the weeds.

28-30 

God is playing the long game. God's justice is coming eventually, but God's mercy is here currently.

What are the kingdom lessons in the story?

1. It is often difficult to distinguish between believers and unbelievers, especially at the earliest stages of growth. We must be slow to declare which is which.

Jude 1:22-23 NLT 

God is long-suffering towards those you find insufferable.

This is why we don't throw people away when they make a mistake, when they struggle with sin, or when they're taking longer to "get it" than we think they should.

Our father is a farmer and growing people takes time.

2. God is not calling you to be a holy weed eater.

We have not been instructed to go in guns blazing, clearing out and cleaning up all we see wrong in someone's life. Why? Because sometimes, you look like a weed too.

Galatians 6:1 NIV 

Christians shouldn't be passive against evil, but we're called to be patient with people.

John 3:17 NLT 

If God didn't send Jesus into the world to judge the world, I doubt He sent you to judge it.

3. God's judgement is real, but not yet revealed.

Romans 2:5 

Some of you are too excited about the prospect of people going to hell. Others of you aren't concerned enough about people going to hell.

Be angry at injustice, but trust the wisdom of the Lord of the harvest and share God's grace with others while we can. 

Are you learning the lessons found in the parable of the wheat and the weeds?