Lessons from Matthew 13: Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
In Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Jesus told another parable, this one about wheat and tares. Jesus said that while He, the man who sowed good seed (believers) in God’s field (the world) an enemy (the Devil or his evil ones) came in and sowed weeds or tares among the wheat, and then he went away.
Here we see that Jesus revealed the secret, sinful, invisible work of Satan. But Jesus also revealed that Satan’s work will not prevail. When asked how these weeds grew in His field, Jesus responded that though the enemy had sown his own seeds of evil, they would not be removed.
Verse 28 says that instead, they were to remain and grow together until the time of the harvest, meaning the end of the age. For it is then that these will be separated. This revealed to them (and to us) that there will be counterfeit Christians. Satan plants them in our churches, in our ministries, and even in our small groups. This is so that through them he can try and solicit counterfeit doctrine, and counterfeit hope.
But God promises to expose them and their deeds. We only have to mention the name Judas to know this is true.
So what are the “benefits” of encountering a counterfeit?
Well, the first thing to know is that though we at times may be fooled, God never is! And through my own experiences with such people, I have learned to know that I know the truths of God from His Word as they often challenge His truths and actions.
It also offers an opportunity for them to witness the real truth and have an opportunity to be transformed by God. I have also prayed that if they are not of God, He would remove them from my life or ministry! And He has!
In the end, God will send His angels to separate the real from the false. But in the meantime we are to continue to share His goodness and grace with all who will listen and believe. In the end it is not our witness that will suffer, it is their refusal to believe that will seal their fate.
Our responsibility is to share the good news of the Gospel, to be a good witness, a faithful believer. Whether or not they believe is not your responsibility. It is between the other person and God. But if you are sincere in your faith in Jesus Christ, our faithful God promises you a home in His eternal kingdom.
So the question is, does God and do others recognize you as an authentic Christian? What does God see when He looks into your heart with His heavenly lenses? Does He recognize you as a true Christian? Or does He only see a great pretender?
Every time you hear the word of God, you encounter the living God and His truth and He expects you to respond!
So what is it that God is calling you to do and be right now?
Remember, there are consequences to one’s response to God’s Word both now and for eternity.
Terri Hamman
Faith & Fitness Coach