Christ-Light Connections: The Parable of the Farmer and the Seed & The Parable of the Weeds Among the Wheat

In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus begins to teach in parables. Here, there are seven that describe what the Kingdom of God is like. Remember, the Kingdom of God was a confusing concept. Many hoped that the Messiah would rescue them from the Roman occupation and be the new King David over Israel. Indeed, Jesus had come to rescue his people, but not from political enemies. He came to set souls free from the captors of sin and death. He was not here to solve temporary problems. Rather he came to lay claim to our hearts and establish his rule eternally.

The Christ-Light theme this week is The Kingdom of God is in the heart of believers.

1NT 10A

The Parable of the Farmer — Matthew 13:3-9,18-23

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Context

Parables are earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. Sometimes they can be challenging to understand. The best advice I have found is to first find the central truth, then let the details support it. Sometimes we can get so caught up in analyzing the details the main point is lost. Next, don’t forget to let scripture interpret scripture. The meaning of the story must fit with everything else that the Bible teaches.

Many young children are not able to understand the abstract concepts of parables. Don’t sweat it. Teach them the story, and later on they will be more ready to comprehend the meaning.

Big Ideas

The Central Idea

As you look for the main point, set aside what the church has taught for 2000 years and put yourself in the shoes of the crowd. The abstract concepts of God’s eternal kingdom and plan were not as clear to them. They certainly were muddied by the teachings of the Pharisees.

Matthew sets seven parables about the Kindgom of Heaven together. As you study, ask the question, “What did this teach the crowd about the Kingdom of Heaven?”

A bit of warning, do not get caught up in asking the question, “So, what should I do?” Our nature always wants to jump to a call to action.

The Sower and the Seed (Matthew 13:3-9)

Most farmers are strategic about where they plant their seeds. To yield the best crop, the best soil is chosen. The rocks and weeds are removed. The seeds is sown carefully so that it lands where it will have the greatest chance of healthy growth.

How different the farmer of the parable is! He haphazardly scatters his seed everywhere with no regard to what kinds of ground it finds. His reach is generous.

Just so, God the Father sent Jesus, the Word, to the whole world. The believers in the crowd there understood that the Messiah wasn’t just for the Jews, but for the Gentiles and the whole world, too. We understand God’s desire for all to be saved (1Timothy 2:4). Can we read this and not marvel that God would even share his gospel with those he knew would reject it or be too weak to keep it?

Conversation Starters:

• How do you think the Old Testament prophet Jonah would react to this parable? What kind of soil was in Jonah’s heart? How did the Heavenly Farmer treat Jonah?
• A while ago, I had an unbelieving friend who twisted many religions together. She drove me crazy. Eventually, I realized that she was my “Nineveh.” I did not want God’s Word to be for her. Who are your Ninevites?

The Soil (Matthew 13:3-9,18-23)

Did you pick out the soil you think you are? Have you categorized people or people groups you know? Most hearers are either going to say, “I am the good soil,” or “Uh-oh!” As we honestly reflect on our reactions to the Word, we can see how we are all of the soils.

Conversation Starters:

• How are we the hard path? Has God’s Word ever been too hard for you to understand?
• What parts of the Word are people quick to reject? Some hate admitting their own sin; some reject that God loves people worse than them. What are you tempted to reject?
• How have troubles and persecutions affected your faith?
• Discuss what you worry about. How does it affect your faith?

The Miracle of the Seed (Matthew 13:23, Matthew 13:31-32)

Think of what one tiny seed has the potential to become. Compare an acorn to an oak tree. We take for granted the power the Creator has packed into each tiny vessel, but because of them, we have everything we need to feed our bodies.

The seed of the Word is significantly more powerful. This seed can change the soil of our hard, rocky, weed-infested hearts into rich, nutrient-dense, soft dirt! The Word can change the Walmart parking lot into the Fertile Crescent.

Conversation Starters:

• Read Matthew 13:31-32 for more about the power of the seed.
• Ezekiel 36:26 gives us another metaphor about our hearts.

1NT 10B

The Parable of the Weeds Among the Wheat — Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

Context

The great Storyteller continues to unveil the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven fulfilling the prophesy, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” (Matthew 13:35, Psalm 78:2)

Big Ideas

The Central Idea

This parable is set among seven that teach about the Kingdom of Heaven. Read through the chapter to find the truths Jesus shared with the crowd. Be sure to dwell on Jesus’ explanation for this parable in Matthew 13:36-43. Search for how this parable addresses God’s character and the questions, “Is God in control?” and “Why does God allow evil?”

The Wheat (Matthew 13:24,38)

In a sense, this parable is the next generation after the Parable of the Farmer. Here, the seeds are the children of the Kingdom, believers. Take note that we are called “good” seed. This echoes the first week of creation, when all God made was “good.” This reminds us that our relationship with God has already been restored.

The Weeds (Matthew 13:25,38-39)

The Greek word for “weed” describes a plant that is visually similar to wheat. The untrained eye would probably not identify them. The weeds are planted by the adversary, Satan, who opposes the gospel and church. He will use anyone or anything to cause trouble and grief to frustrate Christ’s work of bringing gospel blessings to his children.

Why Not Pull the Weeds? (Matthew 13:28-30)

Jesus is stating that it is for him and the angels to execute justice. It is not our job. In Matthew 26:52-53, we also hear Jesus telling his followers that he does not want to be defended with violence. In our ignorance, we may destroy wheat or cut short someone’s time of grace.

Conversation Starters:

• How are we tempted to defend Jesus with violent actions or words?
• Can you think of a few Bible verses and promises to comfort as we live in this evil world? Here are a few to get you started: Romas 5:3-4, Dueteronomy 31:8, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

A Just Ending (Matthew 13:30,40-43)

As the roots of the believers are crowded and tangled alongside evil, we long for the harvest, the end, to come. To us, the harvest is a great comfort. We will be removed from the evil world to be in the Kingdom of the Father. The weeds of Satan will be banished and burned never to plague us again.

Conversation Starter:

• How can the doctrine of hell be both comforting and terrifying?