Matthew 13:24 -43
There is no room for neutrality. Beyond that there is an enemy that would derail the kingdom if at all possible. The weeds and the wheat are not strictly about pseudo Christians inside the church. Jesus describes the field as the world. The enemy will plant his agents anywhere he can and use anyone he can. It is important to note who is on which side is not easy to determine; in fact, it is only manifested at the end of the age when the harvesters are sent out.
Before explaining the parable Jesus adds 2 other parables that also focus on growing things: the mustard plant and the yeast. The point of both of these is that great things grow from small beginnings. The great mustard bush, which can be 10 ft. tall, begins as a tiny seed. The references to birds may be reflecting Old Testament images where a tree represents a kingdom and may be teaching about Gentiles coming into the kingdom of God. The yeast and the meal are enough food for 100 people, again a great deal from a very small beginning.
Jesus leaves the people before the explanation of the deeper meaning. What is the connection? All the parables here are about growing. The growths that appear are impressive but can be infiltrated with corruption. The world and the church are mixed and it is only God who is wise enough to bring judgment. However, each of us must be committed and make sure which side we are on. There's no place in the kingdom of God for any who are stumbling blocks or who do evil. The real and authentic cycle begins with the tiniest spiritual spark. Concerning the seed and the yeast with God little is much, but the pseudo disciple is bound for Destruction.
"Lord, bring Your judgment on my heart that I may be growing in this life and be prepared for the day of judgment. AMEN"
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