“Don’t give up on him (her)!” Matthew 13:24-30

The Gospel of Matthew is a manual for discipleship for those who enter the kingdom. A key element in discipleship is learning how to live in the kingdom of heaven on earth, and Matthew wrote his Gospel precisely for that purpose: so that we could be disciples and make disciples.

The 5 “Sermons” of Jesus in Matthew 1.The Lifestyle of the Kingdom (Chapters 5 – 7) How believers are to live, now that they are in the kingdom.

2.The Mission of the Kingdom (9:35 – 10:42) Just like Jesus Himself, the disciples can expect opposition and persecution (10:24-25) From the religious and political world From one’s closest family and companions (10:17-21). Yet they need not fear because the Holy Spirit will provide power and guidance (10:19-20) and the Father will exercise sovereign care and control (10:28-33).

The 5 “Sermons” of Jesus in Matthew 1.The Lifestyle of the Kingdom (Chap. 5 – 7) 2.The Mission of the Kingdom (9:35 – 10:42) 3.The Growth of the Kingdom (13:1–52) 4.The Community of the Kingdom (18:1–35) 5.The Future of the Kingdom (24 – 25)

By Matthew 13, … Surely Jesus is the Prophet of God.

By Matthew 13, … Surely Jesus is a Great King. Power to give Power!!

The question that this parable (of the sower) answers For the Church : “Why should we spend so much time, money and efforts to do outreach, to organize evangelistic events, to go on missions trips, when seemingly so few respond to the Gospel?”

Outreach & Social Concerns$64,000 Missions$20,000 ACS (I) Ministry $31,700 Witness & Evangelism$27,000 Dover Blessing$ 5,000 _________ $147,700 + (part) salaries of staff + money spent by some PCGs & committees + time & efforts

The question that this parable (of the sower) answers For the Christian : “Why should I keep on sharing the Gospel when my family, friends, colleagues and neighbors keep rejecting it?” Because as long as we keep on praying, keep on maintaining our good Christian witness, and share the Gospel appropriately, the Holy Spirit is making our loved one’s heart into good soil.

The mustard seed emphasizes an insignificant beginning of the kingdom of heaven with its growth into external greatness.

The kingdom of heaven must start with the inner transformation of our hearts, in individual lives, which in turn transform the people of God in the church from inside out. Parable of the Yeast

Then our lives will be  blessed with resources (God can trust us)  blessed to see healing from our prayers  blessed with favor in our relationships with people. God’s Will Transformed lives Growing faith, as a result of our Obedience to His Word

This parable (of the leaven) answers the following questions: 1.Why won’t God answer my prayers for healing instantly all the time? 2. Why does God allow the church to go through troubled times?

The kingdom of heaven is of supreme worth.

Matthew 13:49–50 “ 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

T ext – God’s Word is our focus. A ppreciate the context. K now the Truth. E xpress our Faith. The Parables contain “the secrets of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 13:11).

Matthew 13:24-30 “ 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 heads, then the weeds also appeared.

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?’ 29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling 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.’” – Matthew 13:24-30

The One who sowed the good seeds – Jesus Enemy – Devil Field – the world Wheat – people of God Tares– people of the evil one (weeds)

This parable (of wheat and tares) answers the following questions: 1.Why are there evil and violence in this world? 1. Why is there so much sorrow in this world? 2.Why do the bad guys sometimes get away with it? No justice?

1.Evil is allowed now. 2.Evil will grow even as the Church grows. 3.Evil will face complete justice one day before the Throne of God. The Bible reveals that evil is caused by the devil, sin and the fallen world.

2.Evil will grow even as the Church grows. From the 16 th – 19 th century, 12 million Africans were enslaved!

2.Evil will grow even as the Church grows. From the 16 th – 19 th century, 12 million Africans were enslaved! Today, according to the US State Department: Number of modern slaves – 27 million!!

1.Evil is allowed now. 2.Evil will grow even as the Church grows. 3. One Day, Evil will face complete justice before the Throne of God. But, why not NOW?

1.Evil is allowed now. 2.Evil will grow even as the Church grows. 3. One Day, Evil will face complete justice before the Throne of God. But, why not NOW? 29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. “30 Let both grow together until the harvest. …”

2 Peter 3:9 “ 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” a)We can pray for this person. b) We can repay antagonism with love and kindness. Matthew 5:43-48 “ Love your enemies …” Don’t give up on him (her)!!

Don’t give up on your relative / friend / colleague / neighbour!!!