Part 5: “Wheat & Tears”

“Wheat & Tears”

Matthew 13:24-30 & 13:36-42

Sermon Series: “The Gospel, Volume 2”

Keys to understanding the parable:

Sower = Jesus, Field = World, Enemy = Devil, Wheat = Saved People, Tares = Lost Church People, Seed = Saved People

1. ____________________________ Together

A. Both Experienced Being Planted
Application: Both the wheat and tare are planted together which Jesus explains in verses 36-42 represent both saved Christian and unsaved lost people who are in the church. There are in all churches genuine saved, born again Christians and those people who only give the appearance of being a Christian who never truly have repented of their sins and placed their trust in Jesus as Savior. Both of these people have experienced being in worship, singing , serving, and being a part of the church. But the true Christian has experienced the new birth. Have you only experienced church in worship, singing, giving, learning, and yet have never experienced accepting Jesus as your Savior?

2. ____________________________ Together

A. Both Can Grow In Knowledge, Activity, and Serving The Lord
B. Both Appear To Be Real But One Is A Counterfeit Application: Both the Christian and the person who only appears to be a Christian can grow in knowledge, activity and in serving in the local church. Sometimes we think someone is a Christian because they are active in their church by doing work in the church, singing in the choir, teaching, etc. The tare in this parable represents the person who only appears to be a Christian but in fact

is truly a counterfeit Christian. Just going to church and getting involved in the activities of the church doesn’t make you a Christian. Giving your life to Jesus, repenting of your sins, believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, surrendering your entire self to Jesus as Lord is what can make you a Christian and give you eternal life.

3. ____________________________ Together

A. Both Will Be Separated By The Angels
Application: At the end of the age when the world ends, which is coming near, God will use His angels to separate the wheat/ Christians from the tares/non-believers. Christians will be with Jesus in heaven and those who have rejected Jesus as Savior will spend eternity in hell where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. God will judge each person on what they have done with Jesus. Have you really trusted Jesus and placed your belief and faith in Him? Or, are you trusting in your good works, going to church, believing the rights things and some past experience to qualify you for heaven? The Bible teaches that the only way to heaven is through having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross for your sins and paid your sin debt for you. You have a choice today, either to receive the free gift of salvation or to reject what Jesus has done for you. What is your decision? Do you really have a testimony as to the day and time your prayed and asked Jesus to come into your heart and be your Lord and Savior?