“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat” (
Of all the kingdom parables Jesus told on that busy day, why did the disciples ask Him to explain this one? It is mostly a guess, but suppose Judas were the one who spoke for the other the disciples in this request for an interpretation.
In the case of this parable, we are not left to guess as to its message. This is a judgment day parable. “Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age” (
Judgment Day: A Day of Revelation
Niether is it easy for a layman to tell a genuine diamond from a fake, nor is it easy to tell a true Christian from an imitation. The true and false will be revealed one day.
As wheat grows, it is hard to distinguish it from weeds such as darnel or tares, but when the wheat ripens for harvest, it’s clear to see the tares bear no fruit. In this case, the worthy is discernible from the worthless.
What do you suppose Judas was thinking while Jesus taught this parable? Can you imagine the soul-searching he might have been doing? Did he think Jesus could not see his pretense? Did he think he never would be discovered?
If you had been there, what would the searching eyes of Jesus have seen in you? You would do well to ponder the parable now; one day He will see, as will everyone else.
Judgment Day: A Day of Retribution
The description Jesus gave of the destiny of imitation saints corresponds to the general description of the place of eternal torment called hell—a place of fire, weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Some would like to object: “It is only a parable!” Yes, but it is in the Lord’s interpretation of that parable that He uses the image of a fiery furnace. We should know eternal destiny would be a horrible place. John, in the Book of Revelation, wrote of this lake of fire (
The suffering of Jesus on the cross may be the strongest argument for a place of punishment for the lost. Jesus took our punishment in physical pain, moral shame and soul suffering on Calvary. Why would He do that if hell is not real? Did Judas flinch at all when Jesus explained this parable?
Judgment Day: A Day of Great Reward
“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Judgment day need not be a dread, but a delight. For those trustingly anchored in Jesus, it need not be a pain, but a pleasure. We do not face retribution, but reward. Perhaps the worst part of being outside Christ is not the pit of hell, but missing heaven.
We have a little Shih Tzu at home who prefers to stay out in the backyard on pretty days when I call him to come in the house. I have learned that if I quit calling and slam the door, he comes on the run! He does not want to be left outside.
I don’t know what Judas was thinking as Jesus was teaching this truth…”It won’t turn out that way…This does not apply to me…I’ll comply someday…”
I don’t know what you are thinking today, but I know if you are trusting in your membership in a church, your work for God or your moral goodness, it’s time to run to Christ, the only Savior.