Matthew 13:24 Commentary and Bible Study

(Synoptics: Matthew 13:24-30) This further parable which Christ interprets later in the chapter gives us in summary form a philosophy of history. It provides an overview of God’s purposes in the history of the world, which is the most important perspective on history. Like all the parables it is a gospel parable, but it also gives consolation and teaches patience to believers as they wait for the great harvest at the end of the world.. It is a parable of the kingdom of heaven. It treats an aspect of the kingdom which all need to consider. It is an explanation for the state of the world, which defends God from any charge of being responsible for evil. It shows why evil is not immediately removed from the world, and what are God’s intentions in allowing the world to continue to exist with evil present in it. As in the case of the parable of the sower, Christ separates the parable and its interpretation and application, and this is probably how the preacher ought to present his message on this parable.The kingdom of heaven is like the situation described in this parable as the interpretation that follows will show. ‘The kingdom of heaven’, as Hendriksen says, is shorthand, ‘an abbreviated expression’. That kingdom is like the total situation which is described in the parable. Christ uses the term, not just to refer to the kingdom in its perfection – the place where Christ reigns undisputedly as King, and all are subject to him and willingly obey him. That is what the kingdom of heaven will be when it is fully come. What is called the kingdom of heaven here is the present state of the kingdom, a kingdom that is being brought about by a struggle, and against strong opposition. It is seen as it is being formed during the gospel age when its supremacy is still being challenged by the forces of darkness. The parables are not simply descriptive, but are designed to advance the kingdom, and to promote its interests. By understanding this parable, men and women will grasp why the world is as it is and how God who is perfectly good can allow the world to exist for a time with evil operating in it.A good crop is what we would expect from the good seed that was sown. It was sown to produce a harvest which the farmer intended to store in his barn. There was to be gain from this hard work, and that gain would make all the labour worthwhile. The farmer would take advantage of the fruitfulness of the land to multiply his seed and provide for his household for the coming year. Under normal circumstances a good harvest was a reasonable expectation.