The Bible Says

The Church Christ Built Still Stands
by Charlie Grier
 

Last week Jesus explained the parable of the sower. Today we will consider his explanation of some of the other parables.

Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And his disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” He answered and said to them:”He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 13:36-43)

In this parable Jesus explains the future of the church.

  1. It was built by Christ Himself.
  2. He said, “I will build My church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18).
  3. Satan then planted non-Christians within the church’s membership.
  4. These people sometimes imitate Christianity so well the church cannot detect them.
  5. God will deal with them in His own way and time.

Parable of the Mustard Seed

“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches” (Matt. 13:31,32).

In this parable the church is warned of false teaching. The expression, “birds of the air,” is symbolic of evil spirits (Rev. 18:2). Churches that try to expand by accepting into membership, those with questionable teaching are making a serious mistake.

Parable Of The Leaven

“Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened” (Matt. 13:33).

Throughout the Bible women made a practice of retaining a lump of the fermented dough that caused their bread to rise before baking. There was nothing wrong with that practice excepting that fermentation was symbolic of sin. Jesus didn’t accuse that woman of doing wrong, but He saw in this practice something that the church should not do. His reasoning was, “If a little yeast could cause a whole batch of bread to rise, then a little SIN could grow and corrupt the entire church! -- beware!”

Parable Of Hidden Treasure

“Again the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matt. 13:44).

“Again the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matt. 13:45)

Aren’t you glad Jesus considers His people treasures! He found us hid in the field of the world -- sinful, lost, and without hope! Others may have considered us worthless, but to Him we were invaluable “Jewels!” Why? He knew what His grace could do in our lives and determined to buy us. It cost Him ALL that He had -- His dignity -- His reputation -- His very Life -- but He was willing to pay the price!

“Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (I Peter 1:18,19).

God’s Challenge To The Church

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 12:1,2).

The Church Still Stands

In His parables Jesus warned of problems the church would face during the entire Church Age. Some things labeled “church” will not stand the test -- Jesus called them “tares.” We must remember that Jesus did not plant these tares -- “An enemy did.” Christ is not responsible for that which He did not plant, but He declares Himself responsible for the “wheat.” He said, “No man can pluck them out of My hand.”

“I will build My church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16:18).

-- All references are NKJB