Jul 30 2023
The Kingdom: Trouble in the Field
Verses Used:Matthew 13:24-30;36-43Matthew 13:15Matthew 7:22-23Peter 3:9Takeaways:If the kingdom of God has arrived, why has it not triumphed over evil more clearly? If Jesus is the one announcing it, why is there not more of a positive response?The Presence of EvilThere are two kingdoms at war with each other and the battle is still going onThe Kingdom of God expands even under oppositionSatan attacks us by deceiving - he is the father of lies, discouraging - making you feel defeated or worthless, and by distracting- getting you to take your eyes off Jesus and look to other things.Weeds amongst the WheatOne of Jesus’ message in Matthew is that it doesn’t matter how good you are, how many good things you do, I want you to know me.Jesus is allowing for more time, for a greater harvest, before the judgment.The Final Harvest“Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”There are two different outcomes for the weeds and the wheat.Discussion Questions:Why do you think people get impatient with Jesus for not removing evil from the world?Does your heart reflect the heart of God for more people to come to know Him? What might need to change for your heart and attitude to reflect Jesus to those that don’t yet know Him?How does the thought of the final harvest, or judgment make you feel?Is it easy to tell who the “wheat and the weeds” are? Why or Why not?