Prophecies of the Current Age Prepared by Steve Forbes November 2017
Matthew 12 The Sabbath Day Controversies 1-13. The Sabbath Day Controversies 1-9: Picking Grain on the sabbath day 10-13: Healing on the sabbath day Point of contention: The AUTHORITY of the Oral Law vs the Written Law The Leadership Decision 14. The Conclusion: 14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. The National Leaders conspire to destroy him they rejected him as their Messiah. Response in Light of Rejection 15-21 Jesus Response 15But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all 16 And charged them that they should not make him known: 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, 18 "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; My beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit on him. He will proclaim justice to the nations. 19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send 2
forth judgment unto victory. 21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. The Messianic Miracle 22-23 The Messianic miracle 22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? Casting Out a Dumb Demon Casting out demons was not all that unusual in the Jewish world of that day. Casting out demons within the framework of Pharisaic Judaism required a specific ritual: 1 st -- the exorcist would have to establish communication with the demon, for when a demon speaks, he uses the vocal cords of the person he indwells. 2 nd -- after establishing communication with the demon, the exorcist would then have to find out the demon s name. 3 rd -- after finding out the demon s name, he could, by the use of that name, cast out the demon. Jesus used this Method in Mark 5, when He, being confronted with a demoniac, asked the question, What is your name? -- My name is Legion for we are many. 3
One kind of demon which Judaism s methodology was powerless -- the kind of demon who caused the controlled person to be dumb or mute. Because he could not speak, there was no way of establishing communication couldn t find out this demon s name. Using Judaism s method, it was impossible to cast out a dumb demon. Rabbinic Teaching regarding this Miracle The rabbis had taught, however, that when the Messiah came He would be able to cast out this type of demon. This was the second of the three messianic miracles: the casting out of a dumb or mute demon. In verse 22, that is exactly the kind of demon Jesus casts out. National Attention 23And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? The Son of David is a Messianic title The dilemma of the leadership Jesus rejected their authority based on the oral law Yet he performed a miracle they believed that only What to do? the messiah could perform. 4
Review -- Messianic Miracles 1 st Healing a Jewish Leaper A testimony to the Jewish leadership that He is the Messiah. 2 nd Casting out a dumb demon Brought the Jewish leaders to make a decision of rejection and the nation followed 3 rd Healing a man born blind. Jesus was still calling individuals to Himself, despite the national judgment The Leadership Solution Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. They accuse Jesus of operating by the power of Satan. The Unpardonable Sin Matthew 12 25-37 25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? 27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29 Or else how 5
can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. 30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. 31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy agains the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. 33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Mark 328-30 28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: 30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit. 6
The accusation that Jesus is casting out devils by the power of Satan is: A national sin a sin committed by a nation This is the Unpardonable sin -- judgement is unavoidable That generation would experience divine judgment. Like previous generations, they, as a nation, passed the point of no return Judgment was pronounced, and it would not change Change in Miracle Policy 39-40 Jesus announced a change in His policy regarding miracles: 39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Up to this point, Jesus was performing miracles to bring Israel to make a decision regarding Him. After this point, miracles will be done on the basis of personal need and compassion, or training His disciples An exception is raising Lazarus from the dead -- the sign of Jonah 7
Review 1-13 Conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leadership authority of the oral law 24 The Jewish leaders reject Jesus and led the nation in rejecting him based on an accusation of being in league with Satan. 25-37 Based on this rejection, the nation will be judged. 38-40 Jesus Policy Concerning Miracles changed Focus on that Generation Matthew 12: 41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. 42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. Judgment was to come on that generation of Israelites because of the unpardonable sin This judgment is national 8
Jesus - His Friends & Family Mark 3 21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. Mark 3 31-35 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. 32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. 33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? 34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. Jesus had lost fellowship with his nation Now he was losing fellowship with his family. Note the response: The importance of his new family His use of language behold my mother and brethren They fulfill the function or roll of his mother and brethren. The Long Day Matthew 13: 1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. On this day The Long Day National rejection of Jesus 9
Declaration of the Unpardonable sin. Change in policy regarding miracles Declaration of the mystery kingdom Beginning of the parabolic teaching method Something significant had occurred that day -- Part 2 Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God The Kingdom of God Universal Kingdom Spiritual Kingdom Theocratic Kingdom Messianic / Millennial Kingdom The Mystery Kingdom Kingdom of Heaven / Kingdom of God Matthew 13 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Mark 4 11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 10
Matthew 13 31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Mark 4 30-31 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, Majority view they are synonymous Most Dispensationalists today hold this view Minority view Kingdom of Heaven refers to the theocratic kingdom on earth / Kingdom of God refers to a spiritual kingdom Some dispensationalists today and many of the past held to this view Will the Greek help? Matthew 13 Kingdom of heaven Mark 4 Kingdom of God So What did Jesus Say? -- Option #1 He said both... the kingdom of heaven and God Matthew recorded part Mark recorded part The entire statement is a combination of both statements The Kingdom of God and Kingdom of heaven share certain aspects 11
So What did Jesus Say? -- Option #2 He said neither Jesus didn t teach the multitudes in Greek Most of the actual words that Jesus spoke are not recorded in the New Testament, since the NT was written in Greek & Jesus commonly spoke Aramaic The spoken words of Jesus recorded here are translations from Aramaic into Greek The specific words of Jesus were translated from Aramaic into Greek The kingdom of heaven -- Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience The kingdom of God -- Mark wrote to a Gentile audience The kingdom of God -- Luke wrote to a Gentile audience The meaning of Jesus words was translated from Aramaic into Greek The translation of meaning is a valid and a common translation technique. Equivalent Terms Common Jewish practice to state the same things in two different ways. Matthew 19 23-24 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 12
24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God Basic Meaning :God Rules Three Inter-related Ideas: The righ to rule The realm of the ruler The reality of the rule The Kingdom of God is multifaceted The point is that the kingdom (or rule) has different aspects, or facets, or manifestations. Facets of God s Rule: In a faceted shape: Some aspects are clearly seen Some are partially visible Some aspects are not seen They are all there and valid just not being looked at. Facets illustrated: Mark 9 1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. Luke 17 20b-21 he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither 0 13
shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. The Universal or Eternal Kingdom God s sovereign or providential rule over creation The right to rule; God is creator of all The realm of ruler; all of creation The reality of rule; the sovereign working of His plan Psalms 74 12 For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth. Jeremiah 10 10 But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Daniel 4 32b until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will The Spiritual Kingdom The rule of God in the heart of the believer. OT & NT saints. In today s day & age the church is synonymous. (Acts 2 -> rapture). The right to rule God is redeemer of the saints The realm of ruler God is ruling in the hearts of His people The reality of rule All things work together for good, for those who called according to His purpose. 14
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 8 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Colossians 1 13-14 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Colossians 4 11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. 1 Thessalonians 2 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 15
The Theocratic Kingdom God s rule over Israel The right to rule God made a Covenant with the people at Sinai (Mosaic Law / Covenant) The realm of ruler The children (descendants) of Jacob (Israel) The reality of rule The Nation of Israel existed autonomously from 1400 BC until 586 BC God s rule over Israel as a nation established by Moses Ended in 586 BC w/babylonian destruction of Jerusalem & the temple -- Times of the Gentiles. Two phases Mediatorial (through a mediator) Moses, Joshua, Judges, Samuel (last Judge 1st prophet) Monarchical (through the throne of David) Exodus 19 2 Chronicles 36 The Messianic Kingdom During the decay of the theocratic kingdom, the prophets began proclaiming the coming Messianic kingdom The right to rule -- Jesus will defeat the ruler of this age in a military conquest, and rule on David s throne in fulfillment of the David Covenant The realm of the ruler -- The entire world The reality of rule -- He will personally, literally rule the world for Jerusalem 16
Micah 5 2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Hosea 3:4-5 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: 5 Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days. Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever The Kingdom Offered John the Baptist & Jesus were proclaiming that the Messianic Kingdom is what was at hand. Matthew 3 1-2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 17
Matthew 4 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 10: 5-7 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. It is an error to say that if Israel had accepted Him as Messiah, that He would not have to had died. This is not true. The atonement for sin required the shedding of blood. Had Israel received him as messiah, then Israel would have proclaimed Him as their King. This would have been seen as rebellion to Rome. Jesus would have been arrested by Roman authorities as He was Tried by a Roman court as He was Executed by Roman soldiers as he was Buried as he was. The difference would have been on the third day at His resurrection, He would have dealt with Roman rule at the time. The atonement comes only by blood, not by kingly rule. 18
The issue was not whether or not he was to die He had to die, the issue was whether or not the messianic kingdom would be set up at this time. This is the Kingdom offer that was rescinded in His day & will be re-offered during the tribulation. Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Part 3 -- The Mystery Kingdom The Parable of the Sower Parable of the sower - Matthew & Luke Develop three principles of interpretation based on the internal evidence of these two passages. The nature of the ground, and the significance of the sprouting seed. Compare these conclusions with three differing systematic theologies, and look at which one fits the context accurately. The Mystery Kingdom Matthew 13:11 Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven Mark 4:11 Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God Luke 8:10 Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God 19
The Nature of the Mystery Kingdom This was not part of OT Prophecy Romans 16 25b-26 according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: The Mystery Kingdom Considered Positively Begins with the rejection of the messiah and continues until the 2 nd coming. This will describe how the king will rule on earth while physically absent, at the right hand of God the father. The English word which best describes this aspect is probably Christendom, not Christianity. It includes all under the umbrellas of Christianity and includes both believers and unbelievers. The Mystery Kingdom what it is not: It is not the eternal kingdom begins with Israel s rejection and ends with Israel s acceptance It is not the Spiritual kingdom because it includes unbelievers (wheat & tares) It is not the theocratic kingdom does not deal with God s rule over Israel includes both Jews & Gentiles It is not the Church a portion of it, but not the totality 20
It is not the Messianic kingdom not a mystery clearly revealed in the OT The Nature of Parables The purpose of a parable is not to make it walk on all fours, so to speak, but to illustrate main ideas. Parable figure of speech by which a moral or spiritual truth is taught or illustrated by using a common (every day) experience. Based on reality. Other Figures of Speech : Simile as or like Metaphor I am the door, I am the gate, I am Similitude Transfers common knowledge based on what people normally do like a woman measuring three measures of meal Story type parable transfers truth from a specific incident based on what actually happened. The Parable of the Sower Matthew 13: 1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no 21
deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Other References: Mark 4 1-19 and Luke 8 4-18 Matthew 13: 10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. Mark 4: 10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. 13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? Why Parables? Why Now? 1. The Purpose considered Negatively The purpose was not to clarify the message. The purpose was not to bring in national revival. 22
2. The purpose considered Positively. The purpose was to obscure the message. This was to ensure national judgment. How to understand these parables? Consider the controlling parable Mark 4 13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? Mark 4 13 He said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables? (WEB) The definite article modifies the statement understood as these parables. The 1 st principle of Interpretation: o The parable of the sower unlocks the other parables. o Jesus explained in detail the meaning of the elements. o These elements remain the same in understanding the other parables. The 2 nd principle of Interpretation: o Mark 4 26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. o The parable of the sprouting seed specifies the nature of regeneration -- Apart from human effort. This elements remains the same in understanding the other parables. 23
The 3 rd principle of Interpretation: o Matthew 13: 51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. o The disciples said they understood the meaning of these parables. o We need to understand them from their perspective. The Nature of the Soil The basic elements of the parable of the sower The sower The seed The sprouting The ground The results The big questions: No questions regarding the hard ground people and the good ground people. Are the stony ground people saved? Are the thorny ground people saved? According to Arminianism they were saved people who lost their salvation. According to Calvinism they were never saved to begin with. The differences of results reside in the condition or nature of the soil. The problem with both : Arminianism and Calvinism They remove the warning aspect to believers. 24
The Lesson of the Parable This mystery aspect of the Kingdom of God will be characterized by: Spreading of the gospel seed The active opposition by Satan: Specifically aimed at the hearers where the gospel is concerned Rejection and acceptance of the gospel Of those accepting (believing): o They will experience supernatural regeneration o Some will become unfruitful because of shallowness o Some will be come unfruitful because of worldliness o Some will become fruitful o Of those, the results will vary The Nature of the Soil The basic devotional lesson of the parable of the sower to humanity is The hard ground: unbelievers The rocky ground: shallow believers. The thorny ground: worldly believers. The good ground: godly believers. What kind of soil are you? The Sprouting Seed Mark 4: 26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And 25
should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. The man casting seed is spreading the gospel. The ground is the hearers 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. The seed is sown without knowing the results 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. The seed sprouts independent of the man s actions after the seed is sown The sprouting seed results in fruit The sprouting seed represents regeneration 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. After the fruit is the harvest The Sprouting Seed - Summary The sower spreads the seed Some of the seed will sprout which indicates regeneration Regeneration is independent of the sower 26
Implications regarding the false teaching of sacraments After regeneration (sprouting) comes a progression of development This results in a fruitful life After that is harvest - Judgment The Parable of the Sower Explained Matthew 13 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 27
The Parable of the Sower Explained The Hard Ground Explained 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. Note the role of understanding comprehension Romans 10 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Note the active role of Satan in opposition of the gospel The Stony Ground Explained 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. The word was received It sprouted He has not root in himself The Thorny Ground Explained 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. Note: he becomes unfruitful Cares of this world Deceitfulness of riches 28
The Good Ground Explained 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Note the progression: 1. Hears 2. Understands 3. Bears fruit 4. Differing results The Parable of Tares of the Field Matthew 13 24-30 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. 29
Matthew 13 36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man The field is the world; The tares are the children of the wicked one The good seed are the children of the kingdom The enemy that sowed them is the devil The harvest is the end of the world The reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world Matthew 13 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Consider the progression from the sprouting seed parable: 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. Within this kingdom some will appear genuine at first. They did not come from the seed of the gospel planted by an enemy. Be careful of men s professions 30
Matthew 7 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. The Tares will remain during this entire period until the harvest Key insight into this facet of the kingdom of God: It is mixed some good & some bad Matthew 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; The gospel will not go out perfectly Philippians 1: 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. The Parable of the Mustard Tree Matthew 13 31 32 31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of 31
mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Mark 4 30 32 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: 32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it Less than all the seeds (common proverbial saying) the statement was a comparative not a superlative (beyond compare, matchless) doesn t mean that it was absolutely the smallest. This seed turns normally grows into a bush, but will grow large enough to be a resting-place for birds a monstrosity. The kingdom will experience abnormal external growth until it becomes a monstrosity (mess). This will become a resting place for birds (agents of Satan 1 st parable) -- false doctrine. Parable of the Leavened Dough: Matthew 13 33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman 32
took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Only Found in Matthew How would a 1 st century Israelite understand the imagery? A woman used symbolically, represents a false religious system (Rev 17 Rev 2:20). Leaven when used symbolically is always a symbol of sin or false doctrine. False religious systems will be introduced into the mystery kingdom and will result in doctrinal corruption. Meal the result of true grain an element of truth the bare essential elements of the gospel. Biblical imagery equating food with teaching feed my sheep feed the flock Rabbi s taught that a false teacher was corrupting his disciple s food. Three measures the mystery Kingdom will have three main branches / divisions. The Treasure Hidden in a Field Matthew 13 44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Treasure used symbolically in scripture refers to Israel Psalm 135 4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure. 33
Exodus 19 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: The point is that some believers will come from Israel this kingdom will have a believing Jewish remnant. Parable of the Pearl of Great Price Matthew 13 45-46 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. No clear statement of the use of pearls symbolically in scripture one must infer at this point. Probably a reference to the Gentiles The Jewish believers were mentioned in the previous parable, it would follow that the gentile would be mentioned next. Another point of evidence pearls come from the Salt Sea a symbol of gentile nations (Dan 7: 1-2 & Rev 17:1, 15) Parable of the Dragnet Matthew 13 47 50 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from 34
among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. The mystery age will end with the judgment of the gentiles sea a symbol of the gentile world. Not the end of the world, Matthew 25 31-46 The age ending with the judgment of the gentiles. The righteous gentiles will enter the messianic kingdom The unrighteous gentiles are excluded from the Messianic kingdom and judged with fire. Parable of the Householder Matthew 13 51 52 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. 52Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. Certain aspects of this age the Mystery Kingdom are like other ages Other aspects are brand new These new aspects, not previously revealed is why it was considered a mystery Summary of the Kingdom Parables are a prophecy of the current age, from Israel s rejection of Jesus, to Israel s acceptance of Jesus as their Messiah (at the 2 nd Coming of Christ). The Church is included in this age since the Church age began 35
at Pentecost (after Israel s rejection of Christ) and will end at the rapture (before the 2 nd coming of Christ). Pentecost Rapture Church Age Mystery Kingdom Israel s Rejection 2 nd Advent THE SOWER sowing of the gospel seed throughout this age THE SELF-SPROUTING SEED the gospel has its own inner energy, it springs to life of its own accord THE TARES true sowing will be imitated by a false counter sowing THE MUSTARD TREE the kingdom will assume huge outer proportions THE LEAVEN marked by inward doctrinal corruption THE HIDDEN TREASURE the lord will gain a believing remnant form Israel THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE the Lord will gain a remnant from the gentile THE DRAGNET - The mystery kingdom age will end with the judgment of the gentiles THE HOUSEHOLDER some aspects of the mystery kingdom are old, others are brand new. 36