Matthew 13:24-25:
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
Jesus often taught in parables. These stories were meant to provide meaning to those whom God chose, but to confuse others. Mark 4:12.
In this parable, we are focused on the kingdom of heaven. This would be the kingdom of heaven on earth because the enemy cannot come in and sow tares in the perfect heaven. Right away, that raises the question of “what is the kingdom of heaven” on earth? This would be the church. Thus, the church is Christ’s kingdom of heaven. Jesus is the man that sowed good seed in his field. The field is the world, and the good seed is word (Mat 4:14). This means that word is across the whole world, sometimes in higher or lower concentrations, but the seeds are planted.
Verse 25 caught my eye. It says “while men slept” the enemy sowed tares. It doesn’t specify the man, whom is presumably Jesus. It specifies men. I suspect these men are those who are in charge of watching over the master’s field, which would be church leaders and the magistrate. While it doesn’t say the men would be an absolute protection against the enemy, it does imply that church leaders and magistrates need to be protecting the field (world) against the enemy. The corollary to that is that vigilant men can reduce the amount of ungodly teaching and people — they have a responsibility to do so. The tares are bad teaching that leads to sinful men and the fire of hell. If you think something should be done about sinful action, then first eradicate sin from your life. Don’t be one of the tares! Then lift up and encourage other men who are battling sin. Attend, participate, and tithe to a good church. Verbally encourage men who are effectively combating evils.
An upcoming parable likens the kingdom of heaven to leaven which does fill the whole loaf. We know that Christ wins gradually. Be part of the growth of His kingdom by battling your own sinful nature and providing reinforcement to the men on the walls.
