Mission in Jesus’ Parables of the KingdomSample

The parables of the wheat in the field and the dragnet both have something to say about two kinds of people: the present age and the final judgment. In this age, the kingdom has not come in all its fullness. The children of the kingdom must coexist with the children of the evil one. Evil preys on goodness and intertwines itself with all that is right and true, infesting this world like weeds, wrapping themselves around beautiful plants, and tainting the goodness we see around us (Matthew 13:25–26). There is an enemy, the devil (Matthew 13:28, 39). For now, it can look like evil is winning and good is losing. But God endures wickedness only for the present (Matthew 13:30a). The sobering words of final judgment in Matthew 13:41–42 are a stark reminder of the fate facing those who ultimately reject the kingdom and its King. Yet, God will have his harvest, and those souls will shine like the sun in his kingdom (Matthew 13:43). For now, it’s not our job to seek to judge who is inside and who is outside the kingdom—there’s a danger of uprooting the wheat (Matthew 13:29)! Rather, that is for God to do (Matthew 13:30).

The parable of the dragnet is very similar to this one. On the one hand God calls us in mission to those of “every kind” (Matthew 13:47) and graciously waits until the net is full (Matthew 13:48) before he gathers it in. On the other hand, every kind of person will be judged.

What can we take away from these parables about mission? Firstly, God intends for all to know him and to be “children of the kingdom” (Matthew 13:38). He plants the seed and brings them to birth. But secondly, we are opposed by an evil one, the devil, who infects the world with evil (Matthew 13:38–39). Thirdly, God gives time for people to repent; he does not judge prematurely but is patient, providing an opportunity for people to turn to him until the net is full (Matthew 13:48). But fourthly, there will be a judgment. None will escape (Matthew 13:41–42, 48–50). That should give us a sense of urgency about reaching the peoples of the world before it is too late. Finally, God will ensure that good triumphs over evil. His children will be vindicated, and evil will be judged and destroyed (Matthew 13:30, 43).

Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43, 47–50