. . . speaking to them things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:3
The kingdom of God while in the earth has mixed company. Two parables back-to-back (Matt. 13:24-32) actually help us better understand this foundational kingdom reality. The first parable is about the kingdom of God being like a man who sowed good seed in his field, and while he slept, the enemy came in and sowed tares (weeds) among his wheat. The farmer commands his laborers to let them grow together until harvest (vs. 30). Then in the harvest, he separates the tares from the wheat.
At the risk of over-simplification, this parable tells us that there will be tares and wheat growing side by side in the kingdom. In other words, do not be surprised if people claiming to be in the same kingdom do not act like they are from the same kingdom. Every now and again, someone will say, “There is sin in the church!” And they act shocked, but Jesus warned us of this. He also pointed out that the farmer (God) wanted them to grow together until harvest.
There are many possible implications of what this means practically. First, God will let them grow together because some of the tares may become wheat. That sounds impossible, but so does being born again. Remember nothing is impossible with God. Second, we are not responsible to purge the field of tares, because we do not know the tares from the wheat. He said He would do it. Do not become trapped by taking the responsibility to remove tares yourself. You will do more damage than good. Third, we can be confident that even though we are surprised by “tares” among the “wheat”, that should not in any way move us into worry, doubt, or unbelief.
The second parable in Matthew 13 is about the kingdom being like a mustard seed that the sower plants. This “smallest of seeds” grows into a large tree and the birds will come and rest in its branches. This parable not only reaffirms the little-seed/great-growth nature of the kingdom, but also the fact that birds rest in it. Some have said the birds represent nations or a particular nation. Whatever they represent, this point is clear: birds take from the tree what they need and often their only real contribution to the tree is poop! The kingdom of God in its fullness will, for a time, give rest to those who only use it for their own good, even dishonoring it.
Do not be surprised that there may be tares among wheat or poop on the branches. Jesus knew this and was not worried about it. Trust the condition of the kingdom to the King. Are you letting other Christians’ sin or hypocrisy come between you and Jesus? Are you repelled or surprised about tares growing along side wheat or poop on the branches? Are you repelled or surprised when some among us may not be acting like Christ? A pastor once said, “If a hypocrite stands between you and Jesus, that means the hypocrite is closer!” Do not let someone else’s stuff cause you to stumble. Jesus’ parables remind us that the kingdom of God in the earth will include mixed company for a season.