Introduction to the Series 00:00:00
The summer series on the kingdom of heaven connects to the theme of returning to one’s homeland.
Preacher
Rev. Dr. Gideon Lee
Date
August 16, 2026
Location
San Leandro
Language
EnglishThis sermon explores the parables in Matthew 13, focusing on the wheat and tares, and emphasizes the challenge of understanding the problem of evil.
The summer series on the kingdom of heaven connects to the theme of returning to one’s homeland.
Discusses the purpose of parables, particularly focusing on unlocking the kingdom of heaven's mysteries.
Explores the second parable and the lessons about good and evil coexisting.
Examines the philosophical and theological aspects of evil in the world.
Discusses the concept of final judgment as a response to the problem of evil.
Encourages believers to maintain faith and patience while awaiting God's justice.
Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and slipped away. When the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared. The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. So the servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ ‘No,’ he said, ‘if you pull the weeds now, you might uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.’”
Matthew 13:24-30
Then Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He replied, “The One who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. As the weeds are collected and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
Matthew 13:36-43
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.
Genesis 50:20
What does the parable of the wheat and tares teach us?
It illustrates the coexistence of good and evil until God's final judgment.
How should we respond to the problem of evil?
We should remain patient and hopeful, trusting in God's ultimate justice.
What is the significance of final judgment in Christianity?
It assures us that God will ultimately address evil and reward righteousness.