Jesus shares the parable of the wheat and weeds to illustrate spiritual truths about the end times. Wheat represents the children of God’s kingdom, while weeds depict evildoers. There will be a separation at the harvest between righteous and unrighteous.
To be gathered as wheat into God’s barn, we must be born again of imperishable seed, which is the living and enduring word of God (1 Peter 1:23). The parable explains that the seed equals the word of God (Luke 8:11). So we must be born of His word to become His children. Wheat and weeds have distinct physical characteristics. Wheat grows tall, develops heavy seed heads, and is humble. Weeds do not bear good fruit, tend to take over, and are resilient. This shows how false believers may be difficult to fully separate from true believers. The key is nurturing good wheat to grow strong.
Jesus cautioned against prematurely uprooting weeds since their roots intertwine with wheat. This illustrates allowing good and evil to coexist until final judgment rather than attempting to root out evil prematurely.
To avoid becoming weeds, we must ensure we are born of good seed (God’s word) and mature into spiritual fruitfulness (James 1:18). As first fruits, we are set apart for God’s glory through transformation by His true Word dwelling within us.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Figurative meanings:
Sower: The sower represents Jesus, the Son of Man, who sows the good seed in his field
- Matthew 13:37: “He answered, ‘The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.'” This verse identifies the sower as the Son of Man, which is a title for Jesus.
Good Seed: The good seed represents the people of the kingdom, who are born of God’s word
- Matthew 13:38: “The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom.” This verse explains that the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom, meaning the true believers.
Enemy: The enemy who sows the weeds represents the devil. This enemy works while people are unaware, symbolizing the subtle and deceptive nature of evil
- Matthew 13:39: “The enemy who sowed them is the devil.” This verse explicitly states that the enemy who sowed the weeds is the devil.
Weeds/Tares: The weeds, or tares, represent the people of the evil one, who are born of the devil’s words. They grow alongside the wheat, making it difficult to distinguish between the true and false believers until the time of harvest
- Matthew 13:38: “The tares are the sons of the evil one.” This verse explains that the tares, or weeds, represent the sons of the evil one, referring to those who follow the devil.
Harvest: The harvest represents the end of the age. At that time, the Son of Man will send his angels to separate the wheat from the weeds.
- Matthew 13:39: “The harvest is the end of the age.” This verse indicates that the harvest symbolizes the end of the age, the time of final judgment.
Reapers: The reapers are the angels who are sent by the Son of Man to gather the weeds and the wheat.
- Matthew 13:39: “The reapers are angels.” This verse identifies the reapers as angels, who are sent by the Son of Man to carry out the separation.
Barn: The barn represents the kingdom of God. The wheat is gathered into the barn, signifying the salvation of the true believers.
- Matthew 13:30: “‘First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned, but then gather the wheat into my barn.’” This verse shows the wheat being gathered into the barn, representing the kingdom of God where true believers will reside.
Fire: The fire represents judgment and destruction. The weeds are tied in bundles and burned, signifying the eternal punishment of the wicked.
- Matthew 13:30: “‘First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned.” This verse describes the fate of the weeds, which are burned in the fire, symbolizing the judgment and destruction that awaits false believers.
Field: The field is a symbolic representation of a person’s heart and the world.
On a “small scale”, the field represents the heart, there are four types of fields:
- Good Soil: This represents a heart that understands God’s word and bears fruit, ultimately leading to Heaven.
- Matthew 13:23; Mark 4:20; Luke 8:15
- Path: This represents people who hear the word of God but do not understand it. The devil comes and snatches away the word before it can take root, leading to Hell.
- Matthew 13:19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:12
- Rocky Ground: This represents people who hear the word and receive it with joy, but they do not have deep roots. When trouble or persecution come because of the word, they fall away, leading to Hell.
- Matthew 13:20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke 8:13
- Thorny Field: This represents people who hear the word, but worldly cares, the desire for wealth, and other desires choke the word, preventing it from producing anything, leading to Hell.
- Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:18-19; Luke 8:14
On a “large scale”, the field represents the world of believers:
Matthew 13:24: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.” This verse introduces the parable of the wheat and tares, where Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a field. As discussed in our previous conversation, the field represents the world, but specifically Jesus’ world, which is the world of believers or Christianity.
Matthew 13 – The Parable of the Weeds
Prophetic Meaning of the Parable
This parable contains more than just a moral lesson – it also has prophetic meaning. Many of Jesus’ parables contain prophecy. As we study them, we can gain fresh understanding.
In this parable, two key characters are introduced: the farmer who sows good seed, and the enemy who sows bad seed. Both sow in the same field. This detail is important – the weeds and wheat grow up together. The farmer sows good wheat seed, but the enemy sows weeds. Despite their different sources, they grow together. At harvest, they have opposite fates – the good wheat is gathered and saved, while the weeds are burned.
Clearly, we don’t want to be like the weeds that get burned. The wheat represents the desirable outcome in this parable. As we explore further, we can understand the deeper meaning Jesus intends to convey.
In reading Jesus’s explanation of this parable, one interesting aspect is that he goes into detail about the meaning, which he does not always do. With most parables, Jesus simply states them, and the fuller meaning is left for us to uncover in due time. However, in this particular case, Jesus provides more insight into what the parable signifies. This allows us to better understand his message and the lessons he aims to convey through this story.
Understanding the Characters
Let’s examine verse 24 more closely. In the parable, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a man who sowed good seed in his own field. Jesus himself is the farmer in this story, so the field belongs to him. The barn also belongs to Jesus.
Looking further in verses 37-38, we’re told that the field represents the world and the good seed stands for the people of God’s kingdom. The weeds represent evildoers. Importantly, both seeds are sown in the same field, which is Jesus’s world. There will be a separation at harvest time between the good wheat and the weeds.
Our goal should be to be counted among God’s children, represented as wheat in this parable, who are gathered into the barn at the end. The barn, not the field, is the final destination we want to reach. But what qualifies us to end up in the barn?
The Significance of the Seed
Based on the parable, the seed is sown in the field. The plant grows and then there is a harvest. So if we want to be a particular plant that gets harvested, we must first be born of the right seed. What does the seed symbolize? The Word. This is something we need to deeply understand, not just guess or share opinions. We should get the answer from Scripture itself, the Word.
One person may think the seed means one thing while another person thinks it means something else. We could debate endlessly over who is right. I’m sure we’ve all experienced this kind of frustrating disagreement.
The Bible has the answers within itself if we know where and how to look. As the Bereans did in Acts 17:11, let’s search the Scriptures for understanding instead of relying only on human interpretation or reasoning. When we find the answers in the Word, it brings unity and clarity..
They would listen to the message of Paul. And they would say, “Wow, great message from Apostle Paul!” But they wouldn’t just stop there. They would then go back into the scriptures to check for themselves if what Paul said was true. They would go through passages saying, “Oh okay, yep there it is. Yep, there that is. Uh-huh, yep there that is okay.” Then they would accept it and receive it with joy. Let’s be like the Bereans – don’t just take Instructor Paul’s word for it, check the scriptures for yourself. Become diligent and dive deep into the Word of God. Become a Bible nerd who just loves eating the Word of God every day. Let that be all of us.
The Nature of the Seed
What is the seed that we need to be born out of? We want to make sure we understand based on the Bible, right? Let’s see what the seed means so we have a clear understanding. I want us to turn to:
You have been born. Not of perishable seed. But of imperishable seed, and what was the seed? The Word of God. One might argue that the seed could mean this or that. So let’s examine this further. There is another verse stating that the seed equals the word.
Jesus sowed the word. And those born of his word become his children. This makes sense.
What is the difference between being born of God’s seed and being born again?
The Harvest and Its Significance
Let’s revisit Matthew 13 to examine what the harvest represents.
The harvest refers to the end times or the second coming – that is when the harvest takes place.
In summary, if we want to be gathered as God’s children at the end times, we must be born of His seed and gathered in His barn. God’s children are those who are born of His seed and destined to be gathered when He returns.
Distinguishing Wheat from Weeds
Here’s why wheat and weeds are different. Though they grow in the same field, there is a distinct distinction between the two. As we continue to study, we’ll understand the importance of physical characteristics and natural logic.
According to Romans 1:20, God uses what He has made to explain Himself.
So what are the physical characteristics of wheat? Let’s think about a wheat plant that you’ve seen in a wheat field. Wheat tends to grow tall and develop heavy seed heads that begin to bow, very humble plants. However, weeds are quite different, aren’t they? Weeds do not contain good seeds. They produce after themselves, tending to take over and dominate whatever they are growing in. So they don’t have good seeds.
Sometimes God also uses the term chaff in the Bible. Chaff refers to a plant with no seed, which means it is very light and can blow away easily. We don’t want to be like chaff, light and blowing away. But we want to be like wheat, heavy with the word of God.
Another characteristic of weeds that will help this parable make more sense is that weeds are very resilient. They continue to grow even when attempts are made to remove them. Just as false believers may be difficult to fully separate from true believers. The key is to nurture the good wheat so it can grow strong and bear fruit.
Insights into Wheat and Weeds
This course covers insights into wheat and weeds. Wheat tends to grow deep roots, which is beneficial for soil health. Weeds on the other hand, grow roots horizontally that intertwine with and can overwhelm other plants. This allows weeds to potentially take over a field.
Jesus cautioned against prematurely uprooting weeds, as their roots intertwine with wheat. It is often difficult to distinguish wheat from weeds until maturity. Therefore, it is best to let them grow together until the harvest, then separate the two.
This illustrates an important spiritual principle – allowing good and evil to coexist until judgment rather than attempting to prematurely root out evil. As we progress through the seminar, let us contemplate how we can ensure we are born of good seed and avoid becoming weeds destined for removal.
The Call to Spiritual Maturity
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, according to Scripture. That’s the key distinction for everyone here.
Those who are born of the word of truth become the wheat – the good seed. The word of truth means, unfortunately, there are also words out there that aren’t true. Those false words exist in the same field, so keep that in mind. But those born of the true word become the first fruits – the first and best of the harvest. In Bible history, the first fruits were often the prime offerings given to God. So God wants us to become like that first fruit – the best of the crop.
But for that transformation to happen, we need the word of truth to dwell richly within us. We have to internalize those true words and let them shape us into first fruits – set apart for God’s glory. That’s the calling for every believer who wants to grow into spiritual maturity. It can’t be light. Let’s be heavy at this time. Today is a lesson introduction.
Memorization
What is “memorization” in this seminar? Memorization is instilling the word in your mind and heart. And it’s basically the most important verse from the lesson we learned today.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Reflections on the Shincheonji “Lesson 1” and Biblical Alignment
Questions to Self-reflect
Outline
Outline
Overall Summary: This class introduces the parable of the wheat and weeds, using it to explain Shincheonji’s beliefs about salvation and the end times. The instructor emphasizes the importance of being “born again” through the “Word of God,” which they interpret as accepting Shincheonji’s teachings, in order to be gathered as righteous “wheat” at the final judgment.
I. Introduction to the Parable (Matthew 13:24-30)
- This section sets up the parable, introducing the farmer sowing good seed, the enemy sowing weeds, and the eventual separation of the two at harvest time. The instructor highlights that the parable has both moral and prophetic significance.
II. Jesus Explains the Parable (Matthew 13: 37-39)
- The instructor provides Jesus’ own explanation of the parable’s elements:
- The farmer is Jesus.
- The field is the world.
- Good seed represents God’s people.
- Weeds represent evildoers.
- The enemy is the devil.
- The harvest is the end times.
III. The Importance of Being Born of the Right Seed
- This section focuses on the question of how to be counted as “wheat” at the final judgment. The instructor stresses the necessity of being “born again” through the “Word of God,” drawing on 1 Peter 1:23 and Luke 8:11.
IV. The Harvest as the End Times
- Here, the instructor identifies the “harvest” with the second coming of Christ and the separation of the righteous from the wicked. They emphasize the need to prepare for this event by ensuring one is born of the “Word of God.”
V. Distinguishing Wheat from Weeds
- This section draws on Romans 1:20 to argue that God uses the physical characteristics of creation to teach spiritual truths. The instructor compares wheat, which they describe as humble and fruitful, to weeds, which they depict as invasive and lacking good seed.
VI. Patience in the Face of Evil
- The instructor uses the parable’s imagery of intertwined wheat and weed roots to caution against prematurely judging and condemning others. They argue that God allows good and evil to coexist until the final judgment.
VII. The Word of Truth as the Seed
- This section returns to the theme of being born of the “Word of God.” The instructor introduces James 1:18, which they interpret as referring to the specific teachings of (Shincheonji, the name is hidden) as the “word of truth.” They emphasize the importance of letting this “word” dwell within believers and transform them into “first fruits” for God.
VIII. Memorization (James 1:18)
- The class concludes by highlighting James 1:18 as the key verse and “memory verse” for the lesson. The instructor reiterates their interpretation of this verse as referring to accepting (Shincheonji’s doctrine) as the path to becoming “firstfruits” at the final judgment. The name “Shincheonji” or any association to Shincheonji is hidden from the students.
A Study Guide
The Parable of the Weeds: A Study Guide
Glossary of Key Terms
- Parable: A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.
- Kingdom of Heaven: The reign or rule of God, both present and future.
- Son of Man: A title Jesus used for himself, referencing a figure in Daniel 7:13-14 who receives authority and dominion from God.
- Firstfruits: The first portion of a harvest, often offered as a sacrifice to God, symbolizing the best of the crop.
- Word of Truth: The Bible, God’s revelation to humanity.
- Born Again: A spiritual transformation resulting in a new relationship with God, brought about by the Holy Spirit.
- End Times/Second Coming: The future return of Jesus Christ to judge the world and establish his kingdom fully.
- Judgment Day: The day when God will judge all people according to their actions and beliefs.
Short Answer Questions
- In the parable, who is the farmer, and what does he sow?
- Who is the enemy, and what does he sow?
- What does the field represent?
- According to the parable, what will happen at the harvest?
- What does the good wheat symbolize in Jesus’s explanation?
- What do the weeds symbolize in Jesus’s explanation?
- What does the seed represent? Provide scriptural support.
- According to the instructor, what is the “Home Blessing” of this lesson?
- What is the significance of being called “firstfruits”?
- According to Romans 1:20, how does creation reflect God?
Answer Key
- The farmer is Jesus, and he sows good wheat seed.
- The enemy is the devil, and he sows weeds.
- The field represents the world.
- At the harvest, the angels will separate the wheat (the righteous) from the weeds (the wicked). The wheat will be gathered into the barn, and the weeds will be burned.
- The good wheat symbolizes the people of God’s kingdom.
- The weeds symbolize evildoers or those who follow the devil.
- The seed represents the Word of God. This is supported by Luke 8:11: “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God,” and 1 Peter 1:23: “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”
- The “Memorization” is James 1:18: “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”
- Being called “firstfruits” signifies that we are the best of the harvest, set apart for God, just as the first and best portion of the harvest was offered to God in ancient times.
- Romans 1:20 states that God’s invisible qualities, such as his eternal power and divine nature, can be understood by observing creation. God uses what he has made to reveal himself to humanity.
Essay Questions
- Analyze the significance of Jesus providing a detailed explanation of the Parable of the Weeds. How does his interpretation enhance our understanding of the parable’s message?
- Explore the concept of the “Word of Truth” as the seed in the parable. How does this metaphor shape our understanding of the role of Scripture in spiritual growth and the formation of Christian identity?
- Explain the symbolism of the wheat and the weeds in the parable. What are their key characteristics and destinies? How does this imagery contribute to our understanding of the distinction between good and evil and the ultimate judgment?
- Discuss the theological implications of allowing good and evil to coexist until the harvest, as emphasized in the parable. How does this idea challenge our understanding of justice and God’s role in the world?
- Explain the meaning of being “born again” through the Word of Truth, as stated in 1 Peter 1:23. How does this process connect to the idea of becoming “firstfruits” in the parable? What are the practical implications of this transformation for the lives of believers?
Breakdown
Breakdown
This class uses the parable of the wheat and the weeds to illustrate a spiritual timeline that unfolds as follows:
- Sowing: Jesus, the farmer, sows good seed (representing people of God’s kingdom) in his field (the world). The enemy, the devil, sows weeds (representing evildoers) amongst the wheat.
- Growth: Both the wheat and the weeds grow together in the field. This period represents the current age, where good and evil coexist.
- Harvest: This signifies the end times or the second coming of Jesus. Angels, acting as harvesters, will separate the wheat from the weeds.
- Gathering: The wheat (true believers) is gathered into the barn (God’s kingdom) while the weeds (evildoers) are burned.
Cast of Characters
1. Jesus:
- The central figure in the parable and the instructor of the Bible study.
- Referred to as the “Son of Man” and the “farmer.”
- Sows the good seed, which represents the people of God’s kingdom.
- Will return at the end of the age to oversee the harvest.
2. The Enemy (Devil):
- The antagonist in the parable.
- Sows weeds, representing evildoers, among the wheat.
- Represents the source of evil and falsehood in the world.
3. The People of God’s Kingdom (The Wheat):
- Represented by the good seed sown by Jesus.
- Characterized by their spiritual growth and bearing fruit.
- Will be gathered into God’s kingdom at the harvest.
4. Evildoers (The Weeds):
- Represented by the weeds sown by the devil.
- May appear similar to the wheat in the early stages, making them difficult to distinguish.
- Destined to be burned at the harvest.
5. Angels (The Harvesters):
- Will act as God’s agents during the judgment at the end times.
- Tasked with separating the wheat (true believers) from the weeds (evildoers).
6. Instructor:
- Mentioned as an example of a teacher whose words should be checked against scripture.
- Likely a reference to the apostle Paul, who is known for his writings in the New Testament.
7. Bereans:
- Residents of Berea in the Bible (Acts 17:11).
- Commended for their diligent study of scripture, verifying the teachings they received.
- Held up as a model for how believers should engage with God’s word.
Overview
Overview
Main Theme: The Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 37-39) and its application to believers’ lives.
The focus is on interpreting Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the weeds, which compares the kingdom of heaven to a field where good seeds (believers) and bad seeds (non-believers) grow together. The study emphasizes the importance of being born again through God’s word, symbolized by the wheat seed, and how true believers will be separated from false believers at the final judgment, like wheat from weeds at harvest time. It highlights the importance of studying the scriptures to understand God’s word and to be prepared for the end times.
Key Ideas and Facts:
- Allegory of Wheat and Weeds: This parable serves as a prophetic allegory for the coexistence of good and evil in the world until the end times.
- Interpreting Scripture: Emphasis is placed on studying the Bible to understand the parable’s meaning rather than relying on human interpretations. The seminar encourages a “Berean” approach (Acts 17:11), actively verifying teachings against scripture.
- The Seed is the Word of God: The parable’s central metaphor is the seed, representing the Word of God.
- “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23)
- “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:11)
- The Harvest is Judgment Day: The harvest signifies the end times and the separation of true believers (“wheat”) from false believers (“weeds”).
- Characteristics of Wheat and Weeds: The seminar draws parallels between the physical attributes of wheat and weeds and the spiritual qualities of believers and non-believers.
- Wheat: Grows tall, bows humbly, bears fruit (good seed), has deep roots.
- Weeds: Dominate, produce bad seed, resilient to removal, have shallow, intertwined roots.
- Patience and Coexistence: Just as the farmer allows the wheat and weeds to grow together until harvest, God permits good and evil to coexist until judgment.
- Becoming the Firstfruits: Believers are encouraged to become “firstfruits,” those who are born of the Word and dedicated to God.
- “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” (James 1:18)
Important Quotes:
- “The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.” (Matthew 13:39)
- “The Word of God” is emphasized repeatedly as the “imperishable seed” (1 Peter 1:23) and the key to being gathered into God’s kingdom.
- “Let’s be like the Bereans – don’t just take Instructor Paul’s word for it, check the scriptures for yourself.” This statement encourages scriptural study and verification.
- “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” (James 1:18) – Highlighting the goal of becoming spiritually mature and dedicated to God.
Overall Impression:
This class uses the Parable of the Weeds to emphasize the importance of:
- Being born again through the Word of God to be considered true “wheat.”
- Actively studying and verifying teachings against scripture.
- Understanding the present coexistence of good and evil, awaiting God’s judgment at the harvest.
- Striving to be “firstfruits” – spiritually mature individuals dedicated to God.
Note: The briefing document avoids judgment on the theological interpretations presented and focuses on summarizing the key themes and ideas.
Q&A
Q&A
1. What is the main point of the parable of the wheat and the weeds?
The parable of the wheat and the weeds, found in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-39, illustrates the coexistence of good and evil in the world until the final judgment. It emphasizes the importance of being born again through the word of God to be counted among the righteous at the end times.
2. Who are the main characters in the parable and what do they represent?
- The Farmer: Represents Jesus, who sows the good seed.
- The Field: Represents the world, where both wheat and weeds grow together.
- The Good Seed: Represents the people of God’s kingdom, born of His word.
- The Weeds: Represents evildoers, sown by the devil.
- The Enemy: Represents the devil, who sows the weeds among the wheat.
- The Harvest: Represents the end of the age or the second coming of Jesus, when the wheat and weeds will be separated.
- The Harvesters: Represents the angels, who will carry out the separation.
3. What does the seed symbolize in the parable?
The seed symbolizes the Word of God, as confirmed in Luke 8:11 and 1 Peter 1:23. To be considered “wheat,” individuals must be born again through the imperishable seed of God’s word.
4. What is the significance of the wheat and weeds growing together?
The coexistence of wheat and weeds in the same field reflects the reality of good and evil existing together in the world until the final judgment. This highlights the need for patience and understanding, as separating the two prematurely can be harmful.
5. What happens to the wheat and the weeds at the harvest?
At the harvest, representing the end times, the angels will separate the wheat from the weeds. The wheat, representing the righteous, will be gathered into God’s barn, while the weeds, representing the wicked, will be burned.
6. What is the main lesson for believers from this parable?
The parable emphasizes the importance of nurturing spiritual growth through God’s word to be counted among the righteous “wheat” at the final judgment. It teaches believers to focus on their own spiritual development and trust in God’s timing for the ultimate separation of good and evil.
7. Why does Jesus use parables to teach?
Parables, like the one about the wheat and weeds, offer vivid and memorable illustrations of spiritual truths. They engage listeners, make abstract concepts more relatable, and reveal deeper meanings to those who seek understanding.
8. What is the “Home Blessing” mentioned in the lesson?
The “Home Blessing” in this context refers to James 1:18, which emphasizes being born again through the word of truth as a first fruit of God’s creation. It serves as a key takeaway and encouragement for believers to prioritize the Word of God in their lives.