Jesus clearly explains the meaning of the various elements in the first parable about the weeds, so we don’t need to dwell on those. But we can note that it is difficult to distinguish between weeds and wheat in a field, especially in the early stages of growth. Likewise, as unbelievers and believers live side by side in this world we cannot always tell which is which just by their appearance. However, there is coming a day of judgment which Jesus calls “the harvest” in this parable. At that time, God will clearly differentiate between those who believe in Him and those who don’t, with catastrophic results for the unbelievers.

So, how sincere is your faith? Are you among the ‘wheat’?

The stories about the mustard seed and the yeast show us that God’s Kingdom has small beginnings but it grows and has an enormous impact on the world.

When Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a hidden treasure and a pearl of great value, he emphasized that membership in that Kingdom is so valuable we must be willing to give up everything else to obtain it. Three times in the Gospels we read that Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23)

So, how important is it to you to follow Jesus?