The Secret of the Kingdom of Heaven on Two Kinds of Seed and the Harvest

primary reference chapters are Matthew 13 and Revelation 14.

First, I will briefly explain the main reference, Matthew 13. This chapter deals with the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, which Jesus explained through parables. It was recorded approximately 2,000 years ago by Jesus' disciple, Matthew.

In Matthew 13, Jesus spoke about the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven through various parables. He started with the Parable of the Sower from verses 1 to 9 and then interpreted it in verses 18 to 23. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus described how the seed fell on the path, rocky ground, among thorns, and on good soil.

  • The Path: Represents a person who hears the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven but does not understand them. The evil one, symbolized by the birds, comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart, so they cannot be saved.
  • The Rocky Ground: Represents a person who hears the word and receives it with joy initially. However, they fall away when trouble or persecution arises because of the word. They lose faith due to the hardships that come with following the word.
  • Among Thorns: Represents a person who hears the word but is choked by the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth, preventing them from bearing fruit.
  • Good Soil: Represents a person who hears the word, understands it, and produces a crop yielding 30, 60, or even 100 times what was sown.

    • In Luke 8:15, this is described further, emphasizing the importance of retaining the word and persevering to produce a crop.

    The parable emphasizes the different responses people have to the message of the Kingdom of Heaven and highlights the importance of understanding and perseverance in faith.

    Those with a noble and good heart hear the word, retain it, and by persevering, produce a crop. As Jesus spoke in parables, in Matthew 13:10-11, the disciples asked Him why He spoke to the people in parables. Jesus answered that the knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven had been given to the disciples but not to others. He explained that some people are meant to understand these secrets, while others are not. Therefore, Jesus spoke in parables to hide the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven from those who should not understand them, including Satan and those who belong to Satan.

    As written in verses 34 and 35, Jesus spoke in parables to fulfill what was prophesied in Psalm 78, where God promised to reveal His mysteries through parables. This was done so that God's word, as spoken by the Old Testament prophets, would come to fulfillment in Jesus.

    To all pastors, theology students, and saints listening to the testimony of the Kingdom of Heaven today, I pray that as the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, hidden in parables, are revealed—especially the truths about the two kinds of seeds and the harvest—you will understand their true meaning. May we all become the good soil that bears fruit for the Kingdom of Heaven.

    Now, let us delve into today's topic: "The Secret of the Kingdom of Heaven on Two Kinds of Seed and Harvest." We will examine the two kinds of seeds sown at the time of the first coming, as described in Matthew 13. We will also explore the biblical history and the reason why these two kinds of seeds were sown, as well as the story of God's plan.

    God, in order to reclaim the world that was lost, made covenants with chosen people in each era. Among these covenants, God made one with the people of physical Israel, the descendants of Abraham, in the Old Testament. In Exodus 19:5-6, God promised the people of physical Israel that if they obeyed Him fully and kept His covenant, they would become His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.

    However, the people of physical Israel did not keep this covenant. They worshipped gentile gods and sinned against God, as seen in Hosea 6:7 and 1 Kings 11. It is written that Solomon and the people of physical Israel broke the covenant and became corrupted before God. As a result, they were destroyed by gentiles due to their rebellion.

    Because Abraham's descendants were also born from the gene of Adam who sinned, they, too, broke the covenant and betrayed God. In response, God made a new promise through the Old Testament prophets about future events, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31. This new promise was different from the covenant made during Moses' time. It was not with the chosen people who had betrayed God, but rather it was a promise to create a new kingdom and a new people through a new covenant.

    In Jeremiah 31:22, God promised a new covenant and the creation of a new thing. This new thing involved two works: sowing two kinds of seeds and making a new covenant.

    Firstly, to understand the two kinds of seeds, let us read Jeremiah 31:27: "The days are coming," declares the Lord, "when I will plant the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the offspring of people and of animals." This promise about sowing the seed of men and the seed of animals in the house of Israel and Judah foretold the sowing of two kinds of seeds in one field.

    For about 600 years, this word spread. God, who promised this, came to Jesus and fulfilled His promise. The prophecy about sowing the seed spoken by Jeremiah was fulfilled 600 years later at the time of the first coming. God, who made the promise, came to Jesus, the promised pastor of the Old Testament, and fulfilled these words. The sowing of two kinds of seeds, as prophesied, became fulfilled in Matthew 13:24-30.

    Let's examine Matthew 13:24-30 to understand how the promise about sowing the two kinds of seeds was fulfilled at the time of the first coming:

    Parable of the Weeds: Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, 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. The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may 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 and bring it into my barn.'"

    This parable illustrates the sowing of two kinds of seeds: the good seed (wheat) sown by Jesus and the bad seed (weeds) sown by the enemy, Satan. These seeds represent different groups of people—those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven and those who belong to the evil one. The harvest, which is the end of the age, will be the time when the two kinds of people are separated, with the wheat gathered into God's barn (the Kingdom of Heaven) and the weeds burned (symbolizing judgment).

    In this lesson, we've delved into the parable of the wheat and the weeds from Matthew 13, where Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven. Here is a comprehensive summary and interpretation of this important teaching:

    Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds

    Jesus told the parable to illustrate the Kingdom of Heaven:

    1. The Good Seed and the Weeds:
      • A man (representing Jesus) sows good seed (sons of the Kingdom) in his field (the world).
      • While everyone is sleeping, an enemy (the devil) sows weeds (sons of the evil one) among the wheat.
    2. Growth and Discovery:
      • As the wheat (good seed) grows and forms heads, the weeds (evil seed) also appear.
      • The servants question the owner about the origin of the weeds.
    3. Decision to Let Both Grow:
      • The owner advises letting both grow together until the harvest to avoid uprooting the wheat.
      • At the harvest (end of the age), the reapers (angels) will collect the weeds to be burned and gather the wheat into the barn.

    Explanation of the Parable (Matthew 13:37-43)

    Jesus provides a detailed explanation:

    1. Key Elements:
      • The sower of the good seed is the Son of Man (Jesus).
      • The field is the world.
      • The good seed represents the sons of the Kingdom.
      • The weeds represent the sons of the evil one.
      • The enemy who sows the weeds is the devil.
      • The harvest is the end of the age.
      • The reapers are angels.
    2. Outcome at the Harvest:
      • The weeds (evil ones) will be pulled up, tied in bundles, and burned (judgment).
      • The wheat (righteous) will be gathered into the barn (Kingdom of Heaven).

    The Two Kinds of Seed and Harvest

    1. Context of Sowing and Harvest:
      • The parable reflects the reality of the early Christian world, where both true believers and false followers coexist.
      • The two kinds of seeds were sown in the world, signifying the presence of both genuine Christians and those influenced by evil.
    2. Judgment and Separation:
      • At the end of the age, there will be a clear separation between the righteous and the wicked.
      • The righteous will enter eternal life, while the wicked face judgment.

    Fulfillment in Revelation (Revelation 14:14-16)

    • At the end of times, Jesus, with a sharp sickle, harvests the earth.
    • The angels assist in this divine harvest, distinguishing the righteous from the wicked.

    Practical Implications for Believers

    1. Self-Reflection:
      • Believers should assess whether they are born of God's seed and if they are living according to God's word.
      • It is crucial to ensure one's faith is genuine and rooted in Christ.
    2. Importance of Harvest:
      • The current era is seen as the time of harvest.
      • Believers are called to be vigilant and ready for the final separation, living lives worthy of being gathered into God's Kingdom.

    Conclusion

    1. God's Promise and Fulfillment:
      • God promised to sow two kinds of seeds and establish a new covenant (Jeremiah 31).
      • The prophecy was fulfilled through Jesus, and the final harvest will occur at the end of the age.
    2. Establishment of God's Kingdom:
      • God's ultimate goal is to establish a new heaven and new earth where He reigns eternally.
      • Believers should strive to be part of the new Kingdom, the twelve tribes, as described in Revelation.

    Next Lesson Preview

    • Intermediate Level 10: The Second Coming of the Lord and the Signs of the End of Age.
    • Main Reference: Matthew 24.
      • Jesus discusses the signs of the end times.
      • Understanding these events helps believers prepare for the final days.

    I hope this detailed summary helps you understand the parable of the wheat and the weeds, its implications, and how it aligns with the overall message of the Bible regarding the Kingdom of Heaven, the final judgment, and the establishment of God's eternal reign.

    Closing Remarks and Prayer

    Thank you for joining us in this insightful session on the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, focusing on the parable of the two kinds of seed and the harvest as taught in Matthew 13 and Revelation 14. As we prepare for the next lesson, let's reflect on the key points and hold them in our hearts.

    Summary and Reflection

    1. Parable of the Two Kinds of Seed:

      • Jesus illustrated the Kingdom of Heaven through the parable of the wheat and the weeds.
      • The good seed represents the sons of the Kingdom, and the weeds represent the sons of the evil one.
      • At the harvest, which signifies the end of the age, the righteous will be gathered into the Kingdom, while the wicked face judgment.

    2. Importance of Understanding:

      • Jesus spoke in parables to reveal the secrets of the Kingdom to those chosen while hiding them from others.
      • It’s crucial for believers to understand these parables and align their lives according to God's word.

    3. End Times and Harvest:

      • The current time is seen as the harvest period.
      • Believers must evaluate whether they are living as true sons of God, ready to be gathered into His eternal Kingdom.

    4. God’s Promise and Fulfillment:

      • God’s promises in the Old Testament, including the sowing of two kinds of seeds and establishing a new covenant, are fulfilled in Jesus.
      • The ultimate goal is the creation of a new heaven and new earth where God reigns with His new Kingdom and new people.

    Prayer and Blessing

    As we conclude this session, let’s unite our hearts in prayer, giving thanks to God for His abundant love and grace, and seeking His guidance for our journey ahead.

    Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your boundless love and grace. Through this Shincheonji online seminar, the revelation of the Old and New Testaments has been shared with us. We give You all the thanks and glory for Your profound wisdom and truth.

    We especially thank You for revealing the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven through the parable of the two kinds of seed and the harvest. As we meditate on these teachings, we pray that we may become the good soil, with hearts ready to receive Your word, be harvested, and sealed as Your children.

    Guide us with Your Spirit, giving us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand and persevere until the end. May we all become precious saints, ready to be led into the Kingdom of Heaven, as part of the Shincheonji 12 tribes.

    In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

    Closing Unity Declaration

    In the spirit of unity and love, let us all shout together, "We are one!"

    We are one in God, beyond race, nationality, and religion!

    Thank you once again for your attention and participation. We look forward to seeing you in the next lesson where we will explore the second coming of the Lord and the signs of the end of the age. May God bless you abundantly until we meet again.

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