Matthew 13:24-30
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared (Matthew 13:25-26).

We continue to fight for the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and strive to teach others about Him because we have the truth. John the Apostle testified of this saying, “For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth” (3 John 3).

From the parable of the wheat and tares the Lord taught us another truth.  A closer look at verse 26 revealed that both sound doctrines of Christ and wrong teachings can grow together. It follows the pattern of the enemy within. The enemy would want to sow tares in our midst; we are the ones who need to be alert to prevent it.

Yes, the owner promised to weed them out in the end. But how good will it be if we can disallow it from being planted in the first place. How good it will be if we do not allow what these men teach to take roots. How good will it be, if we are vigilant and do not allow the evil leaven to mix with us.

In another place, Jesus warned his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. “Then He charged them, saying, ‘Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod’ ” (Mark 8:15).  May the Lord help us to do our part in Jesus’ Name. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Read Psalm 23 and pray for yourself.

Hymn: Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine.

Further Reading: 1 John 2: 20, 27