eschatology, the Times of Harvest (Mk.4, Mt.13)

Jesus told the people a few parables about how - at the right time - there will be a time when all believers on earth will be "gathered".  And there are two very distinctly different events: the rapture (at the end of the Church Age), and the separating of the believers from the unbelievers (at the end of the Jewish Age / the Tribulation).

I'm thinking that Jesus remained a little more vague about the rapture, in order not to confuse the Israelites (since it still wasn't "time" to get into that topic).  So in this first parable here, Jesus talks about "the kingdom of GOD", which has a more general interpretation to it.  It's basic meaning is this:  on hearing God's word, some people take a while to fully understand and accept the gospel.  Because God is all-knowing, He already knows who will become a believer, so He will never allow someone to die before their time.  As well, God knows the perfect time for when the rapture is to occur (a time when all believers on earth will be "gathered" - caught up in the air to meet Jesus and be taken to heaven)...

(Mark 4:26-29)  And He was saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; 27 and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. 28 The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. 29 But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

We know that the next two parables (about the "kingdom of heaven") are very specific to the end of the Jewish age, because Jesus explains this next one parable when the disciples ask about it...

(Matthew 13:24-30)  Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away. 26 But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also. 27 The slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this!’ The slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No; for while you are gathering up the tares, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

(Matthew 13:36-43)  Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” 37 And He said, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 38 and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels. 40 So just as the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

These parables were to help the Israelites realize that - all those becoming believers during the Tribulation - will be gathered together at the end of the Jewish Age - at Jesus' "second coming" - to then enter the Millennial kingdom where all covenants will be fulfilled.  This is opposite to what will happen at the time of the rapture, when believers are "gathered up" - removed from the earth to meet Jesus in the air and taken to heaven.  At the end of the Tribulation and the battle of Armageddon, the unbelievers are gathered together, removed from the earth and thrown into hell...

(Matthew 13:47-50)  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; 48 and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. 49 So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous, 50 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Today's takeaway:  curious why the disciples asked Jesus to explain that one particular parable.  Was it because there happened to be some consequences involved?  Would it have made them wonder - who was being put into the fire and who was going to find shelter in the barn?  Should people wonder and worry about this?

God is just and fair.  Since there will be justice, unbelievers should be very afraid!  Fortunately along with that, God is also loving, compassionate and very patient!  And has provided a way (the only way) to Him - and gives everyone a very fair opportunity to be saved from His wrath!  Just knowing this, should help us be confident as believers - that we can trust God in everything... 

 (Psalm 25:8-15)  Good and upright is the Lord;  therefore He instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.
11 For Your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

12 Who is the man who fears the Lord?  He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
13 His soul will abide in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant.
15 My eyes are continually toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.