I would surmise there are several reasons that Jesus at this point was switching His focus in ministry from healings and casting out demons to what apparently was His only way of speaking to the crowds at this point in parables. First of all most in Israel had seen firsthand if not actually directly experienced a miracle from Jesus personally; or the Disciples and others doing things in His Name. Secondly; the time for His death was near. The message had to transition as Jesus wouldn't be with anyone including His Disciples much longer and He had to probably focus most of His attention to them so that they would be able to continue afterwards. Thirdly; the consequence after the Resurrection would be the birth of the church at Pentecost; and it was important then and thereafter to have the Word firmly rooted in His followers as persecution was about to come big time.
In light of this last reason; the concept of tares with the wheat surely would be understood soon with the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. This would work to favor God's predestined plan for Jesus to die on the cross much to Satan's rage. I am reminded of verses such as Luke 9:62 about not turning back when working the plough. This means family and even certain church members can't be controlling or manipulating us and our love for the Lord must be paramount. I look at it as being having our eyes fixed on Him and focusing our lives on eternal truths and heavenly places; still caring when we can for those in our lives and whenever possible living peaceably. Jesus demonstrates these concepts in His own life and His admonitions to keep priorities straight. I would conclude as I often say that the biggest resistance is often in our own camp so to speak. If the enemy can cause havoc to divide the church or in our personal lives then he can damage our witness. Overall as we read the Gospels we see His love but also His constant boldness in exposing evil.
I would surmise there are several reasons that Jesus at this point was switching His focus in ministry from healings and casting out demons to what apparently was His only way of speaking to the crowds at this point in parables. First of all most in Israel had seen firsthand if not actually directly experienced a miracle from Jesus personally; or the Disciples and others doing things in His Name. Secondly; the time for His death was near. The message had to transition as Jesus wouldn't be with anyone including His Disciples much longer and He had to probably focus most of His attention to them so that they would be able to continue afterwards. Thirdly; the consequence after the Resurrection would be the birth of the church at Pentecost; and it was important then and thereafter to have the Word firmly rooted in His followers as persecution was about to come big time.
In light of this last reason; the concept of tares with the wheat surely would be understood soon with the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. This would work to favor God's predestined plan for Jesus to die on the cross much to Satan's rage. I am reminded of verses such as Luke 9:62 about not turning back when working the plough. This means family and even certain church members can't be controlling or manipulating us and our love for the Lord must be paramount. I look at it as being having our eyes fixed on Him and focusing our lives on eternal truths and heavenly places; still caring when we can for those in our lives and whenever possible living peaceably. Jesus demonstrates these concepts in His own life and His admonitions to keep priorities straight. I would conclude as I often say that the biggest resistance is often in our own camp so to speak. If the enemy can cause havoc to divide the church or in our personal lives then he can damage our witness. Overall as we read the Gospels we see His love but also His constant boldness in exposing evil.
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