What is the meaning of Matthew 13:43? Then - “Then” links directly to the end-time scene Jesus has just described, where “the Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin” (Matthew 13:41). - The word fixes our attention on a definite, literal moment after judgment, echoing promises such as Matthew 25:34 (“Come, you who are blessed by My Father; inherit the kingdom”) and Revelation 21:1-4 (the new heaven and earth). - Because Scripture’s timeline is precise, believers can be certain that God keeps His schedule: first the removal of evil (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9), and then the unveiling of glory for His people. the righteous - “The righteous” are those declared right with God through faith (Romans 3:22) and made new to live in practical holiness (1 John 3:7). - Their righteousness is Christ’s own righteousness credited to them (2 Corinthians 5:21) and displayed in obedient lives (Matthew 5:20). - This group includes “all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8), showing that righteous standing and righteous living stand together. will shine like the sun - The promise is literal: God’s people will radiate brilliant, unfading glory. Daniel 12:3 foretold, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the expanse.” - Paul confirms the transformation: “our lowly bodies will be like His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21), and the resurrection body is “raised in glory” (1 Corinthians 15:42-43). - “Like the sun” underscores intensity and purity (Revelation 1:16). No trace of sin will dull this brightness. in the kingdom of their Father - The setting is the Father’s kingdom, a real realm where His will is perfectly done (Colossians 1:12-13). - “Their Father” highlights adoption: believers are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). - Jesus prepares a place there (John 14:2-3). In that kingdom, “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” and “the glory of God illuminates it” (Revelation 21:22-23). He who has ears, let him hear - This familiar charge calls for more than casual listening; it demands wholehearted acceptance (Matthew 13:9). - Hearing must lead to obeying (James 1:22), lest dull hearts miss the warning (Hebrews 3:7-8). - The Spirit repeats the same plea to the churches (Revelation 2:7), pressing every generation to respond while there is still time. summary Jesus guarantees that after evil is removed, every believer—clothed in Christ’s righteousness—will blaze with sun-like splendor in the Father’s kingdom. This is a concrete future, secured by God’s timetable. The closing call urges every listener to embrace and live out this truth today. |
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