6 parables about heaven and hell that could affect our destiny

How do you think of heaven? Is heaven just another name for the universe, a place where galaxies, nebulae, stars, planets, and other stuff reside? Or is heaven also a place with mansions, streets of gold, and angels singing? Do you picture being there with friends and loved ones who have passed on to the next life? Do you think of God when you think of heaven? Is it a place where everyone will go or just some? What about hell; is it a real place of punishment? In today’s Bible reading, Jesus shares 6 Parables about heaven and hell that could affect our destiny.

Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Mark 4:26-34; Matthew 13:31-35; Luke13:18-21; Matthew 13:24-30; Matthew 13:36-52

As stated yesterday, a parable is a short story or narrative of a known truth thrown alongside and compared to an unknown. Some define it as an earthly story (the known truth) with a heavenly meaning (an unknown or previously undisclosed truth). Everything in a parable is not symbolic; therefore, we should not look for hidden meanings in every element of the story. Usually, unless interpreted differently by Jesus, each parable has a central point or theme. The Kingdom of Heaven is something unknown, but it is made up of people saved by the grace of God.

1–2.The parables of the scattered seed and the mustard seed

The symbolic stories of the man who scattered seed and the mustard seed (Mark 4:30-34) make similar points. In this illustration, the central theme is fast, unexplainable growth. Since the parable has reference to the Kingdom of God, the plants’ fast growth is compared to the rapid growth of new believers coming into the Kingdom of Heaven.

When will this happen, or has it already happened? It would happen when God’s Holy Spirit comes with power on the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. At this point in the narrative, these events are yet to occur. But the book of Acts later records a time of unexplainable fast growth of new believers into the Kingdom of Heaven. More than 5,000 people would be saved and added to the church in two weeks as the disciples tell about Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

This parable can also affect the destiny of our churches. Are we scattering the seeds of the gospel? When the seed is planted in listening hearts, the Holy Spirit of God can bring life and unexplainable growth. Are we sharing the gospel of the kingdom both inside and outside of our places of worship?

3. The Parable of the Weeds

This parable (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-52) has a different central point to the story. Here Jesus explains to his disciples (and us) the meaning of it.

The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil (Matthew 13:37-39a, NIV).

As weeds grow, they may look like natural plants but are not. They try to injure and choke the life out of the plants. Sometimes, however, it is impossible to remove weeds without harming the precious vegetation.

In this parable, the fruitful plants represent those who have a relationship with God (believers). Jesus knows it is not always wise to remove the weeds (unbelievers), so he assigns the harvesters to weed them out at harvest time, i.e., the end of the age (verse 39). The end of the age is a probable reference to the tribulation period (see the book of Revelation).

In the end, God will have the weeds removed and burned in a “fiery furnace.” [In this place], “there will be weeping and much gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:42, NIV). Revelation 20:11-15 describes this place of torment as a lake of fire that will burn forever. “Nothing impure will enter heaven.” Only those who are written in the Lambs Book of Life may enter” (Revelation 21:27, NIV). On a happy note, Jesus tells us that “The righteous ones will shine like the sun in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 13:43, NIV).

The Central Point of the Weeds Parable is that not all people will go to heaven—only those who have Jesus’ seed within them are true believers. Non-believers will be cast into the Lake of Fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. (more)

Do we have God’s seed within us? If we are born again by the Spirit of God, we have his seed and the sure hope of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

4–5. The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Precious Pearl

These parables also illustrate the Kingdom of Heaven. The central point of these stories is that having the hope of heaven is extremely valuable. We should be willing to give up anything and everything to have it. Can we possibly secure anything more valuable than heaven? Are we willing to give up everything—our job, position in society, wealth, family, and safety —for heaven? It is a hidden treasure and a precious pearl we can have forever.

6. The Parable of the Fishnet

This parable makes the same point as the parable of the weeds. It is probably repeated because our eternal destiny is so important. At the end of the age, all the people on earth will be caught. The good fish (true believers of Christ) will be separated from the bad fish (unbelievers). The bad fish will be thrown away, symbolizing the wicked being thrown into the lake of fire, while the good fish will be gathered in baskets or saved. If we have not already done so, let’s make our choice for Jesus today. He is the way to be saved. When we have him, we know we have a place in heaven (more…).

Discussion

How do we interpret a parable?

What is the Kingdom of God or Heaven?

Pick a parable or two and discuss its meaning and its application for us.

Focus Verses

1Peter 1:3-5 (NIV)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade– kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Here is a joyful song about heaven from Ivan Parker

Watch a video version of today’s lesson, here

Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:

Please send your comments to me, Rod

Looking Ahead: In our Next Lesson we will look at several incidents in the life of Jesus that will help us in Overcoming our Fears. Please join us!