The Parable of the Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30 (New International Version)

The Parable of the Weeds

²⁴Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. ²⁵But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. ²⁶When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

²⁷"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'

²⁸" 'An enemy did this,' he replied.
"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'

²⁹" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. ³⁰Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "

I. Core Message

Content:

1. After the owner had sowed good seed in his field, his enemy secretly came and sowed weeds among the wheat while others are sleeping.
2. The wheat and the weeds grow together. When they formed heads, the weeds also appeared.
3. The servants are wondering about where does the weeds come from
4. The owner taught the servants how to deal with it and tell them to collect the weeds first than burn it when its harvest time.

Theme:

1. The Parable of the Weeds

II. Who are God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit?

1. Jesus Christ who is good at telling parables (v24)
2. Jesus Christ who sees through Satan’s work (v28)
3. Jesus Christ who judges at the end (v30)

III. What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations, and warnings?

When weeds first grow, they look similar to the wheat. However, as they grow taller, especially when the heads appear, we can easily tell one from the other. However, their roots are often tangle together. Thus, if we force to pull the weeds, we will also damage the wheat. We can only wait tell the harvest to separate them.

1. Deceiving

Jesus tells them the other parable, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.” (v24-25)

Jesus continues to tell parables of heaven. Even though this parable is using weeds as its theme, the real message it tries to deliver is: When God is doing work in his people, Satan will also secretly followed at the back to deceive people and destroy God’s work. There are often people who are distracting others in fellowship or in church. This is a concrete example regarding to Jesus parable. We should be aware of it

Reflection: Have I experienced Satan’s destructions in church? How should I face it?

2. Deceivers Appear

When the wheat sprouted and formed head, then the weeds also appeared. The owner’s servants came to him and said, “Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from? ‘An enemy did this.’ He replied.” (v26-28a)

Even though Satan is good at deceiving when he is destroying God’s work among his people, its real side will at the end still appear because no matter what they are still different.

Reflection: Could I recognize weeds and wheat in the church?

3. Keep the Weeds Temporarily

"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' ²⁹" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. ³⁰Let both grow together until the harvest. (v28b-30a) While we are living, the bad would not be terminated completely. The separation comes when Lord arrives again. Thus, the bad will be influencing us.

Reflection: How do I face the bad?

4. Righteous Judgement Will Come

³⁰Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "

Harvest means the end of the world. This is also the time for God to judge us. At that time, Jesus will distinguish the wheat and weed by person, and burn the deceiving one. In other words, When the judgment comes, Satan will face severe punishment.

Reflection: Am I ready to face the judgement? How shall I face it?

5. Being Aware

There are false prophets and false Christ in every generation. Some even fake themselves as false angle and go into church. In some era, false information are being delivered abundantly. Thus, we should be aware, and always follow the truths in the bible and make our root in faith deep. Only when we have the wisdom to judge right from wrong is when we will not be lost.

Reflection: Do I read bible everyday? How much do I know about the truth? Can I distinguish the false from the right?

6. The Kingdom of Heaven Is Coming

Through this parable, we know that to form the kingdom of heaven is not easy. We will always face opponent forces and wars. The process is harsh. But we should face through all the hardships in order to be in the kingdom of heaven.

Reflection: Am I strong enough to win over all the temptations? And follow God wills?