Parables of Jesus - Week 5
July 20, 2025

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Jack Wisemore
The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds - Matthew 13:24–30

Matthew 13:24–30, “Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When 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 uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let 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.’”

The Parable Explained

Matthew 13:36–43, “Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.’ 37 He answered, ‘The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.40 ‘As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

The Point: It is worth it all to live for Jesus because we know our reward is great and we know the consequences if we do not.

The Twist:

  • The Kingdom’s Delay and Bad Beliefs: Conclude There is No God
  • The Kingdom’s Delay and Bad Beliefs: Assume God’s Approval
  • The Kingdom’s Delay and Bad Beliefs: Prefer Immediate Gratification

Why the Delay?

2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:15, “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation”

Matthew 13:45-46, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”


Reflection Questions:

  • Can you think of a time in your life, or in that of someone close to you, when the existence of evil or the delay of the coming of the Kingdom has caused doubt regarding the existence of God? How disconcerting is the existence of evil and suffering to you? How does Christ suffering on the cross for our salvation effect your understanding of God and the existence of evil?

  • Have you ever found yourself doing something questionable and then thinking: “Well it can’t be that bad because God didn’t punish me”? How did that end up?

  • How do you think people would act if they were always immediately rewarded for good behavior? Why do you think God doesn’t do this?

  • Are you more motivated by the hope of reward or the fear of punishment? Why do you think God has both the carrot and the stick in his repertoire?

  • What are some practical and concrete things you can do to help resist immediate gratification so you can reap eternal reward?


Benediction

Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

24 The LORD bless you and keep you;
25 The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
26 The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Go and Live for Jesus!

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