Matthew 13:24-30, The Parable of the Weeds

24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

Comments

These weeds are most likely darnel, a poisonous plant almost indistinguishable from wheat until the ears form. It was against Roman law to sow darnel as an act of revenge, suggesting this was a real situation in Jesus’ day. Jesus teaches his disciples that patience is required because of the permanent division that will be made by Jesus. Christians who judge others quickly and command their moral compliance miss the heart of Jesus’ desire for conversion and fruit in the life of people. This exemplifies why Christianity should not spread by force, and why we cannot create an ideal, pure Christian society.

Prayer

Lord of heaven and earth, help me to be a generous Christian, offering charity and dignity to all created in your image. May I be your face to those who struggle to be conformed to your image. May your welcoming words become my words and your gestures of hope and healing be expressed through me.