24 Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like 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 left. 26 And when the wheat sprouted and produced grain, then the weeds also became evident.

27 And the slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this!’ The slaves *said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he *said, ‘No; while you are gathering up the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and at the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

Matthew 13:24-30 (NASB)

Parable bonanza

Jesus is in the middle of a parable bonanza. He’s given one of the most famous ones – the parable of the sower – and explained it to the disciples as well as provided a reason for why He teaches in parables. Now He moves onto the other parables. First up, the parable of the wheat and weeds.

Spiritualization caution

It’s easy to spiritualize each part of any parable, including this one. For example, why were his men sleeping? Does that have any significance? What if the weeds were gathered before the harvest and some wheat is lost? What would that represent? What is the nature of the weeds and do they represent something? Sure, there is a reason Jesus said what He said and it’s possible there may be other teachings that can be derived. But here, let’s focus on the main point of the parable.

Separation of wheat and weeds

The main point of this parable is what? There will be a separation of the wheat and weeds. Scholars say the weed was darnel, a weed that looks like wheat. Sure. But the key is that it can be distinguished from wheat. The slaves suggested the weeds be plucked immediately but the farmer wisely says wait…lest the wheat be damaged. These are interesting, but the salient point is the separation at harvest. 

A harvest is coming, a final judgment, when all mankind will be judged. The wicked shall be burned (no matter how much they look like wheat) and the righteous will be collected and stored for later use.

RЯeflection

• Are you wheat or a weed? If you want to be wheat, to not be burned for eternity, to have a relationship with the God who made you, click here. The Spirit of God is drawing you.
• If you’re sure you are wheat, talk to the weeds. Tell them the good news. Pray that God will give them the same grace He gave you. We don’t know who He has adopted as His children so we reach everyone.