Wheat & Tares

Gathering the Weeds

In Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus put another parable before them comparing the kingdom of heaven to a man who had sown weeds among the wheat in his neighbors field. In the agricultural world, this type of weed would destroy someone's livelihood. Because it looked so much like the real thing, to pull out or gather the weeds one might root out the real thing if done before it was time to harvest. The weed planted in the field by the enemy was so well disguised that not until the plant had come to full maturity did it prove to be anything but wheat. This is a picture of Satan's efforts to deceive the church by mingling his children with God's, and in some cases making it impossible for believers to discern what is truth from what is false. 

Jesus explains the meaning of the parable in Matthew 13:36-43. "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Lord, help us to see from this parable what we need to see so as not to be deceived by Satan's tactics to destroy your church. Help us to gain the wisdom from Your Word so that we may stay alert and ready. Thank you for your words of truth. I thank you that you love us and sent your Son to show us the way. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.