Matthew 13:30

“Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.”

In order to understand this parable fully, it is helpful to know the kind of weeds Jesus was referring to. They were called bearded darnel which, in the early stages of their growth, look exactly like wheat. As they grow, they start to look very different but, by that time, their roots are so entwined with the roots of the wheat that it is impossible to remove them without destroying the crop as well. As a result, it is necessary to allow the darnel to grow until harvest time, when the separation can then take place.

The point of the parable is clear. Jesus was telling his disciples that they were living in a world in which there were good and bad people. But it was even more complicated than that. Some people appeared to be good and turned out to be bad, while others gave every appearance of being bad but turned out to be good. Jesus sent his disciples into this confused situation saying they needed to trust the God of justice who would one day judge the world. It wasn’t their job to judge now. They could leave that to God at the appropriate time.

This is an important parable for us. We should always be disappointed, but never surprised, by the evil that exists in the world. However, it is not for us to be the judges. What an incredible burden it would be if we had the responsibility to make final judgement on each person and their actions. But that is God’s work and because we know that he is loving, merciful and entirely just, we can trust him to do what is best.

Question

How does this parable help you to cope with living in an evil world?

Prayer

Loving God, give me grace and strength to live for you in this confused and evil world. Amen