The Gospel of Matthew: Wheat & Weeds

Scripture References: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (Main) James 1; Revelation 14

Intro: This sermon delves into Jesus' Parable of the Wheat and Weeds from Matthew 13. While the previous Parable of the Sower focused on the personal reception of God's Word, this parable tackles big-picture, historical questions about good and evil. Jesus used parables like this to reveal kingdom secrets to those eager to hear, while concealing them from the hard-hearted. We benefit from His direct interpretation given to the disciples.

Key Points:

1. The Problem of Evil Addressed (v. 25, 28, 39):
   • The Question: Servants ask the Farmer (Jesus/Son of Man) why weeds (sons of the evil one) exist in the field (the world) if only good seed (sons of the kingdom) was sown. This touches the age-old question: If God is good and powerful, why does evil exist?
   • Jesus' Answer: "An enemy (the devil) did this." Evil has an external source; it's not inherent to God's good creation. God remains purely good (James 1). God Himself entered our suffering in Jesus.
2. Coexistence in This Age (v. 29-30):
   • The Command: The Master forbids prematurely pulling the weeds, fearing damage to the wheat. He commands letting both grow together until the harvest.
   • Our Role: Believers (wheat) are to live peaceably alongside unbelievers (weeds) in this current age. Our task isn't forced conversion or enacting final judgment now.
3. The Certainty of Future Judgment (v. 30, 39-43):
   • Jesus' Emphasis: The parable's main interpretive focus is the final harvest (end of the age). Angels (reapers) will definitively separate the wicked (weeds gathered for burning) from the righteous (wheat gathered into the barn/kingdom, shining like the sun).
   • Maturation: Both good (the Church globally) and evil will intensify and mature until this final harvest (cf. Rev 14).
   • Sobering Hope: The coming judgment is good news because God will ultimately deal justly with all evil. This reality provides urgency for people to seek God now.

Conclusion: The Parable of the Wheat and Weeds assures us that despite the presence of evil (sown by an enemy), God remains good and sovereign. He calls for patience and peaceable coexistence in this age, but promises a future, decisive harvest where justice will be fully enacted, evil judged, and the righteous glorified in His kingdom.

Call to Action: Maintain confidence in God's goodness amidst worldly evil. Practice peace and patience towards those who differ, leaving ultimate judgment to God. Live with awareness of the coming harvest, allowing the high stakes to motivate urgent faith and trust in Jesus.

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The Gospel of Matthew: Wheat & Weeds  (Matt 13:24-30, 36-43)
with Glenn Power