Parable of Wheat and Weeds

 Text: Matthew 13:24-29

Background

After giving the interpretation of the Parable of the Sower (vv18-23), Jesus presents another parable, The Parable of the Wheat and Weeds. The word "another" in verse 24 gives the idea that Jesus is giving a parable that is something related to the first. This parable continues the presentation of the identity of the true believers verses the non believers. However, Jesus adds important emphasis, which is the judgment. Therefore, the context of this parable is from the time of sowing to the time of harvest.

Parable of the Wheat and Weeds

Plot

Scene 1 - The Sowing    (vv24-25)

The opening of the parable begins with the statement that Jesus is giving another parable that illustrates the kingdom of heaven. He uses again the things about agriculture such as seeds, wheat and weeds, and the act of sowing. Unlike the preceding parable, there are two sowers here. The first sower is the protagonist while the second one is the antagonist. The first sower is obviously the owner of the field, which is emphasized in verse 24, "his field." While the second sower is a foreigner who wants to sabotage the field of the former. In fact, Jesus describes him as the enemy; thus, these two sower are at war.

These sowers sowed different seeds at different period of time. The protagonist sowed good seed, which are the wheat while the his enemy sowed weeds among the wheat. The enemy sowed the weeds after the seed of the wheat has been sown by the owner. It happened while the owner's people were sleeping. After the sowing, the enemy went away.

The explanation of this scene is found in verses 37 and 38. The owner of the field is Jesus (Son of Man) while his enemy is the devil. The wheat are the sons of the kingdom while the weeds are the sons of the devil. Contrary to the interpretation that the field is the church, Jesus explicitly gives the interpretation that the field is the world.

Scene 2 - The Growing (vv26-29)

When the time for the wheat to grow and to produce grain has come, the weeds started to appear. This kind of weed is almost similar as the wheat, only it does not produce grain. Here comes the dialogues between the master of the house (owner and first sower) and the servants (men). When the servants saw that there are weeds together with the wheat, they asked their master why there are weeds since they know that their master only sowed wheat. Their master replies that his enemy planted  weeds in his field. After that, their immediate question if their master is willing that they are going to remove the weeds. Their master refused for a reason that while they are uprooting the weeds, the wheat may also root up.

Jesus does not provide explanation for this scene . After he gave the explanation of the first scene, he moved to the last scene where the context is judgment day. Though Jesus does not give any explanation in this part, it does not mean that it has of no importance at all. This scene plays important role wherein it connects two highlighted events, the time of sowing and harvest. There will be a time when the identity of the people of God and those of the devil will be revealed. When the servants asked their master if he wants them to pull the weeds up, the master declined (vv28-29). The respond of the master shows that he cares for the wheat as God cares for His people. 

Scene 3 - The Reaping (v30)

Letting the two kinds of plants to grow together shows the concern of the master for what he sowed, knowing that the weeds will be pull up at the proper time. The proper time pertains to the time of reaping/harvest. Jesus underscores what the reapers will do to the wheat and tares; the tares will be collected, bundled, and burned, while the wheat will be gathered and brought into the barn.

This last scene is a vivid picture of what will happen on the judgment day according to Jesus' interpretation in verses 40-43. The people   who are represented by the weeds, are those who cause others to sin and  those who are wicked, and they will end up to severe destruction. On the other hand, the righteous, represented by the wheat, will be brought to eternal dwelling with the Lord.   

Comparisons 

There are three comparisons in this parable. First, there are two different sowers. One is the master or owner of the field and the second is the enemy. The former represents Jesus Christ, the Son of Man (v37), while the latter is the devil (v39). Second, there are two kinds of plants. The first kind of plant are the wheat that represent the sons of the kingdom (v38), which the owner had sown. The second kind of plant are the weeds that represent the sons of the evil (v38), which the devil had sown. Lastly, there are two different destination of the plants. The wheat will be put in the barn that represents the kingdom of God (v43). On the other hand, the weeds will be put on fire, representing the fiery furnace or hell (v42).

Argument

Like the parable of the sower, the parable of the wheat and weeds also presents the identity of the people. However, there is a progression of idea as the Lord Jesus continues this series of parables. While the parable of the sower presents the Kingdom of God begins with the proclamation and hearing of God's word that leads to the revelation of the people's identity, this parable extends the idea of the Kingdom of God from people's identity to their destiny. This idea leads to the idea that the Kingdom of God is about salvation and judgment.

The purpose of this parable is not only to identify the two opposite identities, but also, to underscore the two different ends in relation with the contrasting identities. The argument is about the salvation of the children of God and the condemnation of the children of the devil. This argument highlights the exclusivity, certainty, and intentionality when it comes to salvation and condemnation. These will be examined according to their identity.

Explanation of Argument

In the beginning of the parable, the two opposite identities, the children of God and the children of the devil are presented. The presentation of the contrasting identities is to highlight their different ends. Jesus weaves the story highlighting the exclusivity of salvation for the children of God and condemnation for the children of the devil. This leads to the second aspect, certainty. The question whether the children of God have a chance to be condemned or the children of the devil can be saved. This parable confirms that there will be no reversal of their ends. The children of the devil will never be saved, and the children of God will never be condemned. If there will be no reversal of ends, the intention of the saving work of Christ on the cross must be examined whether he died exclusively for the children of God and also to the children of the devil.

Why would Jesus die for whom he knew from the very beginning are not from God, but of the devil? This is crucial since there will be no reversal of ends as the parable describes. The second scene (vv26-29) emphasizes that the master cares only for what he has sown and not for the weeds. The belief that Jesus died for the sons of the devil does not make sense at all, if God cares only for His people whom He foreknew from the very beginning. In conclusion, Jesus died for God's people alone and not for the children of the devil. The exclusivity, certainty, and intentionality in relation with salvation and judgment is accentuated in this parable. Salvation is for the children of God and Judgment is for the children of the devil.        

Application

The parable does not aim for the Christians to be complacent in advancing the Kingdom of God, nor for the unbelievers to be hopeless, rather, the otherwise. There are three crucial application of this parable, the inward, upward, and outward aspects. The inward aspect is about self. The parable helps every Christian to have a self examination of his life. Since a Christian knows that he belongs to God, he must worship God, which is the second aspect. The upward aspect is worship. God expects worship, service, and obedience from His people whom He saved. He should do the will of Him who owns him, which leads to the third aspect, the outward aspect. There are lost people around, who are also God's children. They need to hear the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and Jesus Christ for them to be saved. Although they are in hopeless and lost state in this present time, there is hope for them. Every Christian must be grateful to God because of what God has done even before the world began. Gratefulness is shown in serving the Lord at heart.