Matthew 13:24-26
Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.” …
There are lots of reasons I wouldn’t be a good farmer. Not enough patience. Too much dirt and manure. But especially the weeds. I can’t stand finding weeds in my lawn, so I can’t imagine watching a whole field full of valuable wheat infested by good-for-nothing weeds. I couldn’t sleep until I had sprayed or chopped or pulled every last invader. Jesus understood. That’s why the opening to this parable draws us in. We can picture the farmer fuming over his infested field. And just wait until he gets his hands on the enemy who sowed those weeds!
We also know right away what this story is really about. God created a good world where the people He loves can grow and flourish and love him, but the Enemy has sent a virus of evil and sin to infect God’s world. Now, we have to live among the weeds. We strive to honor God and do what is right, but so often our good intentions and faithful desires get choked out by temptation, hurt and sin. And while we would like to blame the Enemy and the bad people around us for all our problems, we have to admit that sometimes we act pretty weedy too.
The second half of the parable will help us understand Jesus’ ultimate solution for evil in the world, but for now, we should be grateful to know that God planted us in his world on purpose and expects us to grow good fruit. The weeds may bother us and try our patience, but we can’t use them as an excuse for not growing or not serving God’s purposes. We are his wheat, planted in a good field to produce a crop to the glory of God. Weeds and all, we need to be who God created us to be.
Father in Heaven, You created me on purpose. Thank You for giving me what I need to serve You and to make Your world a better place. Give me strength to endure hardship and to resist temptation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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Pastor Mike Mirakian
