Focal Passage: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
April 15th is a date we all know. It’s tax day. The deadline put on most people to complete the filing of their taxes. We have other deadlines too like school assignments, registration windows, project completion dates, etc.
Most deadlines feel flexible … it’s a long way off, until it isn’t. We assume there’s always a little more time, but, eventually, the window closes. Jesus tells a parable in Matthew 13 that reminds us of God’s patience, but it also signals to us that it has an end.
This parable starts with a recognizable scene (vv. 24-30). It’s one in which those listening would be very familiar with. There’s a farmer, a field, seed, and growth. It all looks like it’s going well, but then the weeds appear. The story shares how the servants want action early. They want to pull the weeds now, but the master says to wait. This familiar scene is a picture of the world in which we live. Good and evil exist side by side. Faith and unbelief grow on the same street.
Josh Sinquefield
It’s like the early days of a garden that looks kind of messy. The small plants and small weeds look alike. To an untrained eye they look very similar and if you tried pulling the weeds you might get some good plants with it.
In this case, patience is important. This early growth doesn’t tell the whole picture. One day, you will be able to tell the weeds from the wheat more clearly.
This familiar scene tells us that God’s patience is not careless, it’s intentional. It is mercy making room for growth and repentance. Just because judgment hasn’t come yet doesn’t mean it never will. God’s patience is an opportunity. Remember, 2 Peter 3:9 says, “God is patient, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.”
Later (vv. 36-39), Jesus explains the parable privately. What started as a familiar scene reveals a hidden meaning. Jesus is removing all ambiguity from their ears. This isn’t about farming techniques, it’s about eternity. Everyone belongs to a kingdom, and everyone is growing toward something.
When sports teams warm up before games they are often not in their uniforms and, for some, it can be hard to identify who plays for who.
But, when the game starts and they are all in their jerseys, it becomes obvious. This is the lesson Jesus shares: time eventually reveals what is truly rooted in Christ, whether it is wheat or weeds.
In verses 40-43, this story reveals a final outcome. Jesus speaks plainly about judgment. There will be a separation. Evil will not last forever. This is not meant to frighten believers, but to awaken listeners. Eternal destiny is real. Choices made now matter forever.
There comes a point in all of our lives where we have to choose. Neutrality is not an option forever. Only faith in Jesus, not proximity to Jesus, determines our destiny. The wheat and weeds were close to one another but met different ends.
Jesus shares this story not to condemn, but to call people to a decision while there is still time. God’s patience is real, and He desires relationship with you, but it does not last forever. The end is coming. The day of harvest is approaching. His mercy and grace are available now. B&R
