Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43: The Parable of the Weeds
Introduction
In Matthew 13:24–30, Jesus continues to teach about the kingdom of heaven. Furthermore, he continues to teach through parables that both reveal the secrets of the kingdom of heaven to believers, but that veil those same secrets from unbelievers (Matt. 13:11). In the parable of the weeds, Jesus takes up the question of the ongoing presence of evil in the world, as symbolized by weeds sown into a wheat field by an enemy. Here, Jesus assures us that he will finally judge evil in the world, but that he will not do so until the very end of the age. Therefore, Jesus teaches his people to wait patiently for the kingdom.
Discussion Questions
1. In the parable of the weeds, who does the sower represent (v. 37)? When Jesus describes himself as the Son of Man, what is he claiming for himself (see Dan. 7:13–14)? How does this allusion to the Old Testament help us to understand the nature of Jesus’ “kingdom of heaven”? What does the field represent (v. 38a)? How does this point help to clarify our interpretation of the parable? What do the good seeds and weed seeds represent (v. 38b)?
2. How do the servants react when they discover weeds growing up in the field (v. 27)? What do the servants ask the Master to do, once they recognize those weeds (v. 28)? If the weeds in the field represent the “sons of the evil one” in “the world” (see v. 38), how do the reactions of these servants match how we see God’s people reacting to evil elsewhere in the Bible? What evil in the world burdens your heart to cry out, “How long, O Lord?”?
3. Why is the master unwilling to gather up the weeds before the harvest (v. 29)? What does he command instead (v. 30)? Where do you struggle in seeing God’s delay in bringing his justice and righteousness to the earth? How does Jesus help us to see that God’s delay in justice is merciful toward his wheat (i.e., toward his people, the sons of righteousness)? How does that reshape your thinking of God’s purposes in permitting evil in this world?
4. Why do you think that Jesus devotes his second parable about the kingdom of heaven to the theme of patience for the coming of the kingdom? Why is patience so hard for you? Why does Jesus put such high priority on patience? How might this parable help you to avoid panic as you wait for the kingdom? How does this parable prevent us from passivity as we await the kingdom? How does this parable assure us that we will not wait perpetually for the kingdom?
