By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
JUDGMENT COMING
Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43
Matthew collected items together. (Think of Matthew piling coins in the tax booth.) Readers take note of this immediately in chapter 1 with the three equal divisions in the genealogy of Jesus (vv. 1–17). In chapter 13, we find a collection of several Kingdom parables (13:24–50). Jesus told simple stories in familiar settings, usually intended to teach a single spiritual truth.
In the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7), Jesus taught that not everyone will enter heaven but only those who do the will of the Father (7:21) and act upon the words of the Son (7:24). Final judgment is coming, and the parables in Matthew 13 illustrate the Kingdom of our God.
Wheat or Weeds (24–30)
Following the parable of the four soils and its meaning explained to the disciples, the parable of the wheat and the tares (weeds) is recorded. A man sowed his field for wheat season. His competitor intended to ruin his crops by sowing rye grass into the field.
Early in development, the plants grew and looked similar. It became evident that the weeds would bear no grain. The plants pulled precious nutrients from the soil, but they would produce no harvest. The farmer determined that it would be better to wait until harvest to pull them up rather than potentially damaging the actual wheat while it matured.
The Scriptures are replete with references to agriculture. Readers often pass over the details, however, when they are unfamiliar with the terms or processes of planting and harvesting. Rains at the proper time are essential for grain fields without access to expensive irrigation systems. Sunlight, soil nutrients, proper amounts of rainfall and timely harvesting are factors that can bring a bumper crop rather than a bust. If a farmer has plentiful stalks without an abundance of grain, he may ask himself if he has enough return on his investment to keep farming.
Jesus or the Devil (36–39)
Jesus explained this parable to His disciples after the crowds went away. Why? He was intentional in teaching spiritual truth to His followers who could receive it. These teachings were not given for the general public but only for His disciples (vv. 10–16).
In this passage, Jesus provides the list of cast members playing roles in the story. Jesus is the Master who sows His seeds, the children of the Kingdom. The devil intends to ruin the Master’s harvest by sowing devilish children among the King’s kids. Finally, God’s angels play the role of the harvesters.
Heaven or Hell (40–43)
Just as the weeds are gathered and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The fire referenced for harvesting grain is not figurative; it is literal.
We served in a farming community several years ago. Driving home from seminary, I noticed the fields were on fire not long after big combines had harvested the wheat fields. They were burning the chaff. The smoke enveloped the community and darkened the sky, and its smell penetrated everything.
Jesus compared the burning grain stubble to the final judgment of unbelievers. The children of the devil will experience a blazing furnace, weeping and gnashing their teeth. We have the message of the gospel, the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16) that can transform those in darkness into children of the light (Eph. 5:8).
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