Jesus Explains

The disciples actually get what they ask for!

Rarely does Jesus answer a question or request so immediately and straight-forwardly. But he does in this passage. You almost wish the disciples had chosen another parable for explanation. There are other parables that are less clear, no?

Regardless, Jesus gives it straight. There will be people, right next to his people, who act as of the devil. (Jesus does not give, here, how it is that a weed can become a good seed, but noting that is probably asking too much of an illustration/parable.)

Perhaps most poignant in the passage for many of us today is the notion that “all things that cause people to fall away” will be tossed into a burning furnace (by angels!).

What is he waiting for?

Matthew 13:36-43

Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

Jesus replied, “The one who plants the good seed is the Human One. The field is the world. And the good seeds are the followers of the kingdom. But the weeds are the followers of the evil one. The enemy who planted them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the present age. The harvesters are the angels. Just as people gather weeds and burn them in the fire, so it will be at the end of the present age. The Human One will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all things that cause people to fall away and all people who sin. He will throw them into a burning furnace. People there will be weeping and grinding their teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. Those who have ears should hear.”

Prayer

God,

Maybe you could speed things up a bit. Maybe you are. Maybe I don’t get it.

But there are a lot of weeds all around. Not only that, but many of us who consider ourselves good seed disagree on who or what some of the weeds even are! Simply said, we’re a mess, God.

We need your help, your justice & righteousness. We need your discerning grace (did I just make that up?). We need all that is the combination of your love and judgment to make itself known clearly. Some of my fellow good seeds get annoyed with people like me who just don’t think everything is so crystal clear (like what is or isn’t sin). I don’t know what to do about that. I’m not going to lie, that’s for sure. That’s one sin I’m fairly certain of.

So help us, God. At least for this day, help me to live little moments of justice. Keep me from self-righteousness, but throw me all into loving righteousness, the kind that glorifies you and benefits people.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.