Sunday, July 19, 2026
Scriptures: Isaiah 44:6-8, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Sermon title: “Living among the weeds”
- Introduction
Can a farmer allow both crops and weeds to grow together in the same field? For most farmers, that makes no sense. The same is true for those of us who have gardens. Every couple of weeks, I pull weeds from my garden because they compete with the vegetables I planted to provide food and nourishment. Life is often like that. We long for goodness, kindness, and justice, but evil, suffering, and sin continue to grow around us. We wonder, “Lord, why don’t You remove the evil?” In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus answers that question by teaching us about God’s patience, His justice, and the hope we have as we wait for the final harvest.
- The coexistence of good and evil
In the Gospel reading, Jesus tells the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat” (Matthew 13:24-25). Using a familiar farming example, Jesus speaks to the crowds, His disciples, and us today, teaching that good and evil coexist in the world. The farmer planted good wheat, expecting a fruitful harvest, but an enemy secretly sowed weeds among it. The weed Jesus refers to is bearded darnel, which closely resembles wheat in its early stages. Only when both plants mature does the difference become clear; darnel produces poisonous grain, while wheat bears good fruit.
In Jesus’ day, sowing darnel in a neighbor’s field was a known act of revenge. Using this familiar practice, Jesus teaches that good and evil exist side by side in the world. We see both moral evil (such as war, violence, dishonesty, and crime) and natural evil (such as disease and disasters). Genesis 3 explains that when humanity sinned, evil, suffering, and death entered God’s good creation. Jesus reminds us that until He returns, the children of God’s kingdom and the forces of evil will continue to coexist in the world.
As we wait for Jesus’ return, He does not call us to become like the weeds, even though we live in a broken world. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:17, we are to “come out from them and be separate,” living faithfully while reflecting Christ’s love, grace, and truth. At the same time, Jesus teaches us not to make quick judgments about others, reminding us that final judgment belongs to God alone. Instead, we are called to show patience, understanding, and grace as we live among others.
- God calls us to patience
When the servants saw the weeds, they asked the farmer where they had come from. He replied, “An enemy has done this.” The servants wanted to pull the weeds immediately, believing they could tell them apart from the wheat. But the farmer told them to wait, knowing they might accidentally uproot the wheat as well. He understood that, with time and patience, the difference between the wheat and the weeds would become clear. This teaches us the importance of patience, wisdom, and spiritual maturity.
Have you ever said, “I wish I knew then what I know now?” As we mature, we gain wisdom and learn that not every problem can be solved immediately. Some situations require patience, discernment, and trust in God’s timing. That is why the farmer tells his servants to let the wheat and the weeds grow together until the harvest. Patience is not weakness; it is wisdom, trusting that in God’s time the truth will be revealed and justice will be done.
- The harvest reveals the truth
While the farmer is patient, the parable makes it clear that evil will not last forever. Jesus points to a coming harvest, representing the end of the age, when the weeds will be separated from the wheat. On that day, Christ will judge every person, separating believers from unbelievers. For those who belong to Him, this is not a message of fear but a call to remain faithful and persevere in holiness.
For those who have not yet trusted in Christ, it is an urgent invitation to repent and turn to Him while there is still time.
- Jesus explained the parable
The disciples did not understand Jesus’ teaching, so they asked Him to explain the parable of the wheat and the weeds. Jesus revealed that He, the Son of Man, is the sower who plants the good seed, representing God’s Word and those who receive it by faith. This reminds us of John 1:1, where Jesus is revealed as the living Word of God. The enemy who sows the weeds is the devil, and the weeds represent those who reject God’s Word and, unless they repent, will face final judgment.
- Living among the weeds
How do we live faithfully in a world where good and evil coexist? Jesus teaches us to choose prayer over power, patience over panic, growth over judgment, and love over condemnation.
- Conclusion
Jesus reminds us that we live among the weeds in this world, but evil will not last forever. God is patient, calls people to repentance, and will bring final justice. Therefore, we remain rooted in His Word, trust His timing, and grow as faithful disciples who bear the fruit of the Spirit until Christ gathers His harvest. Amen.