“The Weeds Among the Wheats” ================================================ Sermon,23rd July 2017 (SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST/ TRINITY) Matthew 13:24-30 “The Weeds Among the Wheats”

The Kingdom of God as the central theme of all Jesus preaching and teaching. The kingdom of God is already present, and it grows like a plant. The parable points to His listeners that they are living in the midst of a world with a diversity of doctrines and worldviews; among the 'fakedness' of unbelievers.

Weeds/ tares (Gk: zizanion) = a kind of weed that looks similar to wheat. This type of weeds is also categorized as a tares. Weeds are plants whose presence is not desirable on agricultural land because it decreases the yields or the production of plants.

Weeds/ tares (Gk: zizanion) among the Wheats;

The enemy (Gk: echthros) is meaning 'who hate' The enemy (Gk: echthros) is meaning 'who hate'. It refer to all hatred, enmity, opposition, rivalry. The 'weeds' are always happening by the fruit of enmity. Bad and useless things arise or the fruit of hostility and hatred.

Satan will sow beside those who sow the Word of God. The "field" symbolizes the world, and "good seed" symbolizes believers in the Kingdom of God (v.38). Why does God still allow evil to occur around good people and harm them? The answer of the owner of the field is: “No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest.” (v.29-30).

First; God prevents greater damage and harm from believers when evil or wicked people are destroyed at once. Second; Weeds as the seed of evil allowed to grow together could be to measure and test whether our faith can still grow even though in the bad environment. Paul said: “So that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” (Phil 2:15).

This parable may also direct us to correct ourselves to see if there are "tares" or "weeds" as a kind of parasite in us that destroys and harms the growth of our faith. The prophet Jeremiah called out: “Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts?” (Jer. 4:14).

Compromistic faith; We should be aware of compromising faith when we live in different environments, between good and evil situation. Paul says: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom 12:2). Paul even said: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom 12:21).

Focus on wheat; First; The most important thing for us is to stay focused on wheat and don’t stuck to focus on the weeds. God will eventually destroy all the wicked at the end of time or the harvest: “Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.” (v.30).

Second; Renew and sharpen our faith by continuing to renew relationships with God. How can we keep growing well, survive and bear fruit? It will be determined by how we keep growing in God. AMEN.