Daily Word - Wheat And Weeds Explained - Matthew 13:35-43

Scripture:
Matthew 13:35-43 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
35 so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:
I will open My mouth in parables;
I will declare things kept secret
from the foundation of the world. (A) (B)
Jesus Interprets the Wheat and the Weeds
36 Then He dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached Him and said, "Explain the parable of the weeds in the field to us." (C)
37 He replied: "The One who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38 the field is the world; and the good seed—these are the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and (D) 39 the enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. (E) 40 Therefore just as the weeds are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. (F) 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather from His kingdom everything that causes sin [a] and those guilty of lawlessness. (G) [b] 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace (H) where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (I) 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father's kingdom. Anyone who has ears [c] should listen! (J)
Footnotes:
Matthew 13:41 Or stumbling
Matthew 13:41 Or those who do lawlessness
Matthew 13:43 Other mss add to hear
Cross references:
Matthew 13:35 : Ps 78:2; Rm 16:25-26; 1Co 2:7; Eph 3:9; Col 1:26;
Matthew 13:35 : Ps 78:2;
Matthew 13:36 : Mt 13:3; 15:15; 21:33;, 45; 22:1; 24:32;
Matthew 13:38 : Mt 8:12; Jn 8:44; Ac 13:10; 1Jn 3:10;
Matthew 13:39 : Jl 3:13; Heb 9:26; Rv 14:15;
Matthew 13:40 : Mt 24:3; 28:20;
Matthew 13:41 : Zph 1:3; Mt 8:20; 18:7; 24:31;
Matthew 13:42 : Rv 1:15; 9:2;
Matthew 13:42 : Mt 8:12; Rv 19:20; 20:10;
Matthew 13:43 : Dn 12:3; Mt 11:15; 1Co 15:42;

Reflection:
Are you quick to judge? Jesus’ parable teaches us patience lest we judge before the time is right. Jesus also warns that there is an enemy who seeks to destroy the good seed of his word before it can bear fruit. Both good and evil can be sown in our hearts like tiny seeds which germinate, and in due time yield a harvest of good or bad fruit. We must stand guard lest evil take root in our hearts and corrupt us. Charles Read said: “Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.” In the day of judgment each will reap what he or she has sown in this life. Those who sow good will shine in the kingdom of their Father. They will radiate with the beauty, joy, and fulness of God’s love. Do you allow the love of Christ to rule in your heart and in your actions?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, may your all-consuming love rule in my heart and transform my life that I may sow what is good, worthy, and pleasing to you.