Matthew 13:24-30 24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 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.’” Matthew 13:36-43 36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV Someday God will Until that day, God is incredibly But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV Those who are weeds today may be wheat tomorrow Augustine Three Points of Application Be patient with Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:7-8 NIV Be paitent with Keep Questions for Discipleship Group and/or personal study: Opener: Fun question: what’s one practical joke that you recall? Serious question: what one evil in our world would you wish that God would eradicate now? Go to the Source: Read Matthew 13:24-30 Why do you think this parable puzzled the disciples (v. 36)? Does it puzzle you? Read Jesus’ explanation in Matthew 13:37-43. How has overzealous judgment of the world (i.e. Crusades) brought harm to the mission of the Church? Why is it so difficult to be patient with others who go against God’s ways? What helps you live with a tolerant attitude? Live it out: How can you live in God’s patient grace this week? What are the implications for your relationship with God, yourself, others?