Our scripture this week is Matthew 13:24-30.
Jesus told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 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?” “An enemy did this”, he replied. The servants asked him, “Do you want us to go and pull them up?” “No,” he answered, “because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 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.”
Jesus begins another parable to explain the kingdom of God to those who are gathered. In this lesson He speaks of wheat and weeds to explain the difference between those who follow Him and those who have been led astray. As the weeds are among the wheat, so the influence of evil is among us in the world.
We might ask, as do the servants in the story, why doesn’t God just pluck out the evil, leaving the good? It would certainly make things easier for us! We must remember that we were never promised “easy”, in fact just the opposite – Jesus told us we would face difficulties and opposition because we follow Him.
Because of our sin, there will always be evil in the world. However, through the strength Jesus gives, we can stand against it. In Romans 12:21 Paul tells us “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”. By doing good in the world as Jesus taught, we can reduce the effect of evil and show everyone the love of God living in us.
Gracious God, we see suffering and loss around us every day. Help us to be Your light in the world, showing our brothers and sister Your way. Amen.