When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared
As the wheat matured, it's distinguishing characteristics became evident (wheat often grew taller than the bearded darnel). As the church matures, its members are known by their good works. The harvest will not take place until the church reaches unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and becomes mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). At this point, the weeds will also be exposed for what they are due to their lack of good production. The secrets of men's hearts will, on that day, be plain to see.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?'
Jesus, apparently, found the identity of the owner's servants insignificant since he did not comment on them during his explanation of the parable. We can only go so far as to compare their questions with our own. We ask Jesus: 'Didn't you make men good?' and 'Why, then, are so many evil?' We don't even consider our role in the thing (sleeping). There is a hint of subtle blame sometimes when we take problems to God.'An enemy did this,' he replied.
The weeds did not surprise the man in the story. The problem of evil does not surprise Jesus in reality. He does not blame the sleeping servants. He knows all about their frailty. He knows who the enemy is. And He has a plan.
4 comments:
R.C. Sproul is just preached a sermon on this passage. Actually, it was more like a theology lesson discussing the "invisible" church. Pretty interesting.
and what are some examples of some of the "good works" they will be known by? because i don't think people automatically know that "good works" are....
joe...
I think the difficulty in this parable is determining whether the 'place' being talked about is the entire world or the general church.
I know keith drury wrote about it not being worth discussing the invisible/visible church, but i find it a helpful distinction even if we can't declare who's who.
jo...
the briefest possible response, which should give you and idea of what my fuller answer would be, is a quote of James
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress"
ah, that's what i was hoping for matthew!
so many think that "good works" only constitute such things as serving pancakes at the men's group breakfast or being an alcolyte on sunday morning.
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