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Bible Book: Genesis
Chapter: 13
Verse: 24
Verse (to): 30

Mat 13:24-30

The necessity of weeding all (flower) beds regularly forms part of the “ABC of Gardening”. A little experience in the garden confirms that this is a good practice. Why then does the farmer in the parable of Matthews 13:24-30 prevent his servants from pulling out the weeds amongst the wheat?
The answer in verse 29 seems to be quite clear: “because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them” (TNIV). Though this appears to be a reasonable and practical explanation, I guess that the decision to leave the weeds was not that obvious. If it was an accepted practice to leave the weeds amongst the wheat, why were the servants so keen to pull up the weeds?
There is an element of surprise in the answer of the owner of the field. This element of surprise in the parable tells us what Jesus wanted to bring under his disciples’ attention.
The parable is not a lesson in gardening or farming. It deals with the patience of God.
Showing your commitment to God through you enthusiasm to “clean up” the Christian community you belong to may indicate that you know the principles of gardening, but it will be contrary to the principles of the Kingdom. In God’s Kingdom a surprising principle applies – the patience of God. (Read Romans 12:16-21 as another example of this principle.)
When Christians execute God’s judgment it may easily harm other people. There are many stories in the context of the HIV pandemic that testify to this.
We know that there will be a final judgment day. Verse 30 confirms this. It is because of God’s patience that this day has not yet arrived (compare 2 Peter 3:9).  Until then we should not expect to be able to put everyone into neat compartments according to our judgement.
To think about (or discuss): Have you been tempted to “get rid of” someone because he or she did not seem to be a true Christian?
Author: N du Toit (Ds)
Language: English