February 21, 2024

Matthew 13:36-43 (HCSB)
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.” 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, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 Therefore, just as the weeds are gathered 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 gather from His kingdom everything that causes sin and those guilty of lawlessness.  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 their Father’s kingdom. Anyone who has ears should listen!

Neil Andrews
As Jesus explains the parable of the wheat and the tares, He reveals that the field is the world, the good seeds are the children of the kingdom, and the tares are the children of the evil one. The enemy sows deception and wickedness. This passage reminds us of the coexistence of good and evil in our world. Just as wheat and tares grow together, the righteous and the wicked often share the same space. It's a fact of life. But God's promise lies in the harvest. Jesus assures us that at the end of the age, the angels will separate the wicked from the righteous. The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. This devotional encourages us to remain steadfast, knowing that God is the ultimate Judge. In the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties, our faith and righteousness will ultimately be acknowledged and rewarded. As we strive to be children of the kingdom, let us trust in God's wisdom and await the day of the glorious harvest when His justice will prevail.