Parable of the Weeds

“Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” Matthew 13:36 

This parable can be hard to hear because Jesus speaks of the reality of hell, a fiery furnace where evil doers will wail and grind their teeth. Most of us of course believe that at the end of the age, the angels won’t gather us up like weeds and throw us into the fiery furnace to be burned. Jesus says that the angels will collect “all who cause others to sin and all evil doers”.

I have no doubt that each and everyone of us have sinned and caused others to sin. Have we made anybody angry at us? Anger to Jesus is the same as murder. In Matthew 5:21-22, He said, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”

Our God is holy. And to someone who is holy, any spot of sin, big or small, is a spot of sin. Is there hope for us then? I believe that is why Jesus, the Son of Man, waits for the harvest at the end of the age, to separate the weeds from the wheat. He gives us all a chance to learn of Him and His ways. All of us, whatever kind of sinner we are. He will give us all the white robe of righteousness when we open the door and let Him into our heart, repent, and allow Him to change us.

There has been a lot of talk about the mockery and disrespect done at the Opening Ceremonies of the Paris Olympic Games. What does God really think of all that hullabaloo? St. Paul writes in Galatians 6:7-10, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”