Jesus' Parables - The Wheat and the Weeds

This is our Sunday teaching from Senior Pastor, Lesley Thompson. Recorded live at our Sunday Service in Harris Academy Purley, Croydon on Sunday 26th January, 2025. Below you can find the talk audio, a talk summary article, and link to Connect Group notes.

Talk Summary - Trusting the Good Farmer: Reflections on the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds

Life can often feel overwhelming. Whether it's reading the morning news, grappling with global crises, or dealing with personal struggles, we are constantly confronted by the tension between good and evil. Why does evil exist? Why does it sometimes seem to flourish alongside good? These questions are not new, and in Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus addresses them head-on through the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds.

In this story, a farmer sows good seed in his field, but under the cover of night, an enemy sows weeds among the wheat. As the crops grow, the weeds become evident, and the workers are eager to remove them. But the farmer, full of wisdom and patience, insists they wait until the harvest to separate the wheat from the weeds. Attempting to remove the weeds prematurely could damage the wheat. At the appointed time, he says, the harvesters will deal with it.

Jesus explains that this parable is about the kingdom of heaven. The farmer represents Jesus, the good seed are his people, and the weeds are those who belong to the evil one. The harvest symbolizes the end of the age, when God will separate the righteous from the wicked. Until then, good and evil coexist, and we are called to live with patience and perseverance.

This parable holds three key lessons for us today:

1. The Reality of the Harvest

The parable reminds us that life on earth is temporary, and there will come a day when justice is fully realized. Evil may appear to thrive for a time, but the enemy does not win. The harvest is coming, and those who belong to God will be gathered into his presence. This truth calls us to live with awareness and hope, knowing that God is in control and will make all things new.

2. The Call to Patience

We live in a world accustomed to instant results, but God operates on a different timeline. He is a farmer, not a fast-paced executive. Farming requires time, care, and trust. The parable challenges us to be patient, even in the face of suffering and injustice. We can trust that God sees the bigger picture and will act at the right time. This patience also extends to how we deal with others, recognizing that judgment belongs to God, not us.

3. Living with Perseverance and Hope

Despite the presence of weeds, the wheat continues to grow. Similarly, we are called to persevere, bringing God’s kingdom into our workplaces, families, and communities. This doesn’t mean passively accepting evil or suffering. Jesus invites us to pray, act against injustice, and bring his love to the world. Yet, we do so with the assurance that ultimate victory belongs to him.

When faced with the brokenness of the world, it’s easy to despair. But as the parable teaches, we can cry, pray, and even feel anger at injustice while holding on to hope. The weeds will not triumph. Jesus has the victory, and we, as his people, are precious to him. He cares deeply for us, protecting and nurturing us as we grow.

So, as we journey through life’s challenges, let us trust the Good Farmer. Let us remain close to him in prayer, stay rooted in his word, and live with the confidence that the harvest is coming. The field belongs to him, and he is a good and faithful farmer.

Want to lead a Connect Group session based on this talk? The notes are here