Matthew 13:24-30
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today’s parable is the first of three in which Jesus describes an aspect of the Kingdom of God. Read Matthew 13:24-30 taking note of anything that stands out to you.
With the birth of Jesus, the Kingdom of God broke into the current age embodied in a person. For all the years of Jesus’ earthly ministry, people could encounter the Kingdom of God by being in the presence of Jesus and opening their hearts to his restorative message of Good News.
When Jesus sacrificed his life for humanity and conquered death through his resurrection, he opened the way for the Kingdom of God to come in the lives of all those who would yield themselves to him. And when Jesus gave his Holy Spirit to his followers at Pentecost, they were empowered to multiply the presence of God’s Kingdom in the world through their testimony of Jesus’ restorative work in their lives.
But we still wait for the day when Jesus will fully restore shalom in this broken world.
Stop to visualize the wheat field that represents our current world. The signs of the Kingdom are everywhere, but the weeds are there as well. Stay with this image for a moment and then share your thoughts and feelings with Jesus.
Read Matthew 13:24-30 again noticing anything new that stands out.
If we’re not careful, we can easily read this parable through an “us” vs. “them” lens. But it’s important to notice who’s responsible for the weeds among the wheat, and it’s also vital to recognize that it’s not easy to differentiate between weeds and wheat.
Take a minute or two to settle and center yourself. In your mind picture a wheat field as if you are looking down on it from a distance. Let the words of Jesus guide your thoughts:
“Let both [the wheat and the weeds] grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds…”
What do you think Jesus wants you to take away from this passage?
Is there anything he is inviting you to do in response?
Will you?
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