Wheat or Weeds
June 11th, 2008Jesus, along with other rabbis, loved to tell stories to teach spiritual lessons. One of his stories is the parable of the wheat and weeds (or tares) in Matthew 13:24-30. He follows with his explanation in Matthew 13:36-43. The Hebrew word that Jesus most likely used for “weed” has the same root as the word for “prostitute.” It gives us a little insight into how God feels when we neglect him in favor of other pursuits in life.
This weed looks exactly like wheat – until the grain is formed. Then it is clear that it is not wheat. Its fruit reveals what it is (see also Matthew 7:15-20).
Jesus said that the world is the field. God’s people, along with idolaters live and grow together in the world. We may be similar in appearance but, once again, our fruit reveals the truth about us.
It is not enough to look right. It is not enough to act right. It is not even enough to know the right. We have to be right (through Jesus, of course). The fruit we bear reveals the God (or god) we serve.
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
