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PARABLE: the wheat and the weeds

 {PARABLE} The wheat and the weeds_ 

Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-43 

 
We all wish that God would remove evil from the world. But put yourself in God’s place for a moment: if by a simple word of power you could snatch evildoers away from the earth, what complications might arise from your decision? 
As one person has said, “If God were to destroy all evil at midnight, who would be left at one o’clock?” 

 

[Group discussion starter] As followers of Jesus we live in an environment which is hostile to his life and teachings and to his way of love. What difficulties can this hostile environment create for followers of Jesus? 
 

 

Although it is difficult to live in a world of evil, this parable tells us that judgement is something we need to leave in God’s hands... 

 
[Read Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43] 

 
What title would you give this parable? 

 

 
What crisis occurs at the beginning of the parable (verses 24-26)? 

 

 
The owner’s servants offer to pull up the weeds (verse 28). 
In verses 29-30, what alternative does the owner propose, and why? 

 

 
[Activity] In verses 37-39, according to Jesus, what do the key elements of the parable stand for? 

 

 
What is the meaning of the weeds being pulled up and burned in the fire (verses 41-42)? 

 

 
Like the owner’s servants, in verse 28, how have Christians sometimes offered to pull up the weeds prematurely? 

 

 
What have been some of the consequences of this misguided concern? 

 

 
Do you see ‘the field’ as the church or the world – or both? 
Explain. 

 

 
How does this parable help you understand God’s patience and plan for dealing with evil? 

 

 
What hope does the parable offer Christians?  

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