“But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.’” (Matthew 13:29 ESV).
Matthew recorded that Jesus told this parable to the crowds to explain the nature of the kingdom of heaven in the present age. Later, Jesus explained its meaning privately to His disciples (Matt. 13:36–43). He identified Himself as the sower, the field as the world, the good seed as the sons of the kingdom, and the weeds as the sons of the evil one. The enemy had sown the weeds, but the master refused the servants’ request to pull them up immediately. Jesus explained that weeds and wheat look alike in their early growth, and premature separation would endanger the wheat. The harvest, He said, would come at the end of the age, when the Son of Man would send His angels to gather the wicked for judgment and the righteous for glory. Through this explanation, Jesus taught that the coexistence of good and evil was expected for now and that final judgment belonged solely to God, who alone sees with perfect justice.
Those who accuse the Church of being full of hypocrites are actually correct. In this present age, true believers and false professors often appear indistinguishable. However, we are not equipped to judge hearts, motives, or eternal destinies, especially when outward appearances can be deceiving. When we rush to purge error or sin with harsh judgment, we risk wounding sincere believers and hindering gospel fruit. Instead, we are called to endure patiently, to proclaim the gospel faithfully, and to trust God with what only He can do. Our responsibility is not to uproot weeds but to grow and bear fruit as wheat, and to make disciples who do the same. We leave room for repentance, transformation, and grace, knowing that God’s timing is always right. With holy discernment and appropriate correction from God’s Word, we rest in the promise that the Lord will judge righteously and perfectly at the end of the age. Until then, we commit ourselves to humility, perseverance, and faith, faithfully leaving judgment to the Lord.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we confess how easily we judge by appearances. Teach us to trust Your wisdom and timing. Help us endure faithfully, proclaim the gospel boldly, and show grace without compromising truth. Guard our hearts from pride and give us confidence in Your discipline and judgment. Help us to know when to correct and when to be quiet and pray. In Jesus’ name, amen.