Weeds in the wheat

13:28–29 The master’s servants inquired whether they should collect the weeds prior to the harvest. But pulling darnel weeds, with their strong and deep roots, would uproot the emerging wheat plants.

The Lectionary Commentary, Volume 3: The Gospels (The Third Readings) Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A (Arland J. Hultgren)

The Greek word translated here (and in RSV, NIV, and NRSV) as “weeds” is highly significant. It is zizania, which is sometimes translated “tares” (KJV) or “darnel” (NEB). Its botanical name is Lolium temulentum, a troublesome plant for the farmer. It is similar in appearance to wheat and can be identified easily only when ripe. It is urgent that it is removed prior to milling, for if the two are milled together the flour will be spoiled.

The tares:mimic weed the bearded darnel.

In this case you may waddle like a duck and quack like a duck but not be a duck

Plucking the weeds:

roots entangled; May misidentify.

Invisible vs. visible church.

Fundamental principle 4.

Quote from People’s Bible Commentary

Becoming evident at harvest:

Separation at harvest: judgment

Angels

Burning the weeds:

Bringing the wheat into the barn:

To the wheat: be patient.

To the tares/weeds:

To the Cross: Quote from “Gospel Handles” by Francis Rossow

Jesus became wheat of our wheat and became a week. A kernel that fell to the ground and died, was buried, and rose to new life.

2 Timothy 2:24 ESV

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,

The Lutheran Study Bible (Notes) Chapter 13

13:24–30 The master does not seem overly upset by what his enemy has done and shows great patience in delaying until the harvest the separation of weeds from wheat. He warns his servants not to judge prematurely by assuming they can distinguish between these plants. A mark of God’s rule is His patience (2Pt 3:8–15). For us sinners, this is a great comfort and also an encouragement for us to endure evil patiently (2Tm 2:24). • O God, help me to accept the fact that in this world good and evil will grow side by side. Lead me also to count on Your wise timing and judgment. Amen.

2 Peter 3:8–15 ESV

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,

Weeds in the wheat

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