Interpreting the Value of Weeds – 23 July 2023

Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43

God alone is God. God is present in the midst of our struggles. Yet, there is indeed a presence in the world that seeks to undermine God at every turn. That is the central subject of the first parable we encounter in the text for this week from Matthew. There is real opposition—sin, evil, unfaith—in this world, and it often masquerades as good. The parable of the “wheat and weeds” continues Jesus’ explication of the rejection of his ministry. As such, it provides a further explanation to the resistance, following last week’s parable about seed and soil.

The opening parable, and the addition of the explanation in verses 36 and following, begin with the sowing of good seed and create conflict as “an enemy” sows weeds. The weed mentioned may be darnel, a noxious weed that looks so much like wheat that it is hard, but not impossible, to distinguish between the two. The servants propose to root out the weeds in a painstaking and time-consuming effort that necessitates judging each growth individually. The owner proposes something much more radical—and seemingly irresponsible. Let the growing process go and sort it out in the harvest. The severity of the judgment in the explanation may be uncomfortable for many preachers (and maybe all too comfortable for others). What we must remember is that Jesus explains the parable to the disciples. It is told to insiders to provide comfort: Everything will be all right, God will indeed know the difference between wheat and weeds. This is also a consistent characteristic of judgment in Matthew’s gospel as God’s intentions prevail, no matter what. God does not intend for weeds to grow, and in the end there will be no weeds. This is hope for those who face the enemy every day. –– Timothy V. Olson

Romans 8:12–25

As we struggle and suffer in the world we may indeed struggle with the same idolatry found in Isaiah. More likely, the faithful will struggle to fi nd God’s presence, as in Jacob’s story. Paul addresses our hope and patience in the midst of suffering and waiting by reminding us that the Spirit is present with us. God is here. When we are weak, the Spirit is strong. When we can’t even pray, the Spirit intercedes. Not only have the angels descended to join us, but God’s own Spirit resides with us constantly that we may never lose hope. It is even by grace that we pray. –– Timothy V. Olson

Isaiah 44:6–8

God alone is God. God is source, sustaining power, guiding light, and ultimately in charge. This confession of God’s centrality in all things pervades all of the lessons for this week. . .

This image [of God’s interrogation] tends to make present hearers dismiss the message of these texts as being for a problem we don’t have today. This would be a mistake. The preacher can easily lift up all the pretender gods of our day and reveal them as false. . . The preacher can easily ask Isaiah’s closing question: “You are my witnesses! Is there any god besides me?” –– Timothy V. Olson

Timothy V. Olson is the pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Ankeny, Iowa.

Homily Service 38, no. 8 (2005): 25–34.