How does Matthew 13:28 illustrate the presence of evil in the world? Setting the Scene • Jesus has just described a farmer who sows good wheat seed. • Overnight “his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat” (v. 25). • When the crop begins to grow, the servants spot both wheat and weeds and ask, “ ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’” (v. 27). • Matthew 13:28 records the master’s answer: “ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. So the servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them up?’ ” What the Verse Reveals About the Presence of Evil • Evil is not accidental; it is intentional. – “An enemy did this” points to a personal, calculated act, not a random flaw. • Evil is distinct from God’s work. – The master’s good seed represents God’s flawless creation (cf. Genesis 1:31). – The weeds testify that corruption comes from another source (cf. James 1:13). • Evil is invasive and stealthy. – The enemy works “while everyone was sleeping” (v. 25), mirroring how sin slips in unnoticed (1 Peter 5:8). • Evil masquerades as genuine. – The weeds are likely darnel, which looks like wheat until harvest, echoing Satan’s strategy of disguise (2 Corinthians 11:14). • Evil entangles and endangers the good. – Uprooting the weeds too early would harm the wheat (v. 29), illustrating how evil seeks to choke out faith (Matthew 13:22). God’s Sovereign Plan Amid Evil • Recognition, not surprise: God fully identifies evil—“An enemy did this.” • Temporary coexistence: God permits evil to remain until the harvest so the wheat is preserved and matured (v. 30; Romans 8:28). • Certain judgment: The harvest is sure, and the weeds will be burned (vv. 40–42; Revelation 20:10). • Protection of His own: The wheat will be gathered safely into the barn (v. 30; John 10:28). Everyday Takeaways for Believers • Expect the reality of evil around and even among God’s people. • Resist the urge to “uproot” every wrong by human force; trust God’s timing and justice (Romans 12:19). • Stay vigilant and rooted in truth so counterfeit beliefs do not take hold (Ephesians 6:11–13). • Grow steadily like healthy wheat—nourished by Scripture, prayer, and fellowship—until the final harvest (Hebrews 12:1–2). Supporting Scriptures • Genesis 3:1–6 – The original enemy’s intrusion into a good creation. • John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” • 1 Peter 5:8 – “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” • Ephesians 6:12 – Our struggle “against the powers…of this dark world.” • Revelation 20:10 – The devil’s ultimate defeat. Matthew 13:28 reminds us that evil’s presence is real, personal, and temporary, while God’s kingdom and His people are eternal and secure. |
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