What role does discernment play in identifying "an enemy" in Matthew 13:28? The Parable and Its Plain Sense Matthew 13:24-30 describes a landowner who sows good wheat, only for “an enemy” to scatter weeds among it. When the servants notice the infestation, the master explains: “ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied” (v. 28). Jesus later interprets the key figures plainly (vv. 36-43): • The Sower = the Son of Man • The field = the world • The good seed = sons of the kingdom • The weeds = sons of the evil one • The enemy = the devil Because Jesus supplies these identifications, believers receive the parable as literal truth about spiritual realities. Who Is the Enemy? Scripture never treats the devil as an abstract force; he is a personal, intelligent adversary (Job 1:6-12; 1 Peter 5:8). Matthew’s wording “an enemy” underscores three facts: • His presence is hidden until fruit exposes it (13:26-27). • His intent is malicious sabotage of the harvest (13:25). • His identity is immediately recognized by the discerning master (13:28). The Call for Discernment Discernment is Spirit-given insight that distinguishes truth from deception (1 Corinthians 2:14-16; 1 John 4:1-6). In Matthew 13, it functions in three ways: 1. Recognizing the origin of the weeds. The servants see the problem (weeds) but not the cause. Only the master’s discernment unmasks “an enemy.” 2. Refusing impulsive action. Discernment notes that premature uprooting would damage the wheat (13:29). Wisdom waits for God’s appointed judgment. 3. Resting in final justice. Discernment trusts that the reapers—angels—will separate wheat from weeds at the end of the age (13:30, 41-43). Practical Marks of Spiritual Discernment • Grounded in Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). • Alert to Satan’s schemes: “We are not unaware of his schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11). • Patient under ambiguity: like the household servants, we bear with mixed fields until harvest. • Hope-filled: confident that the righteous will “shine like the sun” (Matthew 13:43). Growing in Discernment Today • Stay saturated in the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). • Pray specifically for wisdom (James 1:5). • Test every teaching and spirit (1 John 4:1). • Submit to godly shepherds who watch for souls (Hebrews 13:17). • Walk in the Spirit, producing fruit that contrasts with the weeds (Galatians 5:16-23). Faithful discernment enables believers to identify the enemy’s work without panic, respond with patience, and hold fast to the promise that the Lord of the harvest will set all things right. |
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