What is the meaning of Matthew 13:28? “An enemy did this,” • Jesus identifies the source of the weeds without hesitation: the devil. Later He explains, “The enemy who sowed them is the devil” (Matthew 13:39). • Scripture consistently presents Satan as the one who corrupts what God plants. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10); “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8). • From Eden forward the pattern is the same (Genesis 3:1). God sows truth and life; the enemy secretly sows lies and death. • The statement also reassures the servants: the problem did not come from the Master’s seed. God’s work is always good (James 1:17). he replied. • The Master’s calm answer models God’s sovereign composure. He is never surprised, never at a loss. “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19). • By replying instead of reacting, the Master shows that evil is already under divine assessment and will be handled perfectly in its time. • The reply also implies accountability: the enemy will face justice. “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20). So the servants asked him, • The servants’ immediate instinct is to help. Their question springs from loyalty and zeal for the Master’s field. • Servants here picture God’s people (and ultimately the angels, see Matthew 13:41). They sense that something must be done about evil, and they take their concern straight to the Master—an example of prayerful dependence. • Throughout Scripture God invites His servants to bring concerns to Him first: “Call to Me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3); “Cast all your anxiety on Him” (1 Peter 5:7). “Do you want us to go and pull them up?” • Zeal meets caution. They are ready to act, but they pause for the Master’s will—a crucial lesson in obedience. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • The request echoes later moments when disciples wanted swift judgment (Luke 9:54-55). Jesus teaches that premature separation can harm the wheat. • God’s answer (v. 29-30) is to wait for the harvest—the end of the age—when angels will “weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin” (Matthew 13:41). Until then, believers live alongside unbelievers, shining as light while God patiently offers repentance (2 Peter 3:9). • Personal application: Instead of rooting out evil by human force, we pursue faithfulness, leaving final judgment to God (Romans 12:19). summary Matthew 13:28 reveals four timeless truths: the devil is the real instigator of evil; God remains sovereign and unshaken; His servants should bring every concern to Him; and zeal must submit to divine timing. Until the final harvest, we trust the Master’s plan, labor faithfully in His field, and leave ultimate separation and justice in His capable hands. |
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