The Wheat and the Weeds
An enemy sows weeds among a farmer's wheat. The farmer lets both grow together until harvest, when they will be separated. Good and evil will coexist until judgment day.
Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43
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The Story
Jesus told them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
The owner's servants came to him and said, "Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?"
"An enemy did this," he replied.
The servants asked him, "Do you want us to go and pull them up?"
"No," he answered, "because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn."'
Jesus later explained: The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world. The good seed represents the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
The Wheat and the Weeds
Kids Version
Jesus told a story about a farmer:
A farmer planted good wheat seeds in his field. But that night, while everyone was sleeping, an ENEMY snuck in and planted WEEDS everywhere! Then he ran away.
When the plants started growing, the farmer's helpers noticed something wrong. 'Hey! There are weeds growing with the wheat! Should we pull them out?'
The farmer shook his head. 'No, don't do that. If you pull up the weeds now, you might accidentally pull up the good wheat too. Let them both grow together. At harvest time, we'll separate them. We'll burn the weeds and keep the wheat.'
Jesus explained what the story means:
The farmer is Jesus. The field is the whole world. The good wheat represents people who love God. The weeds represent people who follow the devil. The enemy who planted the weeds? That's Satan.
Right now, good people and bad people live in the world together. Sometimes we wonder, 'Why doesn't God just get rid of all the bad people?'
But God is patient. He gives everyone time to turn to Him. And He knows exactly who is wheat and who is weeds—even when WE can't tell!
At the end of time, Jesus will sort everyone out. The weeds will be thrown away. But the wheat—everyone who loves God—will shine like the sun in God's kingdom!
Which one are you—wheat or a weed?
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Scripture — Matthew 13:24-30 (KJV)
24Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Memory Verse
“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:”
— Matthew 13:24 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “The Wheat and the Weeds” in the Bible?
An enemy sows weeds among a farmer's wheat. The farmer lets both grow together until harvest, when they will be separated. Good and evil will coexist until judgment day. This story is found in Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43.
Where is “The Wheat and the Weeds” found in the Bible?
“The Wheat and the Weeds” is found in Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43, in the book of Matthew.
What can children learn from “The Wheat and the Weeds”?
This story teaches children about Good and evil, Patience, Final judgment, God's timing. An enemy planted weeds in a farmer's wheat field. The farmer said to wait until harvest to separate them. Good and bad people live together now, but one day God will sort everyone out.