Mt 13:36-43
The world-field: Matthew supplies a list of equivalences so that the disciples (and the reader) can understand the parable, which is really an allegory. The parable concentrates on having patience with the wicked and permitting both good and bad to co-exist until the time of judgment. The explanation of the parable focuses on the doom awaiting the wicked.
The world-field: Matthew supplies a list of equivalences so that the disciples (and the reader) can understand the parable, which is really an allegory. The parable concentrates on having patience with the wicked and permitting both good and bad to co-exist until the time of judgment. The explanation of the parable focuses on the doom awaiting the wicked.
The Son of Man sows good seed. This is the risen Jesus at work in the world through his followers (cf 28:16-20). The disciples are sent to all nations; the field is the world. Matthew possesses an interest in spreading the message of the kingdom throughout the whole world. He has a particular interest in holding together his community, his church, but he views the mission to the Gentiles as being of equal importance.
The children of the kingdom are the authentic disciples of Jesus. They are the righteous, who will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. They behave according to the will of God. Some of these may not belong to the Church.
The weeds are those who belong to the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. For Matthew, all who cause others to sin and all evildoers exist throughout the world—both inside and outside the Church. At harvest time, the end of the age, the angel-harvesters will collect the weeds and burn them.
Matthew reminds the members of his community that the world and the Church are made up of both good and bad in the present. Both will be judged at a later date. Both are called to repentance while there is still time.