NOTES for Mat 13:24-43
Another absurd story from the world of agriculture! Every one of Jesus' listeners knows perfectly well that weeds must be removed as early as possible, before they drain the nourishment from the useful grain, especially since an experienced farmer has no great difficulty telling one from the other. But, as you have probably guessed, the very absurdity of this parable's content is intended to show the listeners how unlike human judgment is from God's. Even the angelic “reapers” are unable to distinguish a weed from wheat in this field of human lives. Many “good people” would undoubtedly like to rid themselves once and for all of the “bad people” who prevent them from living a full life. But weeding may destroy the grain, which means there is no clear distinction between “good” and “bad” people: the first may become last, and vice versa.