In the opening verses of chapter 13, the disciples question Jesus’ use of parables in preaching, to which he answers that they are stories in code. He does not preach to entertain or amuse; he preaches to reveal truth to those who have an interest.
Clearly these verses that interpret the parable bring to mind the nal judgment: “the furnace of re” or shining “like the sun.” They may promote anxiety as we consider whether we’re weeds or good seed. The harvest does come.
When I read the original parable in verses 24-30, I do not perceive the punitive tone as I read in today’s interpretive read- ing of the parable. Instead the weeds are simply gathered and burned, and the wheat taken to the barn. Jesus did not conceal the destiny of evil, but he did not capitalize on fear as a path toward God. I remember my mother confessing that her conver- sion resulted from her fear of death and hell. Only later did she come to appreciate salvation as an experience of love. We try to avoid turning the good news of the gospel into foreboding alarm. Jesus’ conversations with the hurting people of his time avoided condemnation and emphasized unexpected grace.
The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast separate the initial parable and its explanation. On the other side of the explanation we read of treasure hidden in a eld and the pearl of great price. The emphasis lies with discovering what is of value and then giving all in order to make it our own.
I have had experiences in my ministry as a prison chaplain with men considered dangerous by the of cers and yet sensitive to the announcement of God ́s grace for them. Even more, they bear the fruit of that grace in the midst of so much hurt and lim- itation. “Let anyone with ears listen!”