Imagine a world leader who delivers a speech that includes a story that doesn’t make a lot of sense to listeners. Then behind closed doors comes the meeting of the cabinet or diplomats or generals who ask the leader, “What did you really mean?”

That’s how it is with the disciples. They are Jesus’ coworkers in building a beloved community, the family of God on this earth. “I’m the householder,” Jesus implies. “While I—even we—plant seeds all over the territory, the opposing side is doing the same. For now, I’m not going to call them out, even though you may want me to do so” (ap).

Imagine the disciples’ agitation. If they are like most of us, they already have a list of names of people who aren’t authentic, genuine, bona fide followers of Christ. What about these “weed people?” Does it help them to hear Jesus say that he will send his angels to collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers at the right time? All will be taken care of. Everyone will be known by the fruit they produce—love, joy, and peace or selfishness, crabbiness, and chaos. (See Galatians 5:22.)

In the meantime, the “wheat” will grow steadily toward an enormous benefit to others. In fact, those in right relationship to Jesus will come to shine “like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” As always, God will continue to work behind the scenes as the wheat matures and grows. The impatience of the rest of us can be put on hold as God keeps working.