Matthew 13:28

He said vnto them, An enemy hath done this. The seruants said vnto him, Wilt thou then that we goe and gather them vp? Matthew 13:28 (KJV)

Context: Prior to this verse, Jesus told the parable of a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was sleeping, an enemy came and sowed tares (weeds) among the wheat (Matt 13:24‑25). As the wheat grew, the tares also appeared. In verse 27 the servants of the householder discovered the tares and reported them to the owner.

Identification of the enemy: In verse 28 the householder replies, “An enemy hath done this.” Jesus thereby acknowledges an adversary who deliberately sowed the tares among the wheat. Some interpreters understand this “enemy” as the devil or the forces of evil that seek to disrupt God’s work, though the text itself simply calls him an “enemy.”

Response of the servants: Upon discovering the weeds, the servants ask, “Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?” Their proposal to uproot the tares reflects a desire to preserve the purity of the wheat by removing the false or wicked elements.

Understanding the deeper meaning:

• Coexistence of good and evil: The parable teaches that in this world good and evil often coexist. The wheat represents the children of God, while the tares represent those under the influence of the evil one. This mixed condition will continue until the end of the age.
• God’s patience and judgment: The householder’s response shows a patient and merciful approach. He does not immediately pull up the tares because doing so might damage the wheat. Instead, both are allowed to grow together until the harvest, which symbolizes the final judgment.
• The final separation and judgment: At harvest the wheat and the tares will be separated. The wheat will be gathered into the barn, representing the righteous entering the Kingdom of Heaven, while the tares will be bound and burned, representing the fate of the wicked.
• The dangers of premature judgment: The servants’ eagerness to uproot the tares demonstrates a desire for immediate judgment. The householder cautions against hasty action, emphasizing the need for patience and trust in God’s ultimate justice.

Overall, Matthew 13:28 reminds believers that while evil exists in the world, God is aware of it and has a plan for its ultimate removal. It encourages patience and trust in God’s timing for judgment, assuring that there will be a final separation between good and evil.

By studying this verse and its surrounding context, readers gain insight into God’s sovereignty, His redemptive plan for the world, and the importance of living faithfully amidst the presence of evil.