Study 1 of 2 · The parable of the weeds and the wheat

  1. Study 1: The parable of the weeds and the wheat
  2. Étude 2 : La parabole du figuier stérile

From the second to the third Passover festival

  • PER141 The parable of the weeds and the wheat

    The parable of the weeds and the wheat (Matthew 13.24-30), unique to Matthew, teaches that good and evil coexist in the world until the final judgment. In it, Jesus illustrates God's patience in delaying the separation of the righteous and the wicked until the eschatological harvest, entrusted to the angels. This parable forms part of a profound biblical reflection on the apparent prosperity of the wicked, shared by Habakkuk, Asaph, Jeremiah, and Job.

    Psalms 73.3-12 (King James Version) :
    For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.Notefirm: Heb. fatThey are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.Notein…: Heb. in the trouble of other menNotelike: Heb. withTherefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.Notehave…: Heb. pass the thoughts of the heartThey are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week

  • PER230 The parable of the barren fig tree

    The parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13.6-9), reported only by Luke, illustrates God’s patience and the urgency of conversion. Jesus warns that every disciple who bears no spiritual fruit risks judgment, while emphasizing that God grants an additional time of grace. This text follows on from Luke 13.1-5 and carries a twofold message: a solemn warning and divine mercy.

    Luke 13.1-5 (King James Version) :
    There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilæans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilæans were sinners above all the Galilæans, because they suffered such things?I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate