When the Enemy Sows Trouble
“Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.”
— Matthew 13:30 (NIV)
In this Parable of the Weeds devotional, we learn that not every storm in life is sent by God. Sometimes, trouble shows up quietly, deliberately, and maliciously—sown by the enemy while no one is watching. Jesus uses this story in Matthew 13 to teach us what happens when good and evil grow side by side, and how we are called to respond with faith, not fear.
Jesus told this parable right after the story of the Sower, continuing the theme of how the Word of God—and the kingdom of God—grows. But this time, the field is sabotaged.
A farmer sows good seed, expecting a good harvest. But while everyone sleeps, an enemy sneaks in and scatters weeds (tares) among the wheat. The weeds grow side by side with the wheat, looking nearly identical. The servants are ready to rip the weeds out, but the Master says, “Let them grow together until the harvest.”
Why? Because pulling the weeds too early might damage the wheat.
👀 Wheat and Weeds Look Alike—Until They Don’t
Tares (likely darnel, a poisonous plant) closely resemble wheat in the early stages. You can’t always tell the difference until they mature—and one bears fruit, the other doesn’t.
This parable reminds us that in this world, and even in the church, true and false grow side by side. There are faithful believers and there are pretenders. There’s righteousness and there’s deception. But it’s not our job to uproot everyone who doesn’t look or act the way we think they should.
Jesus says the harvest will come. And on that day, the truth will be revealed. The wheat—the true sons and daughters of the kingdom—will be gathered. The weeds—the counterfeit and corrupt—will be separated.
🧠 What Does This Mean for Us?
It means we shouldn’t be surprised when the enemy tries to sabotage what God is growing in us. Not every opposition is a sign that we’re failing. Sometimes, it’s proof that something valuable is taking root.
It also means we need to stay focused on our own growth. We weren’t called to be weed-pullers. We were called to be wheat—to stay faithful, to bear fruit, and to trust the Lord of the harvest to sort things out in His time.
🌿 Light & Spirit Prompt
Take a moment today to reflect:
“What weeds has the enemy tried to plant in my life lately?”
“Am I letting comparison or judgment distract me from bearing fruit?”
Ask God to help you stay rooted in His truth, even when things around you feel chaotic, unfair, or unclear.
🙏 A Simple Prayer
Father, I trust You with the field of my life.
When the enemy sows confusion, conflict, or distraction,
help me stay focused on You.
Give me discernment, but also give me patience.
Let me be like the wheat—steadfast, fruitful, and faithful.
I know You are the Lord of the harvest, and I believe You will make all things right in Your time.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The presence of weeds doesn’t mean the harvest is ruined. In fact, it’s often a sign that something worth growing is already in motion. Don’t be discouraged when false things rise up beside you. God sees the difference—and in the end, He will gather His wheat.
💬 If this devotional encouraged you, feel free to share it or comment below. Tomorrow’s parable: The Mustard Seed – “The Smallest Seed, The Greatest Kingdom.”
