Time after Pentecost · Proper 11 · Year A
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
The Parable of the Weeds
July 19, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Let both grow together until the harvest.” (Matthew 13:30)
The parables in this section of the Parables Discourse build upon the varied responses to the kingdom introduced in 13:1–23 by indicating the hidden nature of the kingdom in the present. What will be clear in the end is partially hidden in the present, so that it takes eyes of faith to see it. Thus, the kingdom is like weeds and wheat growing together in a field, a mustard seed, and yeast hidden in a lump of dough. Its impact and its true followers will be clear only at the final judgment. Yet the kingdom is also of far greater worth than a great treasure or an exquisite pearl. The theme of God’s final judgment continues to be prominent in the chapter (13:40–43, 49–50; cf. 3:7–12; 7:15–20), along with a motif of insiders and outsiders (13:36). The latter motif actually surrounds the discourse with bookending accounts of Jesus’ family and hometown (12:46–50; 13:54–58).
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Commentary
Working Preacher: Commentary on Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Working Preacher
Lutheran lectionary commentary on the wheat and the weeds for Year A.
Enduring Word: Matthew 13 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical notes on the whole chapter of parables.
Precept Austin: Matthew 13 Commentary Precept Austin
Study page gathering many conservative commentators on Matthew 13.
BibleHub: Commentaries on Matthew 13:24 BibleHub
Parallel classic commentaries keyed to the sowing of weeds among the wheat.
StudyLight: Matthew 13 Commentaries StudyLight
Many complete commentaries on Matthew 13 gathered on one passage page.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: Matthew Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's scholarly introduction to Matthew's structure and themes.
BibleProject: Matthew 1-13 Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of the first half of Matthew, including the kingdom parables.
BibleHub: Matthew 13 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek-English interlinear for word-level study of Matthew 13.
The Church Fathers
Worship & Prayers
Questions preachers ask
What is the parable of the weeds about?
An enemy sows weeds among the wheat; the master lets both grow until the harvest, when they are finally separated, a picture of patience and judgment in the kingdom.
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