18/06/2023

GOD & GOD ALONE

Reflection on the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds

Matthew 13:24- 30; 36-43

Before reflecting the scriptures above, or Sunday’s message, let’s prayerfully consider:

  • What we can be thankful for … personally … and as the congregation called St Thomas?
  • Answered prayers … personal … and those of others!

The Our Father (as used on Sunday):

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

We praise You, Lord – for Your eternal love, Your holiness, Your mercy, Your mysteries, Your gentleness. We thank You for Your revelation to us in history, through Your Son Jesus Christ.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

We ask that You grant a spirit of unity to all who serve You: Those on foreign mission; Those in isolated situations; Those with the churches of Southern Africa; That the ear of Government will incline toward Your ways and call.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Lead us to feed the hungry, care for the poor and be Your hands in this part of Your creation. In the quiet of our hearts, the silence which follows, Lord, we all lay our needs and concerns at Your feet …

And forgive us our trespasses.

Forgive us the times we have offended through ignorance; The times we have known Your will and rejected it; we offer all things that separate us from You – and place them at the foot of the cross …

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

We recall those we have not forgiven, and forgive them now …

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

We ask that You strengthen us by Your grace, that we may expect miracles in our places if weakness; rejoicing in our sufferings, knowing they will not be beyond our endurance.

For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen!

Reflecting on Sunday’s scripture readings and message:                                                                                       

Here are three progressive questions:

  • What did I learn? Something different? Something new?
  • What touched or nudged my heart? Feelings? Emotions? Inner being?
  • Out of the above – what do I need to do (or become)?

Taken that the main point of the parable is that ‘God, and God alone, is the judge of all people.’ Staying with Jesus’ explanation in verses 36 – 43, what additional spiritual lessons are to be learned and lived?

Being creative, what additional lessons can be drawn out of the parable?