…“The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one. (Matthew 13:37-38)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
HYMNS FOR THE WEEK
- Opening Hymn “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come (LSB 892) Text here.
- Hymn of the Day “In Holy Conversation” (LSB 772)
- Communion Distribution Hymns
- “Christ Is Surely Coming” (LSB 509) Text here.
- “The Lord, My God, Be Praised” (LSB 794)
- “Preserve Your Word, O Savior” (LSB 658)
- “O Gracious Lord, I Firmly Am Believing” (LSB 635)
- “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” (LSB 575)
- “The Day Is Surely Drawing Near” (LSB 508)
- “Lord of Our Life” (LSB 659) Text Under “show more” in video.
- Closing Hymn
fourth sunday in apostles’ tide
Sermon Starter
Last week we heard Jesus tell us the Parable of the Sower, from Matthew 13. Sunday’s Gospel reading likewise comes from Matthew 13; it’s the Parable of the Weeds and the Wheat (aka the Wheat and the Tares). In fact, Matthew 13 is a whole chapter full of parables, seven of them altogether. Some of these parables are shorter, some are longer. Some are explained by Jesus, some of them are left unexplained. Sunday’s parable is one of the longer ones in the chapter, and Jesus does explain it. Therefore, what it means is pretty straightforward–Jesus “decodes” the story for us. Why he tells us this parable, though, that is not as immediately apparent. But we can still get there from here. Today then we want to take up both the interpretation and the application of this parable, as we consider the what and the why of the weeds and the wheat.
Collect of the Day
O God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your final judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of living here and dwell with You in perfect joy hereafter; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.