However, what this writer would like to present to you this day lies between the lines of one of these parables. It is in the Parable of the Weeds taken from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.

As the parable is presented it appears that a man sowed good seed in his field, but someone else (”an enemy”) sowed weeds among his wheat. When this was discovered his servants asked the man if he wanted them to pull up the weeds. At which time the man responded in what would seem to be an unusual way. He answered them by saying, “No...  because while you are pulling up the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them” (v29). He then follows with a plan as to how and when the weeds will be removed.

He tells his servants to wait. “Let them 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” (v30).

There is no need to explain the parable since that is done in verses 36 through 43 of that same chapter 13. Thus the purpose of this writer is to focus on what is not written.

In verse 29 it appears that the roots of the wheat or good seed (described in verse 38 as the “sons of the kingdom”) and the roots of the weeds (described in verse 38 as the “sons of the evil one”) are too entangled to enable the safe weeding of the field. It seems to indicate that the roots of the wheat had not sufficiently separated themselves while in the same environment as the weeds. Except for their outward appearance the wheat and the weeds seem to be indistinguishable under the surface.

However, it appears that something happens to the root system of the wheat between the lines of verse 29 and verse 30. The space between these lines indicates that the wheat matures. Perhaps the wheat changed what it did draw its nourishment from to a richer, deeper soil. Nevertheless it seems to grow and root deep enough that the man (sower) feels it’s safe to commission his servants to gather the weeds separately without harming the wheat.

Could this be an indication of what needs to come? Does the wheat (sons of the kingdom) need to root more deeply to separate itself in order for the harvest to begin? It would seem so.

Based on what this writer sees, it must. It must become more intimate with God and root deeper into the things of God.  The wheat must change from looking distinguishable to being distinguishable. Then comes the harvest.