Sermon Guide for Sunday, July 19, 2026

Today we encounter the second in a series of agrarian parables. Using images as familiar to us today as they would have been in his day, Jesus explains not only the presence of unproductive—even hostile—people in the church but also the danger of attempting to “weed” them out too hastily. What to do with weeds sown among the wheat? Let’s figure it out together!

• What is it about weeds that you find most objectionable (e.g., crowding out of good plants, diverting nutrients from the soil, ugly encroachments into more beautiful growth, etc.)?
  
  
• The parable’s explanation makes it clear that Jesus is talking about people, not plants. What has your experience been with the kind of people Jesus describes? Did you initially follow Jesus’ advice?
  
  
• On a deeper level, it’s possible to find elements within ourselves that are akin to the “weeds” of which Jesus speaks. What have you encountered within yourself something that is resistant to the kingdom’s goals? What have you done to respond? How is it going?

Next step: Jesus advocates a long game when it comes to sorting who’s in and who’s out. Consider how we ought to weigh non-judgmentalism against addressing evil in the church, understanding that we’re all sinners.