I grew up in an educational system where it was possible to “fail” and be “held back.” Somewhere along the way, however, the tide turned and students passed even though they didn’t catch on to what was being taught. I have had students admitted to my Algebra II classes who were at a seventh grade math level. There are reasons given for not failing students, and yet what message does this send the students? Not admitting the possibility of failure deprives students of getting a “second chance.”
This way of thinking has carried over into our view of life. “Everyone will pass” seems to be the current consensus. There are no eternal consequences to the choices we make on this earth. In Jesus’ language we have come to think that everyone is “wheat” and no one is a “weed.” Even though this may be presented as “truth” in our popular culture, is it really true?
What did Jesus teach about this? (Matthew 13:36-43)
“He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil.”
Now this is simple enough for children to understand, and even children find out early in life that some people are good and some are bad.
“The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
Not everyone passes the “class” of life. Those who cause others to sin and who do evil will be “thrown” into a furnace and there they will weep and grind their teeth. Jesus teaches the existence of hell. The Church for two thousand years has done the same, even though this is not a popular truth in our age.
What about the children of the Kingdom?
“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of the Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
Knowing that even if are going through great personal struggles and sometimes feel like gold tested in the furnace, we are encouraged by what Jesus says. He is preparing us for the day of harvest, so, on that day, we will be purified enough to “shine like the sun.” Some have ears to hear this message and others close themselves to what Jesus says.
When we deny the existence of the “fiery furnace” we cheat people. This truth has the power to sober the “evildoers,” and open them to the opportunity for a second chance—if they admit their sin and receive God’s mercy. Also, the denial of eternal consequences, disheartens the children of the Kingdom. For, if everyone will pass, why remain faithful through the purifying experiences of life?
Knowing there will be a harvest at the end of our age encourages us. It is, for us, like the exhausted long-distance runner, who is told that the finish line is not far away. And, for the rebellious, knowing where they are headed can awaken them to seeking a second chance from our merciful God.
In the end each of us will either “shine” or “burn.” We rejoice that we have been given the grace to say “yes” to Jesus as he gathers children for his Kingdom.
“Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake” (Ps 79:9).
