38
The field is the world. The good seeds are those who belong to the kingdom. The weeds are those who belong to the evil one.
39
The enemy who planted them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world. The workers are angels.
40
Just as weeds are gathered and burned, so it will be at the end of time.
41
The Son of Man will send his angels. They will gather everything in his kingdom that causes people to sin and everyone who does evil.
42
The angels will throw them into a blazing furnace. People will cry and be in extreme pain there.
43
Then the people who have God's approval will shine like the sun in their Father's kingdom. Let the person who has ears listen!
44
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field. When a man discovered it, he buried it again. He was so delighted with it that he went away, sold everything he had, and bought that field.
45
"Also, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant who was searching for fine pearls.
46
When he found a valuable pearl, he went away, sold everything he had, and bought it.
47
"Also, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea. It gathered all kinds of fish.
48
When it was full, they pulled it to the shore. Then they sat down, gathered the good fish into containers, and threw the bad ones away.