Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we are going to dive headfirst into a parable which Jesus shared with his disciples, a story that's packed with meaning and relevance for us today. This is the Parable of the Tares, found in Matthew 13:24-30.

As A.W. Tozer once said, "A scared world needs a fearless church." We live in a world filled with tares, or weeds, that can choke out the good seed in our lives if we're not watchful.

Let's read the passage together:

[Read passage]

Before we go any further, let's bow our heads for an opening prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we ask for Your guidance as we delve into Your Word today. We pray for understanding as we explore the Parable of the Tares. Help us to discern the wheat from the weeds in our own lives and give us the wisdom to grow in Your grace. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

The Parable of the Tares

The Parable of the Tares, as told by Jesus, is a profound illustration of the spiritual realities that we face in our daily lives. It's a story that speaks to the heart of every believer, challenging us to discern between the wheat and the tares in our own lives. The wheat represents the good seed, the Word of God, and the fruit it produces in our lives. The tares, on the other hand, represent the lies, deceptions, and distractions that the enemy sows among us to hinder our growth and productivity.

The sowing of the good seed: The man who sowed the good seed in his field represents God, who sows His Word in our hearts. This is a divine act of love, grace, and mercy. God plants His Word in us not because we are deserving, but because of His great love for us. He desires for us to grow, flourish, and produce good fruit. The good seed is the truth of God's Word, His promises, and His will for our lives.

The sowing of the tares: while everyone was sleeping, the enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat. This is a stark reminder that we have an adversary who is always looking for opportunities to sow seeds of doubt, fear, confusion, and sin in our lives. These tares are not immediately noticeable. They grow alongside the wheat, often undetected until they start to bear fruit. This is a sobering reminder for us to be vigilant and watchful, for the enemy often works in subtle and deceptive ways.

The servants' reaction to the weeds: They were quick to suggest pulling up the weeds to protect the wheat. However, the owner advised against it, warning that in the process of pulling up the weeds, they might also uproot the wheat. This teaches us that it is not our job to judge or condemn others. It is God's role to separate the wheat from the tares at the time of harvest. Our role is to focus on growing and maturing in our faith, trusting that God will deal with the tares in His perfect time and way.

The patience and long-suffering of God: Despite the presence of the tares, the owner allowed them to grow alongside the wheat until the time of harvest. This shows God's patience with us, His willingness to give us time to grow and mature, even in the midst of challenges and adversities. It's a reminder that God is more interested in our growth and maturity than in our comfort or convenience.

A promise of divine justice: At the time of harvest, the owner instructed the harvesters to first collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned, then gather the wheat and bring it into his barn. This is a promise that God will deal with the tares, the works of the enemy, in His perfect time. It's a promise that justice will be served, that the wheat will be separated from the tares, and that those who remain faithful and fruitful will be gathered into God's barn, His eternal kingdom.

The Danger of the Tares

The tares, or weeds, represent the evil that exists in the world, sown by the enemy, which can easily choke out the good seed if we're not careful ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO