Introduction:
In "The Parable of the Sower," we learn that people respond differently to the Word of the Kingdom. Some reject it completely, while others are hindered by life's challenges, leaving only those with good hearts to bear fruit. This concept is echoed in "The Parable of the Wheat and Tares," where Jesus teaches the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing that His teachings reveal the rule of God through His Son. Notably, this parable includes Jesus' own explanation, provided in response to His disciples' questions concerning this parable.
I. Jesus Explains the Parable
In response to His disciples, Jesus unveils the deeper meanings of the parable.
A. The Sower
1. "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man," referring to Christ in His loving ministry, spreading the gospel of the kingdom - cf. Mt 4:23.
2. He is the prophesied figure in Daniel's vision, receiving a heavenly kingdom - Dan 7:13-14.
3. After His ascension, He claims the authority bestowed upon Him - Re 2:26-27; 3:21.
B. The Field
1. "The field is the world."
a. Into this vast expanse, the Son of Man brings His precious message.
2. Over this field, He reigns with divine authority as King - cf. Mt 28:18.
C. The Good Seed (Wheat)
1. "The good seeds are the sons of the kingdom."
2. These individuals joyfully acknowledge Jesus as Lord, embracing His teachings - cf. Mt 28:19-20.
3. In "The Parable of the Sower," the disciples are the "good soil"; here, they are the "good seed," blossoming into children of the kingdom as they receive the Word of God.
D. The Tares
1. "The tares are the sons of the wicked one," those who cause offense and lawlessness - cf. Mt 13:41.
a. These feel they do not have to be accountable to anyone.
2. Though within the Lord's reign, they refuse His loving authority, revealing their true nature.
E. The Enemy
1. "The enemy who sowed them is the devil," who first tempted Christ - cf. Mt 4:1-11.
a. Now, he seeks to undermine Christ's mission, impeding the salvation and expansion of His divine kingdom.
F. The Harvest
1. "The harvest is the end of the age," a time when the gospel is proclaimed, inviting all to become "sons of the kingdom."
2. This age culminates in a magnificent harvest, marked by the return of our Lord - cf. Mt 26:31-32.
G. The Reapers
1. "The reapers are the angels," who will accompany Christ's return - 2Th 1:7-9.
2. They will lovingly separate the wicked from the just - cf. Mt 13:49.
II. Key Teachings from the Parable
Jesus emphasizes the core messages of the parable, revealing the ultimate fate of both the wicked and the righteous.
1. Verse 40: Addressing the Problem of the Tares
• The issue of the "tares" will not be completely resolved until the time of the harvest.
• This delay is for the sake of the "good seed," ensuring their protection (cf. Matthew 13:29).
2. Verse 41: Resolution at the End of the Age
• At the end of the age, the Son of Man will resolve the problem with His angels.
• They will gather from His kingdom all that causes sin and those who act lawlessly, identified as the sons of the wicked one.
3. Verse 42: Consequences for the Wicked
• Those removed from the kingdom will face their fate in "the furnace of fire," experiencing "wailing and gnashing of teeth."
4. Verse 43: Reward for the Righteous
• The "righteous," representing the good seed and the sons of the kingdom, will experience their blessedness.
• After the harvest, they will "shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father."
III. Truths Gleaned from the Parable
1. Christ's Long-Suffering and Growth (Matthew 13:29, 2 Peter 3:9)
• Christ's patience with the wicked is meant to allow the "sons of the kingdom" time to grow, akin to the concern for the "wheat" in the parable (Matthew 13:29).
• The Lord's long-suffering offers a chance for repentance, emphasizing Christ's deep desire for all to turn back to Him, as illustrated by Peter (2 Peter 3:9).
2. Church Discipline and the Parable (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)
• The parable does not eliminate the necessity for church discipline, which Jesus teaches in Matthew 18:15-17.
• Paul also reinforces the importance of maintaining discipline within the church (1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15).
3. The Kingdom's Present and Future (Matthew 13:41, 43, 1 Corinthians 15:23-26)
• The kingdom is both a present reality and a future promise, with the Son of Man gathering from it before the end (Matthew 13:41).
• After the harvest, the righteous will shine in their Father's kingdom (Matthew 13:43).
• Paul describes Christ’s current reign and the eventual handover of the kingdom to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:23-26).
4. Current and Future Kingdom Residency (Matthew 13:41-42, 18:6-7, 1 Corinthians 8:11-13, Romans 16:17-18, Matthew 7:21-23, 2 John 9, Hebrews 3:12-14, 4:1-2, 11)
• While one may be part of the kingdom now, future membership is not guaranteed, as some may be cast out later (Matthew 13:41-42).
• Those causing others to stumble or practicing lawlessness are at risk, warned by both Jesus and Paul (Matthew 18:6-7; 1 Corinthians 8:11-13; Romans 16:17-18; Matthew 7:21-23; 2 John 9).
• Perseverance is essential to avoid this fate (Hebrews 3:12-14, 4:1-2, 11).
5. Punishment for the Wicked (Matthew 13:42, 49-50, 18:34-35, 25:41, 45-46)
• The wicked, those who offend and practice lawlessness, will face a fiery punishment (Matthew 13:42).
• This theme is echoed in parables like the Dragnet (Matthew 13:49-50) and the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:34-35).
• Jesus warns of a place prepared for the wicked, underscoring the gospel's inclusion of warnings for those who reject the kingdom (Matthew 25:41, 45-46).
Special Notes
• Wheat and Tares look similar until it gets close to harvest time.
• The wheat begins to weigh down (the bounty causes it to bow) right before harvest.
o This cause the tares to look like they are winning because they are the only ones seen however, the truth will soon be exposed.
o The wheat is taken to the Master while the tares are discarded in the field. (Weeping may endure for a night but joy…)
o The tares are eventually plowed back under the soil to rot and feed the next crop of wheat.
• Wheat is utilized for the Master’s use while tares are uprooted and trodden under foot.
“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)
• Tares do not naturally turn to wheat. Only God can change a life and make it productive for Him.
Conclusion
• The Parable of the Wheat and Tares is an essential teaching on the reality of God's kingdom and its present and future residents.
• It shows Christ as the sovereign King over all creation, guiding His disciples to understand their role in expanding the kingdom while warning of the consequences for those who reject His authority.
• As we continue to follow Jesus' teachings, may we be encouraged by the promise that at the end of this age, we will shine forth like the sun in our Father's glorious kingdom.
• Let us also remember that this parable serves as a reminder to stay faithful, persevere through trials, and always strive for righteousness so that we may avoid being counted among the tares at harvest time.
