Notes on the Wheat and Tares

In Mathew 13:24 - 30 we are are told the parable of the wheat and the tares. A man sows good wheat in his field. Then an enemy sows a weed called tares in among the wheat. The problem with tares is that it looks like wheat until it ripens but is not edible nor does it have a use for the good man. The man decides to let the wheat and the tares ripen then the tares will be destroyed and the wheat will be gathered into the good mans barn.

In Mathew 13:37 - 43 Jesus explains that this is like God offering his Grace amongst all mankind. The devil then plants his evil in the hearts of men. Evil is anything that draws men away from God. So because seemingly good men can be furthering a separation from God they can be difficult for us to distinguish from the righteous men who draw closer to God. The final harvest of men comes after our earthly death and in that time those that sought evil will be cast into eternal torment then the Godly elect will be gathered into the Kingdom of heaven.

The obvious failure of the parable is that the tares can never be wheat but the evil men can always turn to God and accept his grace. So in this way the evil men have until they die to come to God.

Mathew Chapter 13 - Full Text

References in Scripture

Mathew 13:24 - 30

Mathew 13:37 - 43

Mathew 13:24 - 30

24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Mathew 13:37 - 43

37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

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