THE PARABLES OF Wheat and Tares
THE PARABLES OF Wheat and Tares
THE PARABLES OF Wheat and Tares
INTRODUCTION
1. In "The Parable Of The Sower", we learned that not all people react to the Word of the
kingdom in the same way
a. Some with hard hearts and dull ears would not even allow the Word time to
germinate in their hearts
b. Others would receive the Word, but either persecution or things in this life would
render them fruitless
c. Only those with good and noble hearts, who receive the Word with patience and
keep it, will bear the intended fruit in their lives
-- Thus the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" will be received only by some, and not
all
2. This truth was illustrated further when Jesus taught "The Parable Of The Wheat And
Tares"...
a. Recorded only by Matthew, the parable itself is found in Mt 13:24-30 (READ)
b. Jesus' purpose is clearly to teach principles related to "the kingdom of heaven"
1. For he begins with "The kingdom of heaven is like..."
2. Therefore Jesus intends to reveal principles related to the "rule of God"
as it would soon be manifested in the Person of His Son
3. Like "The Parable Of The Sower", this parable is one of the few in which we have
Jesus' own explanation...
a. The explanation was given in response to the disciples' inquiry - Mt 13:36
b. And the explanation is found in Mt 13:37-43 (READ)
[In this study, we shall focus on Jesus' explanation of the parable, and then draw some truths
from it...]
I.e., Christ, who in His preaching went about proclaiming the gospel of the
kingdom - cf. Mt 4:23
[Jesus ends His explanation of the parable with the same admonition that followed the
telling of The Parable Of The Sower:
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear" - Mt 13:9
CONCLUSION
1. Indeed, this very parable is a warning to all not to allow themselves to be influenced by
the wicked one!
a. As Peter wrote, our adversary is very much seeking to destroy us! - 1Pe 5:8
b. But if we can allow the word of God to abide in us, we can overcome the wicked
one - cf. 1Jn 2:14
2. We learn from this parable, then, that the kingdom of heaven...
a. Will spread as people become "sons of God" (by heeding the Son of Man)
b. Will not preclude the efforts and influence of the devil (so expect to see some
"tares")
c. Though inaugurated with the Son of Man's first coming (especially with His
ascension to the right hand of God and the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of
Pentecost - Acts 2), the kingdom of heaven will not be fully culminated until...
1. The Son of Man returns with His angels
2. He gathers all things out of His kingdom that offend and practice
lawlessness
3. And delivers the kingdom to God (cf. 1Co 15:24)
3. At that time...
a. We will have an abundant entrance "into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ" - cf. 2Pe 1:11
b. "Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their
Father" - Mt 13:43
Dear friend, is not that your desire? Then remember what Jesus said...
"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the
kingdom of God." - Jn 3:5
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"