Parable of the TaresParable of the Tares

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-Matthew 13:24-30, 36-4343

ParablesParables (Matt 13) (Matt 13)

• Kingdom teaching, Matt 13:10-12, 34-35– Hard hearts do not understand (13:13-15)– Open hearts do understand (13:9, 16)

• Parable of the Tares, Matt 13:24-30– Sons of the kingdom are surrounded by

evil in this world– A separation will occur– Explanation is given, Matt 13:36-43

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Parables of TaresParables of Tares

•Misunderstood and misused•About kingdom of heaven on earth

–Kingdom of heaven is the church, Matt 16:18-19 (Col 1:13)

–Christians are unique in this world (cf. Jno 17:11, 15)

–This parable presents the problem of evil and our victory over it in Christ

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Explanation Explanation (36-43)(36-43)

•The field is the world, 13:38–“His” field (Christ’s), 13:24, 27–He has ownership of this world, 1 Cor 10:26 (Psa 24:1)

–Called “His kingdom”, 13:41

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Explanation Explanation (36-43)(36-43)

•Two Sowers–Son of Man (Christ), 13:37–The Devil (enemy), 13:39, 28 (“His enemy”, 13:25)

–Nature of the enemy:•Cunning: “While men slept”•Cowardly: Not openly, but under cover of darkness

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Explanation Explanation (36-43)(36-43)

•Clash of good vs. evil in this world:–Father vs. World (1 Jno 2:15-16)

–Spirit vs. the Flesh (Gal 5:17)

–Son vs. Satan (Gen 3:15)6

Explanation Explanation (36-43)(36-43)

•Two Products–Wheat (29): Sons of Kingdom (38)•“Good seed” growing in the world

–Tares (25): Sons of Satan (38) Jno 8:44; Eph 2:2-3; 5:6•Darnel: Weed grass that looks very much like wheat until it is mature, when a great difference is revealed

•Used for chicken feed or burned7

Explanation Explanation (36-43)(36-43)

•Two Questions–“Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?” 13:27•Problem of evil in the world (its origin and its continuance)

•Enemy introduced the evil; not God•Be concerned about victory over evil rather than full explanation of it (Matt 5:13-16) 8

Explanation Explanation (36-43)(36-43)

•Two Questions–“Do you want us then to go and gather them up?” 13:28•Such would be beyond the wisdom and ability of His servants (29)

•Separation will happen at the time of harvest (30)

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Explanation Explanation (36-43)(36-43)

•The Harvest, 13:30, 39–End of the age, Matt 13:49 (25:31-32)

–Reapers: Angels (Matt 25:31)•All that offend and those who practice lawlessness, 13:41

–Two results:•Wheat (sons of the kingdom): Gathered to heaven, 13:30, 43

•Tares (sons of the wicked one): Punished in hell, 13:30, 40-42

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LessonsLessons•God did not introduce evil into

the world, Gen 1:26-27; Eccl 7:29•Christians live in a world of sin

(evil is not going away), Jno 17:15-17; 1 Cor 5:10

•God expects us to be different from the world, 1 Pet 2:9-12; Phil 2:15-16; Titus 2:11-13

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LessonsLessons•Parable does not forbid

withdrawing from unrepentant brethren, cf. 1 Cor 5:10-13 (4-5, 6-7); 2 Ths 3:6, 14-15

•Satan is subtle; Always trying to deceive, 2 Cor 11:13-15

•The Lord will execute righteous judgment, 2 Ths 1:4-10; Rom 2:1-2, 6

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LessonsLessons•Sons of the kingdom keep

growing and patiently wait for the Lord’s harvest, Jas 5:7-9; Heb 12:1-2

•We live in the age of grace (Tit 2:11)–Sons of the wicked one still have time to become sons of the kingdom! 13:43 (13:23)

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Sons of Wicked One

•Living, yet dead in sin•Counterfeit

Parable of the TaresParable of the Tares

Sons of Kingdom

•Alive and growing•Genuine

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Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:19 (Rev 1:5-6) (Rev 1:5-6)

Colossians 1:13Colossians 1:13

Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:19 (Rev 1:5-6) (Rev 1:5-6)

Colossians 1:13Colossians 1:13