TARES IN THE GRAIN
Matthew 13:24-29
24Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The
kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares
among the wheat, and went his way.
26But when the
blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27So 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?
28He said unto
them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that
we go and gather them up?
29But he said,
Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
To GOD be the glory! The
central message of this parable is that the consummated kingdom of God will be
different from the present kingdom (reign) in that the consummated kingdom will
be in a perfected environment of only sons of the kingdom. Currently, sons of
the kingdom and sons of the Evil One live together in human society.
Tares were very common in
Palestine and closely resemble wheat; they are not really distinguishable from
wheat until the grain appears at havestime.
The question of separation ore relative purity in conduct
or doctrine among the disciples and the church is answered by Jesus’ directive.
This is not to be done by the disciples nor by the church-but will ultimately
be done by God’s angels (vv. 39, 41).
Premature separation in the present age is out of the question and
becomes more destructive than it is purifying.
Matt. 13: 37, 38 His Field – A Promise of Harvest.
WORLD EVANGELISM
To the farmer, the field is a promise of harvest. This area of land prompts his vision of a
yielding crop.
The field is the world.” Christ’s own imagery points to the process of
world evangelism: Go and sow The field may or may not appear fertile; the field
may be ravished by drought (spiritual need) or insect (spiritual opponents),
but in either case the field is itself the summons. Lift up your eyes (Prov.29:18; John 4:35-37).
(Is.40:8-11/Matt. 24:1-4)
REFLECTIONS
What can malicious weed-sowing tell us about the kingdom
of God? The image Jesus uses here is a common everyday example of planting,
harvesting, and sorting the good fruit from the bad. Weeds can spoil and even
kill a good harvest if they are not separated and destroyed at the proper time.
Uprooting them too early, though, can destroy the good plants in the process.
Just as nature teaches us patience, so God's patience also teaches us to guard
the word he has planted in our hearts and to beware of the destructive force of
sin and evil which can destroy it. God's word brings life, but Satan seeks to
destroy the good seed which has been planted in the hearts of those who have
heard God's word. God's judgment is not hasty, but it does come. And in the
end, God will reward each according to what they have sown and reaped in this
life. In that day God will separate the evil from the good. Do we allow God's
word to take deep root in our heart?
Let us pray: "Lord, may your word take deep root in
our hearts and that we may bear good fruit for your glory. May we hunger for
your righteousness now that we may look forward to the Day of Judgment with joy
rather than with dismay".
In Christ,
Janet
Irene Thomas
Playwright/Director/Screen
Writer
Producer/Lyricist
Founder/CEO
Bible
Stories Theatre of
Fine
& Performing Arts
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