(Text and Audio)
Title: The Parable of the Tares (Part 2)
So of course today we return to the discussion of the parable of the tares, after having two weeks off to cover the material in the Gospel of Matthew that occurs between the giving of the parable in verses 18-23, and the explanation that Jesus gives his disciples in verses 36-43.
I also want to explain how I’m going to teach this explanation, because it’s very comprehensive and I don’t want us to miss any of it. Today we will review from the parable itself, and then look at 5 of the 7 parallels that Jesus teaches in explaining what each of the things in the parable represent in the kingdom. Next week we will cover the final 2 parallels, and then look at the predictive application that Jesus teaches.
To begin today I want to review a couple key points from that sermon three weeks ago so that the observations we make today will make more sense. If you recall, three weeks ago two big questions came to mind:
1. Review:
Q: Why did the disciples need and explanation on this parable, but not on the Parable of the Mustard Seed or Leaven?
A: Perhaps because this one, particularly it’s application, confused the disciples. It is a parable with several layers, and as we will see in a few weeks, it is VERY important that we recognize WHERE the field is.
Q: Why did the disciples let Jesus talk about the Mustard Seed, Leaven, and prophecy, before “circling back” to ask about the Mustard Seed?
A: Don’t you do this? Don’t we all. We process something and when we realize it isn’t clicking, and an explanation isn’t being provided, we raise our hand. Also, the disciples ASK the question once Jesus is alone.
So today, I’d like to read verses 18-23, then the explanation in 36-43, before asking the Lord to bless our understanding as we proceed further into his text.
(read/pray)
- The Parallels
Sower=Son of Man
The seeds of Truth that Jesus sows in the field are always good. But, as we will see in a minute, he is not the only one using the field.
Field=The World
I cannot emphasize this point enough. Far too many times I’ve heard teachings on this passage that completely ignore this fact. Those poor teaching will suggest that this parable is referring to “cleaning up” the “bad seeds” from within the Church. That is simply not the case. This field is the world, and, under the sovereignty of God, we see wheat and tares existing side by side for a time, and for a purpose. That is NOT how we are told to govern our churches, but it is how the saints are to interact with the world.
Good Seeds=Sons of the Kingdom
Now, we covered this a few weeks ago, but I think it’s worth revisiting: a good seed is a good seed by nature. It produces it’s fruit and we identify the seed by the fruit. An apple seed does not suddenly become a pear tree. It just doesn’t happen.
So that leaves us with two possibilities: One, we are born good, never sin, and simply grow into the Sons of the Kingdom. Or, two, something outside of ourselves, at some point in our existence, changes the very nature of our beings. Obviously, the Bible supports the latter concept.
Tares=Sons of the Wicked One
So if we are not born as Sons of the Kingdom (although we are destined to become them) what are we then? Let me ask it another way. Rhonda If I were to make a 1 million dollar wager with you, and the wager was this: I want you to identify whether I have an apple tree or a pear tree, and you have a choice: you can either look at the seed I planted, or you can look at the fruit that came from the tree, which would you chose, and why?
POINT: Seeds often look very similar when planted. So do wheat and tares. The both look the same, go into the same ground, receive the same nutrients, and then, eventually, they sprout into their nature and purpose. They become known over time, and with observation and cultivation.
What is my Biblical support for such a claim?
Look at verse 26: “When the grain had sprouted and produced a crop.” The servants had no idea tares had even been planted along with the good seed, until the crop sprouted. We are not justified by our deeds, but will be identified by them.
Enemy=Devil
How can Satan have free reign to plant his seeds, to do his work, if God is sovereign? How can this be, if God is all powerful? (Anyone?)
God MUST give permission for Satan to plant in the same field (the world) as his son plants. And if God gives permission we can rightly presume it is with purpose. And that purpose is his glory being magnified.
My proof text? Romans 9:22-24
“What if God, wanting to show his wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had prepared beforehand for glory, even to us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?”
Close:
For today, I want to stop here. Next week we will look at the last two parallels and then the application for how this will all unfold and be fulfilled in the future.