In the field of the world there are many different seeds that are sown by both Jesus and satan. Jesus displayed this by telling the parable of the wheat and the tares.
THE PARABLE OF THE WHEAT AND TARES
· 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.
Matthew 13:24-30 KJV
Jesus speaks about a man sowing good seed, which is wheat in his field. Tares are the dangerous weeds that can cause issues for the wheat’s growth and health. These tares are bearded darnels. Bearded darnels are a poisonous grass that are almost indistinguishable from wheat that have black grains on the inside of them. These darnels can be distinguished from the wheat as both begin to mature. The darnels are also known as “false wheat”.
THE PARABLE EXPLAINED
Jesus took the time to explain the parable to the disciples.
· 36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 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.
Matthew 13:36-43 KJV
The sower of the good seed is Jesus Christ (verse 24). While His men slept (verse 25) the enemy (satan in verse 39) was given the opportunity to sow tares in the same field that the good seed was sown. Wheat represents the true Christians that seek to be harvested for God and have Godly character. While the servants of the good man slept the enemy sowed tares in with the wheat.
SLEEPING SERVANTS
In this parable, Jesus remarks that the good sower’s men fell asleep allowing the enemy to sow the tares among the field. This lack of responsibility left the area open for these types of seeds to be sown to hinder the growth of the wheat while having the appearance of wheat. The enemy will try to plant these wicked seeds (children of the wicked one), but the men being asleep allowed more time and opportunity to plant more than what should have been planted by the enemy.
· 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Ephesians 5:14 KJV
Those that work for Jesus should not fall asleep (spiritually) and allow the enemy to sow seeds. People sleep in the darkness which also is the time when sin creeps in.
· 6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober,
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 NASB
Christians must awake and be on guard against the wiles of the enemy (Ephesians 6:11). Remaining on guard prevents the enemy from sowing tares into God’s field. Although there are those that choose to be tares by desiring to have sin over God in their lives, Christians should wake up. Let’s look at why this prevention is so important.
WHEAT VERSES TARE
As we previously said, wheat represents the true Christians. As wheat grows it begins to bow as if bowing to the good man (Jesus). As compared to the tares (children of the enemy) that have a stiff-necked position that does not bow. Wheat also grows higher than tares, which makes the harvest easier for the reaper. In their botanical make-up, darnels have only a single glume (a leaf) that covers the darnel which represents the desire to be independent with no help or guidance. Wheat has two glumes (or leaves) that cover the wheat representing not only themselves as cover, but the covering from the Holy Spirit in guidance and protection.
· 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11 NASB
· And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
Isaiah 52:12 NASB
WHAT ARE WE SOWING?
Let’s look at our lives and see what we have planted within us. The good news is you can still allow the good man (Jesus) to plant things in your life to be a harvest for God. The choice is yours regarding what is planted in your life. Let’s sow the Spirit, so we reap the Spirit.
· 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Galatians 6:7-9 NASB
· 12 Sow for yourselves according to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); reap according to mercy and loving-kindness. Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire for and of Him, and to require His favor, till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rains His righteous gift of salvation upon you.
Hosea 10:12 AMPC
Let’s be a good harvest for God. Let’s be better servants in staying awake to prevent more tares from being sown. Let us be on fire for God and not in fire for eternity.