The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13)
Jesus often spoke in parables so that His followers could grasp deep truths through simple images. One of these powerful parables is found in Matthew 13:24–30, where Jesus tells of a farmer who sowed good seed in his field.
But while everyone slept, an enemy came and scattered tares (weeds) among the wheat.
As both grew, the difference wasn’t immediately obvious. To pull the weeds too soon could damage the wheat. So the farmer said:
“Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”
(Matthew 13:30)
Later, in Matthew 13:36–43, Jesus explained:
The wheat represents the children of God.
The tares symbolize those who reject Him.
The harvest is the end of the age.
The reapers are the angels who will separate the two.
Why Wheat and Tares?
The image of wheat and tares is powerful because in their early stages, the two plants look almost identical. Tares (darnel) resemble wheat closely, but they are toxic if eaten.
This teaches us that not everyone who looks like part of God’s people truly belongs to Him. Outward appearance is not enough.
As Jesus warned:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.”
(Matthew 7:21)
The Meaning of the Separation
When Jesus said:
“Therefore just as the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age”
(Matthew 13:39–40)
He was describing the final judgment.
The “burning with fire” symbolizes eternal separation from God. Just as the farmer won’t allow poisonous weeds to remain among the wheat, God will not allow sin and rebellion to remain in His kingdom.
The separation is deliberate, just, and final. God sees the heart, even when people look the same on the outside.
Lessons for Us Today
This parable offers several life-changing lessons:
1. God is Patient
He allows both wheat and tares to grow together for a time, showing His mercy. He is giving people the opportunity to repent before the harvest.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
(2 Peter 3:9)
2. Judgment Belongs to God
We are quick to label who is “wheat” and who is “tare,” but this parable warns us: only God knows the heart. Our role is to remain faithful, not to play judge and jury.
3. True Faith Bears Fruit
Wheat produces nourishing grain, while tares produce nothing but poison.
“You will know them by their fruits.”
(Matthew 7:16)
Genuine faith results in love, obedience, and faithfulness—not just outward words or appearances.
Examples to Consider
Judas Iscariot looked like a disciple. He traveled with Jesus, handled money, and even ministered alongside the others. But in the end, his heart was revealed when he betrayed the Lord. Judas was a tare among the wheat.
Peter, though he failed and even denied Christ, had a heart that belonged to the Lord. Jesus restored him, and Peter bore fruit as a bold preacher of the gospel.
This contrast reminds us: God sees beyond appearances and knows what is real.
A Warning and a Promise
This parable is both a warning and a promise:
The Warning: Outward appearances cannot fool God. If our faith is not real, it will be revealed at the harvest.
The Promise: For those who belong to Christ, the harvest means safety and glory.
“Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”
(Matthew 13:43)
Conclusion
The parable of the wheat and the tares is not just a farming lesson—it is a glimpse into eternity.
The wheat: God’s people, growing and bearing fruit.
The tares: Those who reject Him, who may look the part but do not belong.
The harvest: A coming day of separation, final and eternal.
The question is: Which will we be?
As Paul wrote:
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”
(2 Corinthians 13:5)
The good news: God’s mercy is still extended. As long as the harvest has not yet come, there is still time.
