Matthew 13:24

Another parable. [The Tares, Matt. 13:24-30. On parables see pp. 203-207.] The parable of the Tares appears only in Matthew. It points out that not all of those who profess to accept the principles of the kingdom of heaven are what they may at first appear to be. Judas was one of these fair-weather Christians. Those who become disciples of Christ must not be surprised to find in the “kingdom of heaven” — the kingdom of divine grace here on earth (see on chs. 3:2; 4:17) — some whose lives have not been transformed by the gospel. Christ would have men know that such persons are not of His planting, that their lives are not the product of the gospel seed. Their presence in the church is due to the fact that “an enemy” has “planted” them there, with the twofold purpose of endangering the “wheat” (see on ch. 13:29) and dishonoring and ruining the owner of the “field.”

Put he forth unto them. Literally, “he set before them.”

Kingdom of heaven. See on chs. 3:2; 4:17; 5:3.

Sowed good seed. As in the previous parable, Jesus Himself is the sower of divine truth. The seed He came to sow is “good seed.” He must not be blamed for the fact that later on tares were discovered growing in the field. Whereas the previous parable dealt primarily with the reception of the seed of truth, this deals with its development. It is cheering to remember that the presence of tares among the wheat did not cause any of the wheat to be changed into tares.

In his field. This “field” is the “world” (see v. 38). It is true that in the world today there are both “tares” and “wheat,” both bad people and good people. But that is to be expected. Here Christ refers particularly to His church, God’s own special “field” (see COL 70). It should be noted that this parable represents “the kingdom of heaven,” that is, the present kingdom of divine grace, the church of God on earth.