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 13:30, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article explores Christ’s parable of the wheat and tares, showing how good and evil coexist within the church, urging patience and humility, exposing Satan’s sowing of discord, and pointing to God’s final judgment where His love, justice, and ultimate separation of the righteous and wicked will be revealed.

PARABLE POWERHOUSE

This article delves into the parable of the wheat and tares, revealing the intertwined existence of righteousness and wickedness within the church, urging patience to prevent harm to the good, highlighting spiritual conflicts instigated by Satan, anticipating God’s final separation at judgment, extending lessons to the world’s spiritual struggles, showcasing divine love through forbearance and justice, and encouraging personal humility, grace, and trust in God’s plan. Jesus portrays this dynamic vividly, declaring, “The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels” (Matthew 13:39, KJV). Satan sows discord as Scripture warns, “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain” (James 5:7, KJV). Ellen G. White illuminates this truth, writing, “The teaching of this parable is illustrated in God’s own dealing with men and angels” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 72, 1900). A prophetic voice further explains, “The tares closely resembled the wheat while the blades were green; but when the field was white for the harvest, the worthless weeds bore no likeness to the wheat that bowed under the weight of its full, ripe heads” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 74, 1900). This overview captures the essence of divine wisdom guiding our communal journey, but what specific imagery does the parable offer for understanding the church’s condition?

CHURCH ANALOGY ALIVE

The parable of the wheat and the tares, found in Matthew 13:24-30, offers a powerful analogy for the state of the church. Jesus explains that a farmer sowed good seed, but an enemy sowed tares (weeds) among the wheat. This imagery speaks to the presence of both true members of the community and those who appear to be members of the community but are not genuinely converted. Sr. White elaborates on this in Christ’s Object Lessons (p. 70), stating that while the Holy Spirit works globally, the church is the primary place where we “grow and ripen for the garner of God.” The existence of both wheat and tares within the church demonstrates the reality of the kingdom of God on earth: a mixture of righteous and unrighteous individuals. It is like a mixed bag of apples, some are ripe and juicy, others are rotten. This can be a source of frustration and even pain for sincere members of the community, yet Jesus instructs us not to hastily uproot the tares, lest we harm the wheat. This speaks to the delicate balance of maintaining purity within the church while exercising patience and avoiding premature judgment. This is like trying to separate sand from sugar, you might lose some sugar in the process. Scripture reinforces this caution as Paul advises, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1, KJV). God emphasizes separation at the proper time, proclaiming, “As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world” (Matthew 13:40, KJV). In Testimonies for the Church we read, “If faithfulness and vigilance had been preserved, if there had been no sleeping or negligence upon the part of any, the enemy would not have had so favorable an opportunity to sow tares among the wheat” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 3, 114, 1875). Through inspired counsel we learn, “We must bear this and avoid the necessity of rooting up the tares, lest the wheat be rooted up also” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 3, 115, 1875). Patience defines our approach in this mixed reality, but how does this mixture reveal the deeper spiritual warfare we encounter?

WARFARE WITHIN WALLS

The presence of both wheat and tares within the church reflects the constant spiritual warfare we face. As White explains in Testimonies to Ministers (p. 46), “While Christ sows the good seed, Satan is busy sowing tares.” This highlights the ongoing battle between good and evil, even within the sacred walls of the church. These tares, representing those who embody false principles and are spiritually corrupt, can be difficult to distinguish from true members of the community. They may appear outwardly righteous, yet their hearts are far from God. This can lead to conflict and confusion within the church community. However, we are cautioned against judging others’ hearts, for only God can truly discern the motives and intentions of each individual. As stated in Christ’s Object Lessons (p. 71), premature judgment risks “uprooting those whom Christ is still drawing to Himself.” This reminds me of a time when I almost misjudged someone based on appearances, only to later discover their genuine faith. We must be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Christ illustrates discernment clearly, stating, “He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one” (Matthew 13:37-38, KJV). Scripture warns of deceptive appearances, noting, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13, KJV). The inspired pen observes, “Human opinion and judgment would make grave mistakes” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 47, 1923). A passage from Testimonies to Ministers reminds us, “Although in our churches, that claim to believe advanced truth, there are those who are faulty and erring, as tares among the wheat, God is long-suffering and patient” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 45, 1923). Vigilance remains essential amid these challenges, but what does the parable teach about the culmination of this conflict?

JUDGMENT JOLT

The parable also points towards a final judgment. While open sin must be addressed within the church, we are not called to judge the character or motives of others. Christ’s Object Lessons (p. 71) warns that attempting to “cleanse the church” prematurely could extinguish the last hope for some. God’s patience with Judas Iscariot serves as a stark reminder of this principle. Just as Christ bore with Judas, knowing his heart, we are called to bear with one another. This doesn’t mean we condone sin, but rather that we extend grace and allow God to work in each individual’s life. The wheat and the tares will grow together until the final harvest, symbolizing the end of probationary time, when God Himself will separate the righteous from the wicked. This reminds us that we are all on a journey, and God is working in each of us in His own time. Revealing ultimate accountability, Scripture declares, “Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is” (1 Corinthians 3:12-13, KJV). God promises separation, affirming, “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” (Matthew 13:41, KJV). Sr. White conveys, “Tares and wheat are to grow together till the harvest; when the wheat comes to its full growth and development, and because of its character when ripened, it will be fully distinguished from the tares” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 234, 1923). Through prophetic insight we are told, “The church of Christ on earth will be imperfect, but God does not destroy his church because of its imperfection” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 49, 1923). Grace guides us until that day, but how does this parable extend beyond the church to the wider world?

BATTLE BEYOND BORDERS

This parable also has implications for the broader spiritual battle outside the church walls. Satan works tirelessly to prevent the Word of God from taking root in the hearts of people. In Christ’s Object Lessons (pp. 44-45), Sr. White describes how Satan uses “worldly distractions, doubts, and criticisms” to hinder the work of the Holy Spirit. He is like a bird waiting to snatch the seed before it can sprout. This reminds us of the importance of vigilance and constant reliance on God’s protection. We must guard our hearts and minds against the influences of the world, allowing the Word of God to take root and bear fruit in our lives. This means actively engaging in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with others in the community. Scripture urges protection, commanding, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23, KJV). Paul exhorts diligence, writing, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11, KJV). In The Great Controversy we read, “Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks” (The Great Controversy, 519, 1911). A thematic counsel states, “The enemy is on the track of every soul, and we need to exercise constant watchfulness and prayer” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 5, 102, 1882). Reliance on God strengthens us in this fight, but in what ways do these elements mirror divine affection?

LOVE’S LONGSUFFERING LIGHT

God’s love is reflected in His patience, His desire for all to be saved, and His ultimate justice. The parable itself demonstrates this. God’s longsuffering is a demonstration of His love. The instruction to let the wheat and tares grow together until the harvest, “But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 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 13:29-30, KJV). This shows God’s restraint, allowing time for repentance even for those who appear as tares. This patience is not indifference to sin, but a demonstration of His desire that none should perish. This is further emphasized by Sr. White in Christ’s Object Lessons (p. 71), where she states that premature judgment could “extinguish the last hope for some souls.” This highlights God’s merciful nature, giving every opportunity for salvation. By allowing both wheat and tares to coexist until the harvest, God demonstrates His profound love and patience, offering all a chance for redemption. Peter highlights this mercy, explaining, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). Scripture affirms redemption’s scope, declaring, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV). The inspired pen describes, “God bears with the ill weeds in the church, lest the wheat be uprooted with them” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 3, 115, 1875). Through divine revelation we understand, “The work done was premature and caused an untimely separation in that little church” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 3, 113, 1875). Mercy defines His character, but how should we respond personally to these truths?

REFLECTION REVELATION

Reflecting on this parable, I am struck by the importance of humility and forbearance. It is not my place to judge the hearts of others. Instead, I am called to focus on my own spiritual growth, allowing God to work in my life and in the lives of those around me. As a community, we must strive to create an environment of love and acceptance, where all feel welcome, even those who are struggling or doubting. We must remember that we are all on a journey, and God’s grace is sufficient for each of us. This parable is not just a story; it is a mirror reflecting the reality of the church and the world. It calls us to examine our own hearts, to extend grace to others, and to trust in God’s ultimate justice. As we navigate the complexities of life and faith, let us remember the lesson of the wheat and the tares, and strive to live lives that reflect the love and patience of our Savior. Self-examination echoes in Scripture, urging, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5, KJV). Grace abounds as Paul declares, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV). Sr. White writes, “Not judgment and condemnation of others, but humility and distrust of self, is the teaching of Christ’s parable” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 74, 1900). A prophetic perspective adds, “The fact that men are in the church does not prove them Christians” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 74, 1900). Humility shapes our path forward.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the parable of the wheat and tares, allowing its truths to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes of patience and judgment to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about the coexistence of good and evil in the church within my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of patience and grace, living out the reality of God’s ultimate separation and victory over evil?