Matthew 13:27
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?
Matthew 13:27 (KJV)
Context
In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches a series of parables about the kingdom of heaven. This particular parable is known as the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was sleeping, an enemy came and sowed tares (weeds) among the wheat. When the wheat sprouted and produced grain, the tares also appeared. The servants of the householder noticed the presence of tares and went to inquire about it.
Meaning
In verse 27, the servants come to the householder and ask him why there are tares among the wheat when he had sown good seed. Their question reveals confusion and concern: they know the master sowed good seed, so they cannot understand the origin of the weeds. The Greek term for tares is zizania, referring to darnel, a weed that closely resembles wheat in its early stages, making it difficult to distinguish until maturity. The servants address him as “Sir” (or “Lord”), expressing reverence and obedience, and they ascribe the field, the good seed, and the sowing all to the householder, acknowledging that nothing bad could come from him. Their ignorance of the tares’ origin is due to their being asleep when the enemy sowed them, as stated in verse 25.
This verse sets up the owner’s response in verse 28, where he reveals that an enemy has done this, and it leads to the explanation of the parable in verses 36-43, where Jesus identifies the sower of good seed as the Son of Man, the field as the world, the good seed as the children of the kingdom, and the tares as the children of the wicked one. The householder is identified with Christ, and the house he manages is the church, called the household of God. The servants represent those who serve in the church.
Biblical connections
The parable carries a spiritual message about the coexistence of good and evil in the world and within the kingdom of God. The wheat represents the true children of God, while the tares represent the children of the devil or the wicked. The enemy who sowed the tares is the devil. The parable teaches that both the righteous and the wicked will grow together until the end of the age when the judgment will take place.
Evil exists alongside good: The presence of tares among the wheat illustrates the reality that evil exists in the world and even within the church. It reminds us that the kingdom of God is not exempt from the influence of the enemy.
God’s sovereignty: Despite the presence of evil, God remains in control. The householder in the parable allows the wheat and the tares to grow together until the harvest. Similarly, God permits the righteous and the wicked to coexist, but He will ultimately separate them during the final judgment.
The importance of discernment: The servants’ question demonstrates their concern for the purity of the field. As believers, we should be vigilant and discerning, recognizing the presence of false teachings, hypocrites, and ungodly influences. However, we must also exercise caution not to become judgmental, as it is ultimately God’s role to judge.
Application
Personal examination: This verse invites us to reflect on our own lives and consider if there are areas where we might be allowing “tares” to grow unchecked. It encourages us to examine our hearts and root out any ungodly influences or sinful behaviors.
Patience and trust in God: The parable reminds us to trust in God’s sovereignty and His timing. Just as the householder allowed the wheat and the tares to grow together, we should patiently wait for God to bring about justice and separation in His perfect timing.
Discernment and spiritual growth: We are called to be discerning and grow in our understanding of God’s Word. By studying the Bible, seeking wisdom, and cultivating a relationship with God, we can better distinguish between truth and falsehood.
Reflection
Matthew 13:27, within the context of the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, emphasizes the coexistence of good and evil in the world and the importance of discernment. It reminds us of God’s sovereignty, the need for personal examination, and the importance of patience and trust in God’s timing. The verse also highlights the mystery of evil’s presence in the world despite God’s good sowing, and the appropriate response of bringing questions to the Lord.
