Matthew 13:36

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.

Matthew 13:36 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 13:36 is a turning point in Jesus’ teaching ministry. After speaking the parable of the tares to the multitudes, Jesus sends the crowd away and enters a house. This movement from public teaching to private instruction shows a deliberate shift in audience: Jesus now focuses on His disciples, who come to Him privately for an explanation.

The setting also connects to the beginning of the chapter, where Jesus taught from a ship near the shore (Matthew 13:1-2). Now He leaves the crowd and returns to a house, creating an intimate space for deeper teaching. The disciples’ request, “Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field,” reveals their desire to understand what the crowd had heard without full explanation.

Meaning

The disciples’ approach models the proper posture of a learner: they come directly to Jesus for clarity rather than relying on their own reasoning. Their request shows both humility and hunger for spiritual understanding. Jesus, as the authoritative interpreter of His own parables, responds in the following verses with a detailed explanation (Matthew 13:37-43).

The word “tares” refers to darnel, a weed that closely resembles wheat in its early growth. This detail is significant because it explains the parable’s warning about false believers who look like true believers until the harvest. The disciples’ question sets the stage for Jesus to identify the sower, the field, the seeds, and the harvest, giving His followers a clear picture of the kingdom’s present mixture and future separation.

Biblical connections

Jesus’ explanation in Matthew 13:37-43 directly builds on this verse. He identifies Himself as the Son of Man who sows good seed, 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 harvest is the end of the age, when angels will separate the wicked from the righteous.

This private teaching also echoes the pattern of Jesus’ ministry: He often explained parables to His disciples apart from the crowds (Mark 4:34). The disciples’ request here reflects a recurring theme in Matthew—those who follow Jesus closely receive deeper revelation, while the crowds hear truth in veiled form.

Application

This verse encourages believers to seek understanding directly from Christ through prayer, study of Scripture, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Just as the disciples came to Jesus with their questions, we can bring our uncertainties to Him, trusting that He is willing to explain what we need to know.

The parable’s teaching about the coexistence of wheat and tares also calls for patience and discernment. Rather than trying to judge who is truly righteous or wicked, believers are to focus on cultivating their own faithfulness and leave final judgment to God. The disciples’ example reminds us that spiritual growth requires intentional pursuit of truth, not passive listening.

Reflection

Jesus did not rebuke His disciples for asking; He welcomed their request and gave them the interpretation. This shows His desire for His followers to understand the mysteries of the kingdom. As we read this verse, we can ask ourselves whether we approach Jesus with the same earnestness, seeking personal clarity rather than settling for surface-level familiarity with His words.