Matthew 13:38

The field is the world. The good seed, are the children of the kingdome: but the tares are the children of the wicked one. Matthew 13:38 (KJV)

Matthew 13:38 is part of the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares that Jesus shared with His disciples to illustrate the nature of the kingdom of heaven using agricultural imagery. In the parable the field represents the world. Jesus describes a man who sows good seed in his field; the good seed represents the children of the kingdom—those who belong to God’s kingdom through faith in Christ and are true believers, followers of Jesus.

While everyone was sleeping an enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat. The tares are weeds that resemble wheat but are not productive, and they symbolize the children of the wicked one—those who do not belong to God’s kingdom and follow the evil one. As the wheat and the tares grow together it becomes difficult to distinguish them. The owner of the field, representing God, instructs his servants not to uproot the tares immediately lest the wheat be uprooted with them. This indicates that in the present world the righteous and the unrighteous will coexist, and it is not always easy to identify who belongs to God’s kingdom.

At the time of harvest the reapers are to gather the tares first, bind them, and burn them, and then gather the wheat into the owner’s barn. This points to the final judgment when God will separate the righteous from the wicked; the wicked will face eternal punishment, while the righteous will inherit eternal life in God’s kingdom.

The parable teaches several spiritual lessons. It emphasizes the reality of evil and counterfeit believers within the world, cautions against premature judgment that could harm true believers, and assures that God knows the true nature of every person and will judge everyone in due time. It reminds believers that evil may infiltrate the Church, calling for discernment and vigilance against false teachings.

Patience and trust are highlighted as the owner exercises patience in the growth process; likewise believers should trust in God’s sovereignty and timing, confident that He will ultimately separate wheat from tares and bring justice. As children of the kingdom, our focus should be on producing good fruit, living righteously, and making a positive impact that reflects Christ’s character. The parable also underscores the importance of evangelism and discipleship—sowing the seed of the Gospel and making disciples to advance the growth of God’s kingdom.

In summary, Matthew 13:38 teaches the coexistence of the righteous and the wicked in the world, points to the final judgment when God will separate them, and encourages discernment, patience, and a focus on fruitfulness in the lives of children of the kingdom.