Matthew 13:36-43

The Explanation of the Parable of the Wheat and Darnel (13:36-43).

The parables that have now been given have gradually built up a picture of the advance of the Kingly Rule of Heaven. Firstly the seed has been sown, having different effects depending on the hearers. Secondly the Enemy has sown pseudo-wheat so as to hinder the advance of the Kingly Rule, only for the Father finally to triumph. Thirdly the Kingly Rule will grow from the tiniest of seeds to a substantial bush in which birds nest in the branches. Fourthly the power of the leaven (the Holy Spirit) is working to permeate the whole.

But from this point on His words are spoken to the disciples for their understanding (Matthew 13:51), and He commences by explaining the parable of the wheat and the darnel. ‘Hearing they will hear'.

Analysis.

a Then He left the crowds, and went into the house, and His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares (darnel) of the field” (Matthew 13:36).

b And He answered and said, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of man, the field is the world, and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingly rule (37-38a).

c “And the tares (darnel) are the sons of the evil one” (Matthew 13:38 b).

d “And the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the world

e “And the reapers are angels” (Matthew 13:39).

f “As therefore the tares (darnel) are gathered up and burned with fire, so will it be in the end of the age (world)” (Matthew 13:40).

e “The Son of man will send forth His angels (Matthew 13:41 a).

d “And they will gather out of His kingly rule all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity” (Matthew 13:41 b).

c “And will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:42).

b “Then will the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingly rule of their Father (Matthew 13:43 a).

a “He who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 13:43 b).

Note than in ‘a' Jesus explains the parable and in the parallel all are to hear. In ‘b' the good seed, sown by the Son of Man, are the sons of the Kingly Rule, and in the parallel they are to shine forth under their Father's Kingly Rule. In ‘c' the darnel is the seed of the Devil, and in the parallel it is cast into the furnace of fire. In ‘d' the enemy sowed them and in the parallel they will be gathered out of the Kingly Rule. In ‘e' the reapers are the angels, and in the parallel the angels are sent forth by the Son of Man. Centrally comes the end of the age when the darnel is gathered up and burned.