Introduction

This passage from the Gospel of Matthew marks a pivotal moment where Jesus transitions from teaching the public to imparting deeper truths to His disciples. The disciples’ request for clarification reflects their desire for a more profound understanding of spiritual matters. This commentary synthesizes insights from notable public domain commentaries including those of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke.

Contextual Background

In the preceding verses, Jesus had delivered several parables to the crowds, including the parable of the wheat and the tares. His method of teaching through parables is noteworthy as it fulfilled the prophetic announcement concerning His ministry (see Matthew 13:14-15). The transition into the house signifies a shift from the general audience to the intimate circle of His disciples, indicating the importance of the subsequent private explanation of the parables.

The Request for Understanding

• Disciples' Curiosity:

  The disciples’ approach to Jesus demonstrates their earnestness in comprehending His teachings. Their request, “Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field,” reflects a hunger for deeper insights, which is a vital characteristic of genuine disciples. According to Matthew Henry, this eagerness signifies the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding in spiritual matters.

• Private Revelation:

  Albert Barnes notes that the private interpretation of the parables serves as a means through which Jesus educates His followers, emphasizing that spiritual truths are often concealed from the casual observer but revealed to those who earnestly seek them.

• Importance of Instruction:

  Adam Clarke emphasizes that this private setting reflects the necessity of personal instruction in the life of a believer. It underscores the value placed on discipleship and the need for learners to engage actively with divine teachings.

The Parable of the Tares

In this parable, Jesus illustrates the coexistence of good and evil within the kingdom of heaven. The field represents the world or the domain of God's influence, wherein both the wheat (representing the righteous) and the tares (representing the wicked) are allowed to grow together until the harvest.

• Nature of the Tares:

  The tares, or darnel, resemble wheat but are easily distinguishable at harvest. This symbolizes the presence of false believers within the church, a notion further elaborated by Matthew Henry, who states that Christ allows this mixture to exist for a time to give space for repentance.

• Harvest Time:

  Both Barnes and Clarke highlight the significance of the harvest, which ultimately arrives as a time of judgment. The separation of wheat and tares illustrates God's justice in dealing with sin and righteousness at the end of the age — a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

• Role of Angels:

  In the interpretation that follows in Matthew 13:39-43, Jesus mentions the role of angels in gathering the tares. This aspect of eschatological judgment emphasizes the divine authority in separating good from evil, ensuring that justice prevails in the end.

Theological Implications

This passage and its subsequent explanation highlight several theological points relevant to pastors, students, theologians, and scholars.

• The Kingdom of Heaven:

  Jesus’ parables, particularly the wheat and the tares, challenge our understanding of the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is not a realm free from opposition, but one where good and evil coexist until divine intervention at the end of times.

• Grace and Patience of God:

  The coexistence of the righteous and the wicked suggests God's patience. As noted by Henry, this allows time for repentance for the tares, affirming God's grace even in the midst of sin.

• Call to Holiness:

  The parable serves as a call to personal holiness and vigilance. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives because the presence of tares indicates the reality of spiritual deception and the importance of authenticity in one’s faith walk.

Conclusion

Matthew 13:36 stands as a crucial moment in Jesus’ teaching ministry, illustrating the vital nature of earnest inquiry into spiritual truth. The insights gained from the parable of the tares encourage believers to approach complex spiritual realities with humility and diligence. This passage invites further reflection on the nature of God’s kingdom and the importance of being discerning in one’s Christian walk amid a world filled with both wheat and tares.