Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares in Matthew 13

Hank Hanegraaff, the host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, answers a question from Casey, who wants to know about the parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew chapter 13; specifically, if the gathering and burning are referring to the return of Christ. Of parables, such as the one Casey is asking about, St. John Chrysostom writes that no one will be able to empty the parable of all its wealth. The deeper you dig the more divine thoughts will gush forth, for it is a never-failing spring. Parables are not only proverbs and riddles, but they are also allegories and as such contain hidden meanings—ways through which the wise may grasp the mysteries of the kingdom. They reveal truth to those whose hearts are prepared. In this specific case, the binding of the tares into bundles to be burnt references the condemnation of the tares upon Christ’s coming in judgment—as the Nicene Creed puts it, “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead…”