Study Series 15 Lesson 3: The book of Revelation gives us some vivid descriptions of one of its central themes: the great Harvest at the end of the age (Rev. 7:4-14, 14:1-4, 14:14-20). Before we study into this in Revelation it will be very helpful for us to look back and study what Christ had said about this very event in Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43.
Value of this parable:
- Gives clear definitions of the parabolic terms.
- Clearly indicates the outcomes for both the wicked and the righteous, and that the tares are never put into heaven. They are thrown into a furnace of fire where there is wailing and gritting of teeth. The picture is not of annihilation nor universalism. It is instead a picture of everlasting conscious punishment outside of heaven for their rejection of Christ and persecution of His followers.
- Helps nail down the sequencing of the end-time events, once we understand the agricultural analogy that Jesus is using here.
This parable of the tares has led to much confusion and misunderstanding by many. This lesson will help explain and remove that confusion when one understands, as Jesus’ first century audience would have, the agricultural process of wheat harvesting. This will be a very valuable study not only on bringing clarity to this Matthew 13 parable, but also in preparing us for our next Study Series 16 Lesson 1 where we start into a full study of the book of Revelation.
Download the full Study Series as a PDF: Study Series 15 Lesson 3: Revelation – Matthew 13 Parable of the Tares
Listen to the weekly Bible study audio and study along with the PDF:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4