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I. WHO ARE THE TARES?

1. Those who outwardly profess religion, but inwardly reject it.

2. It is likeness to wheat which makes tares specially mischievous.

II. WHY ARE THERE TARES?

1. The servants of Christ, loving their Master, make His interests their own. They look anxiously to the crop.

2. The same question still disturbs us — "Why does God permit His crop to be marred?"(1) It has always been so. David complains of this (Psalm 55:12). The apostles grieved by it (2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4).

(2) The reason is brief — "An enemy hath done this." It is Satan's chief triumph to hinder Christ's work by false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).

(3) Beyond this we must not inquire; sufficient that God permits this present trial of faith and patience.

III. WHAT TO DO WITH TARES.

1. Zealous servants who grieve at spoilt crops would fain pull up.

2. Their zeal natural and creditable. Natural:

(1)  Because these cause enemies to blaspheme;

(2)  Because foes within more dangerous than foes without;

(3)  Because trust is shaken and love quenched. Creditable: because love for Christ is the source of the wish.

3. Yet mistaken.

4. The reason given.

5. It is sad to retain in Church impostors, more sad to cast out faithful. Better trust men too much than too little.

(E. Gray, M. A.)

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KJV: Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

WEB: He set another parable before them, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field,