The tares in the field.
The kingdom of heaven is the Church of God at once in heaven and on earth. This parable, like that of the sower, was afterwards explained to the disciples. As the exposition explains the parable, and the parable illustrates the exposition, it is fitting they should be considered together. From this parable we learn—
I. THAT THIS LIFE IS A SCENE OF TRIAL.
1. The field is the world.
2. The soil will nourish any seed.
3. There are two seed sowers.
II. THAT THIS SCENE OF TRIAL PRESENTS DIFFICULT PROBLEMS.
1. There is the origin of moral evil.
2. There is the forbearance of God towards evil.
(a) Were he to root all the wicked out of the earth, the population would be so reduced that the wild beasts could not be kept under.
(b) The graces of the good are exercised by the toleration of the wicked.
(c) So the grace of God is exemplified in supporting the good amongst the evil.
3. There is the difference between discipline and persecution.
III. THAT THE GREAT JUDGMENT WILL VINDICATE THE WAYS OF GOD.
1. Then will he separate the evil from the good.
2. Then will he punish the wicked.
3. Then will he reward the good.