The Rich Fool

Luke 12:13-21

And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou has provided?

So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Classification: Reversal of human judgment, as to just and unjust

Narrative: A man asked for Jesus' help in getting his brother to divide the inheritance with him. Jesus wondered when did he become a judge of such earthly matters. He then exhorted the audience to not worry so much about earthly wealth with this parable.

Interpretation: The man acquired, through his own labors, a substantial amount of wealth. He decided to hoard his goods, his wealth, and live out the rest of his days in comfort and ease. The only problem is he didn't know how quickly he was to die.
   The parable seems to suggest to me that his goods would then go to waste, no good for anybody. Whether this means his accumulated wealth is hidden from anyone else or he had no heirs to take over, I don't know.

Application: Share what we have while we are alive. The problem of some having more than others is a problem that has always been around and always will be. The socialists of the world hold rich people up as an example to show that socialism is the better way to live. But, even Jesus doesn't spell out for us how to divide our earthly possessions. Consider how much greater we grow towards God when we choose to share what we have, rather than having it forced upon us. It may be that those who have abundance seem to keep rather than give, but that is their choice. If I were rich I don't know that I would do any better. 
   Money is a tricky thing. You have to have it. There is no way to survive this world without it. You need money! Knowing when you have more than you need is a very tricky game. Who doesn't want to store up for retirement? Who doesn't want to provide for their children the best opportunities they can? Who doesn't want to take their families on fun vacations? We all want that. Knowing when to let go of some of the goods requires a close connection with Heavenly Father to be able to receive those personal revelations that let us know when we need to be better at sharing with others.
   But the laws of agency cannot be altered in the name of equal distribution of wealth. 
   I do not possess a lot of money but I am rich in other ways. I wonder if I share those resources well. My testimony is strong. Do I share it well? Some days I have an abundance of time. Do I spend that time well, or do I fritter it away? I can be a better friend to people than I already am. Do I share my love, or do I hold that back too much? I have spiritual gifts (as we all do) and am I sharing them well?
   D&C 46:11-12 "For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby."
   We must always remember that everything we have is because of our loving Heavenly Father. He would have us share but we must be able to choose for ourselves or our growth would not possible.

"Become Rich Toward God" by Rex D. Pinegar

Parable of the Rich Fool, or, The Money Changer 1627, Rembrandt

The Friend at Midnight

Luke 11:5-13

And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as needeth.

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?


Classification: Prayer and Earnestness in Religious Life

Joseph Smith Translation of verse 13: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give good gifts, through the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Narrative: A disciple asked Jesus to teach them to pray like John had taught his. He gave the Lord's prayer and then gave them this parable.

Interpretation: Your earthly friends and relatives will make you beg and cry before they get out of bed to help you feed your guests but your Heavenly Father will always be right there for you to give you what you need. You just need to turn to him in prayer.

Application: I've been trying to figure out for several weeks how this applies to me. I did this project originally over six months ago but I've been feeling like I had it all wrong. The things I have been asking for in prayer have felt like they have fallen on deaf ears. I've been feeling like the Lord has been saying, "Go away, I'm tired." I thought, how am I supposed to put this on a blog and pretend to be soooo smart when I'm just not feeling like the Lord is actually listening? 
  I read what the Bible Dictionary had to say about Prayer: "As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7-11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.
  We pray in Christ's name when our mind is the mind of Christ, and our wishes the wishes of Christ - when His words abide in us (John 15:7). We then ask for things it is possible for God to grant. Many prayers remain unanswered because they are not in Christ's name at all; they in no way represent His mind but spring out of the selfishness of man's heart."
  So, I need to reflect on the things I have been praying for: Do they coincide with the will of God? Do they take away someone else's agency? Has He already answered my prayer and I not able to see it? 
  I can think of many times, I'm sure we all could, when I needed immediate heavenly help and I received it. Hang on to those memories to remember that the Lord is there, that He is mindful of the things you need and desire. Maybe the thing you think you need right now isn't what you need but the Savior knows what you truly need and is waiting for the right time to give it to you.

  I especially love the insight that the Joseph Smith translation gives on that last verse. "How much more shall your Heavenly Father give good gifts, through the Holy Spirit to them that ask?" I guess in those moments of discouragement, think of all the spiritual gifts you have been blessed with. Use them to keep you going. 

 "Obtaining Help from the Lord" by Richard G. Scott

The Importunate Neighbor 1895, William Holman Hunt

The Good Samaritan

Luke 10:25-37

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.

And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.


Classification: Reversal of human judgment, as to just and unjust

Historical Content: The road in the parable (the road from Jerusalem to Jericho) was well known to be dangerous. It was called the "Way of Blood" or "The Bloody Way" because of its reputation for lurking robbers.

Samaritans and Jews had been at odds with each other for a long time. Mischief and prejudices were committed on both sides. The idea that a Samaritan could do something good and be considered good by Jesus was probably too much for the lawyer to handle.

Priests and Levites were supposed to be students of the law and gospel. This parable showed the hypocrisy that, even though no one really spoke it out loud, had to have been well known. I read one idea that maybe the two "scriptural scholars" were so concerned with their own cleanliness that touching a dead body would just be a huge mistake for them.

Here is what wikipedia says about this parable

Interpretation: The two people who should have helped the man as he lay dying, the ones who should have known better, did not help due to fear for their own lives, worry about time commitments or possibly little care for another human life. The one who all would assume to be the one to pass by uncaring turns out to be the merciful one, the one to carry the man (physical exertion), take him to an inn and pay for him (monetary exertion) and bind the wounds and care for him (emotional exertion). This is the one who would inherit eternal life. God is no respecter of man. It doesn't matter what color, male or female. God is looking for the one who would give all to help his fellow humans survive this world.

Application: We are all neighbor, friend and family to each other. The Lord doesn't break us down in ward boundaries, country boundaries, or family boundaries. He sees us all as His and wants us all to help each other. If we want eternal life then we have to look outside of ourselves and just help one another. I think there's a lot of us who would rather end up near dead on the side of the road before we ask for help. We need to be mindful of each other's problems and reach out before that happens. One could say, "That's a treacherous road (smoking, drinking, gambling, any other vice) and he should have known better than to go down that road," And maybe he shouldn't have but he did. No matter how frustrated we get with other's stubbornness we still have to be willing to help when they can no longer help themselves.

Martin Luther King Jr. "On the one hand we are called to play the Good Samaritan on life's roadside; but that will only be an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life's highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it is not haphazard and superficial. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring."

One last thought I have for this parable: I love the line at the end of verse 35 that says, "whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee." I look forward to the day when He comes again and hope He does not find me lacking.

Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jan Wijnants, 1670

 "Doctrine of Inclusion" by M. Russell Ballard

Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Matthew 18:23-35

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Classification: Forgiveness and the Love of God

Narrative: This parable is in response to a question Peter asked, "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?
  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven."

Wikipedia gave me a better understanding of the difference between the two debts. "The talent in this parable was worth about 6,000 denarii, so that one debt is 600,000 times as large as the other. More significantly, 10,000 (a myriad) was the highest Greek numeral, and a talent the largest unit of currency, so that 10,000 talents was the largest easily described debt. For comparison, the combined annual tribute of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea around this time was only 600 talents, and one denarius was a day's wages, so that 10,000 talents would be about 200,000 year's wages."

Interpretation: The debt the servant owed the king is the cost of sin one man owed to God. The fellowservant is our fellowman. The debt the fellowservant owed to the servant was something for which he needed to be forgiven. The servant asked God to be forgiven for a great sin and the forgiveness was granted. The fellowman then asked for forgiveness for some offense he committed against the servant and the servant would not grant it. In return, God then did not give the servant forgiveness for his sins.

Application: When one considers the huge debt the Savior paid for each one of our sins it seems silly to hold a grudge against someone who has hurt us, especially when forgiveness was asked for. It can be hard to forgive others for their trespasses but when we consider how much we owe to the Son it becomes a small debt to forgive.

Parable of the Wicked Servant 1620, Domenico Fetti

 "The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom" by Jeffrey R. Holland

The Hidden Treasure, The Pearl of Great Price, The Gospel Net, and The Householder

Matthew 13:44-52

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

Then he said unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure, The Pearl of Great Price

Classification: The Church of the Future - The enthusiasm for it

Interpretation: A man finds the gospel of Jesus Christ to be so valuable that he sells, or sacrifices, all that he has in order to attain this treasure.

Application: This year we have been studying the early members and pioneers of the church and all that they suffered and sacrificed just to be a part of God's kingdom. Many people throughout the world continue to leave behind family traditions to join that weird mormon church. I have a huge amount of respect and gratitude for those people. I was born into this church. Yes, I had to gain my own testimony like everyone else but I still feel like it was handed to me on a platter. So, the question I have to ask myself is, "How much have I been willing to sacrifice for the gospel? What all have I done to make sure that the sacrifices of my ancestors and predecessors were not done in vain? Do I take this amazing opportunity for granted? Do I do all that I can to help others without this opportunity to make their own sacrifices in order to attain the gospel in their lives?"

The Parable of the Gospel Net

Classification: The Church of the Future - the mingling within it of good and evil, The final judgment of it.

Interpretation: This parable is a lot like the wheat and tares. But instead of grains, this is fish. The fishermen bring to shore all the fish and sort the edible from the non edible. 

Application:  We are taught that we must live in the world but not be of the world. The influence of evil is becoming so much more prevalent than ever. I guess this parable and the wheat/tare parable can bring us hope that someday we will be separated from evil, not to look so much for being separated from "evil people" but from the influence of the adversary himself.

Reformer John Calvin said this, "Christ informs us, that a mixture of the good and the bad must be patiently endured till the end of the world; because, till that time, a true and perfect restoration of the Church will not take place. Again, he warns us, that it is not enough, and-what is more- that it is of little consequence to us, to be gathered into the fold, unless we are his true and chosen sheep...and that (disciples) might communicate with others what they had received. In this way (Christ) whets and excites their minds more and more to desire instruction. He says that teachers are like householders, who are not only careful about their own food, but have a store laid up for the nourishment of others; and who do not live at ease as to the passing day, but make provision for a future and distant period. The meaning therefore, is that the teachers of the Church ought to be prepared by long study for giving to the people, as out of a storehouse, a variety of instruction concerning the word of God, as the necessity of the case may require."

The Parable of the Householder

Classification: The Church of the future - The Enthusiasm for it.

Interpretation: Jesus asked His Apostles, "Have ye understood all these things?" And they answered, Yep. Sure did. Well, good for them. Which means I had to study this one out on my own (sigh). 
  He compares a householder (one who keeps the books on the household, keeps inventory on what is in stock, manages those things) to one who studies the gospel. He is to bring forth (share) out of his treasure (knowledge he has stored up) things new and old. I've read some places that think the new and old could be the New and Old Testament, or New and Old Covenant.

Application: I like the New and Old Covenant theory. I would even go so far as to include the Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, all of the current teachings from modern day prophets. We are taught to study all of these things both new and old and to share what we have learned and what we know.

From Clark's commentary on the Bible: "Every scribe - Minister of Christ: who is instructed - taught of God; in the kingdom of heaven - in the mysteries of the gospel of Christ: out of his treasury - his granary or storehouse; things new and old - a Jewish phrase for great plenty. A small degree of knowledge is not sufficient for a preacher of the Gospel. The sacred writings should be his treasure, and he should properly understand them. His knowledge does not consist in being furnished with a great variety of human learning, (though of this he should acquire as much as he can); but his knowledge consists in being well instructed in the things concerning the kingdom of heaven, and the art of conducting men thither. Again, it is not enough for a man to have these advantages in possession: he must bring them forth, and distribute them abroad. A good pastor will not, like a miser, keep these things to himself to please his fancy; nor, like a merchant, traffic with them, to enrich himself; but, like a bountiful father or householder, distribute them with a liberal though judicious hand, for the comfort and support of the whole heavenly family."

From Gill's exposition of the entire Bible: "...to bring forth such truths and doctrines, as are contained in both (Old and New Testament): rather truths that are old in themselves, but newly discovered to them, may be intended, and every new acquisition of knowledge and experience...denote the plenty and variety of Gospel provisions, which the ministers of it are to bring forth."

So applying this to me: I need to continue adding to my treasury of knowledge, I need to share that knowledge with my family and friends, especially my children, and help them build up their own treasury.

Parable of the hidden treasure, circa 1630, possibly Rembrandt, possibly Gerard Dou

"The Pearl of Great Price" by J. Thomas Fyans

The Mustard Seed and the Leaven

Matthew 13:31-35

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.


Classification: The church of the future - its planting and growth

Interpretation: The mustard seed= The kingdom of Heaven, the church. Joseph Smith even compared it to the Book of Mormon.

The mustard seed grows, becomes a place of rest for birds, has deeply planted roots. Some have called it a noxious weed because once planted it is nearly impossible to get rid of. Some say because of that (it being called a noxious weed) Jesus shouldn't have used the mustard tree for his comparison. I think it's perfect.

Application: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has definitely grown from one boy with a vision to millions worldwide (15 million!) and still growing. Its gospel roots are deeply planted and not coming up. It's branches have given rest to so many who are tired of the world and its views.

"Now we can discover plainly that this figure is given to represent the Church as it shall come forth in the last days. Let us take the Book of Mormon, which a man took and hid in his field, securing it by his faith, to spring up in the last days, or in due time; let us behold it coming forth out of the ground, which is indeed accounted the least of all seeds, but behold it branching forth, yea, even towering, with lofty branches, and God-like majesty, until it, like the mustard seed, becomes the greatest of all herbs...it has sprouted and come forth out of the earth, and righteousness begins to look down from heaven, and God is sending down His powers, gifts and angels, to lodge in the branches thereof." -Joseph Smith

When I began to study this parable I only thought of the application it has towards individuals and their faith. I never saw it as applying to the church as a whole. I would hope that my faith and testimony has become a place of rest and safety for my children while they develop their own testimonies.

The Leaven

Bible Dictionary: "Leaven": Anything that in cooking produces fermentation, a lump of old dough being generally used. No leaven was allowed during the Passover feast or in offerings made to God with fire. It was probably forbidden because there was associated with it the idea of corruption. In the New Testament it was as a rule symbolic of sin but in the parable of the Leaven it is compared to the inward growth and influence of the kingdom of heaven (church) upon the earth."

This parable goes right along with the parable of the mustard seed because it talks about the growth of the church from little bitty to huge. I read on Wikipedia that three measures of meal would produce enough bread to make over a hundred loaves suggesting that the reason this woman was making so much bread was for a feast. How many times have we been told to feast on the words of Christ? And share that feast with friends and family?

"The large quantity of flour may hint at a planned festive occasion, since the bread produced could feed a hundred people." -Ben Witherington, Women in the Ministry of Jesus: A study of Jesus' attitudes to women and their roles as reflected in his earthly life. 

I like that this particular parable is about a woman who goes about her work and influences and creates an abundance of nourishment for many. As women of the Relief Society this is what we do. We make food. We bring food. We seek out those in need of spiritual and temporal nourishment and we do all we can to provide that. Our normal mundane tasks that can feel like drudgery actually has a huge impact on the lives of those around us, particularly our families, friends, people we visit teach and others within our ward.

Etching by Jan Luyken circa 1700, Amsterdam

The Seed Growing Secretly

Mark 4:26-29

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.


Interpretation: This one gave me very little to go on. The Savior didn't offer an explanation and the Apostles didn't ask for one. Again, these are just my thoughts and ideas so the chances of me being wrong are quite high but here goes.

The seed cast into the ground - the kingdom of God. This one is a given because it says in verse 26 "So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground")

A man casting the seed - I don't think this is the Savior because the man wakes up and is surprised at the growth of the seed. The Savior would know exactly what was going on with the seed. Since the man didn't know, I think he was an ordinary man casting seeds - like a missionary.

The man sleeps for a time but I'm not quite sure for how long. It says, "And should sleep, and rise night and day," Does this mean it took one day for the seed to grow from seed to ear? I mean the farmer is quite surprised so it must have been quick. Or the farmer ignored the field thinking there were no seeds there or forgot he planted a seed there and so was surprised that anything grew there at all. Either way, the growth of this particular seed had nothing to do with the man (another reason why this man couldn't have been the Savior. He would know what is going on with His own Kingdom.)

So then the man harvests the crop - Missionary work resumes, people are baptized, covenants are made.

Application: Two things came to my mind as I thought about this parable. 1) The stories of early missionaries to England. Those missionaries showed up armed with truth and righteousness and baptized entire congregations of believers. It's like they were just waiting for those missionaries to show up and baptize them. 2) I think of my brother and his mission in France. The guy jokes about how he baptized no one but "planted seeds". A temple in Paris is now being built. Would he have seen that coming twenty some odd years ago when he was there?
   The point is we can plant seeds, and we should plant seeds, but it is the Lord that makes the seed grow. This is His gospel and His work. He knows where the harvest is ready and where to send us to get the work done. But ultimately it is His work. Our job is to do the missionary work that the Lord has asked us to do and have faith that the Lord will work on the hearts of men in the field.

"A Great Work Done In that Land" by Ronald K. Esplin

"Harvest in Herefordshire" by David J. Whittaker

The Wheat and the Tares

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

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

But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares?

He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.


Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire;  so shall it be in the end of this world.

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father, Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Classification: The church of the future - the mingling within it of good and evil, the final judgment.

Narrative: Wikipedia: "The word translated 'tares' in the King James Version is zizania, plural of zizanion. This word is thought to mean darnel, a ryegrass which looks much like wheat in its early stages of growth. Roman law prohibited sowing darnel among the wheat of an enemy, suggesting that the scenario presented here is realistic."

Interpretation: The one who sows the good seed - The Savior
The Field - the World
The good seed - children of God
The Tares - children of the adversary
The enemy - the devil
the Harvest - End of the World
Reapers - Angels of God

Application: Because this parable has been around for so long, and has been a popular parable, it has had many applications over the years. A quote from St. Augustine states, "O you Christians, whose lives are good, you sigh and groan as being few among many, few among very many. The winter will pass away, the summer will come; lo! The harvest will soon be here. The angels will come who can make the separation, and who cannot make mistakes...I tell you of a truth, my Beloved, even in these high seats there is both wheat and tares, and among the laity there is wheat and tares. Let the good tolerate the bad; let the bad change themselves, and imitate the good. Let us all, if it may be so, attain to God; let us all through His mercy escape the evil of this world. Let us seek after good days, for we are now in evil days; but in the evil days let us not blaspheme, that so we may be able to arrive at the good days."

Many early Christian leaders pointed out who they thought were wheat and who they thought were tares(self righteously assuming, of course, that they were wheat) but didn't do anything about it because they were sure that the angels would soon come and burn the tares. This path was not taken by all leaders, however. Some took it upon themselves to burn the tares known as heretics or unbelievers. Martin Luther gave a great sermon about this. He said, "From this observe what raging and furious people we have been these many years, in that we desired to force others to believe; The Turks with the sword, heretics with fire, the Jews with death, and thus outroot the tares by our own power, as if we were the ones who could reign over hearts and spirits, and make them pious and right, which God's words alone must do. But by murder we separate the people from the Word, so that it cannot possibly work upon them and we bring thus, with one stroke a double murder upon ourselves, as far as it lies in our power, namely, in that we murder the body for time and the soul for eternity, and afterwards say we did God a service by our actions, and wish to merit something special in heaven."

The application for this parable remains the same now as it did on the day Jesus spoke these words. It is not our job to root out the tares! It is not for us to decide who is wheat and who is weed. As the kindergarten teacher would say to the tattling child, "You worry about you." Our job is to do all we can to make sure we are trying to be wheat. Our job is to help those around us and those within our stewardship do all they can to be wheat. Let the Lord and His angels take care of the tares. The best part of this parable is that if we feel that we are being tares we can change and become wheat. In yesterday morning's session Elder Ulisses Soares stated, "Christ faced extreme physical and spiritual suffering, giving us the opportunity to change our spiritual character and become like Him. I bear my witness that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I testify to you that thanks to His love it is possible to change. It is possible to leave our weaknesses behind. It is possible to reject the evil influences in our lives, control our anger, become meek, and develop the attributes of our Savior. He showed us the way. He gave us the perfect example and commanded to each one of us to become as He is. His invitation to us is to follow Him, follow His example, and become like Him."

The enemy sowing seeds circa 1540