Matthew 13:36Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Though Christ addressed numerous topics without resorting to parables, in this instance, every aspect of His message was conveyed through a parable. Remarkably, no one posed a question to Him, despite their frequent inquiries of the prophets like Ezekiel and others. His statements were substantial enough to engage His audience and provoke questions, yet even the mention of the severest punishment in the parables seemed to have little impact on them. Consequently, the Lord withdrew from them, as noted by the Evangelist, and turning away from the nations, He returned to His own house. Not a single scribe chose to accompany Him, indicating their motivation for following Christ was solely to trap Him in His words.

Jesus then dismissed the crowd and returned to the house, having recognized that they had not gained from His teachings. He communicated through parables, intended to provoke their inquiries; however, they showed little interest and made no effort to understand, leading the Lord to righteously release them. His disciples approached Him, asking, "Please clarify for us the parable of the tares in the field." They inquired specifically about this parable, as they found the others more straightforward. The term "tares" refers to all detrimental elements that grow alongside the wheat, such as cucurbits, peas, and wild oats.

Jesus sent the crowds away and went back to the house, allowing his disciples to approach him privately to ask about the profound teachings that the masses were not worthy of knowing and were unable to comprehend.

After leaving the crowds behind, Jesus returned to the dwelling where He was residing (see Matthew 13:1). His disciples approached Him and inquired, “Explain to us the parable of the tares in the field.” They asked this privately and confidently, having previously learned that they were granted insight into divine mysteries. They focused on this particular parable because they found the meanings of the other two—the mustard seed and the leaven—to be more straightforward. However, this parable presented a daunting warning regarding the end, which caused them confusion.

Then Jesus dismissed the crowd and entered the house. The apostles received from the Lord, "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 13:11). Consequently, when the Lord entered the house, His disciples approached Him, asking for clarification on the parable concerning the weeds in the field, desiring to uncover its moral and spiritual implications. They inquired privately.

The mysteries of the kingdom are shared with the people through parables, often without further clarification; they are entrusted only to the inner circle of disciples and initially to just two of them. When the disciples sought the Lord's interpretation of this parable concerning the seed, He provided them with an explanation and also offered specific guidance for their apostolic mission, using parables that were more accessible (Mark 4:21-25, regarding the lampstand; Luke 8:16-18). The manifestation of the Word within them must be evident in their ministry, and the extent of each individual’s passion will correlate with the depth of the message they proclaim.

The Savior Himself clarifies the significance of this parable at the request of His disciples, as well as the earliest followers. Within the Church established by Him, there will be the wheat alongside the weeds, a result of the original adversary's planting. Ultimately, only the divine Judge will be able to deliver His assessment at the final judgment regarding the destinies of both, for in this present age, all have ample opportunity for repentance and a transformation from weeds into fruitful wheat. 'For those, says Blessed Augustine, who are tares today, may become wheat tomorrow.'

"Entered into the house": Matt. 13:1. - "Explain to us": clarify the moral and spiritual significance concealed within the imagery of the parable of the wheat and the weeds. "Why, after departing from the parables of the leaven and the mustard seed, do they inquire specifically about this one?" - They have set aside those earlier parables as clearer. However, they seek clarity on this parable because it closely relates to the preceding one (regarding the sower and the seed, Matthew 13:3-9) and suggests a deeper meaning than the earlier narrative. Consequently, the Lord elaborates on what has been previously mentioned, providing insights into what is most vital and fundamental—the very purpose for which the parable was spoken (Chrysostom, cf. Theophilus).