Wheat or Tare: Which one are you?

 Matthew 13:24-30

24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”

1. Plant Appearance:

   • Wheat: Typically has a sturdy, straight stem with few tillers (side shoots) and a compact head of seeds at the top. Bows at the top.
   • Tares: Have slender stems with multiple tillers and looser clusters of seeds. Stands tall at the top.

2. Leaf Structure:

   • Wheat: Broad, flat leaves that wrap around the stem.
   • Tares: Narrower leaves compared to wheat, usually with a more upright growth pattern.

3. Seed Characteristics:

   • Wheat: Seeds are larger, plump, and typically golden or brown in color, tightly packed within the seed head.
   • Tares: Seeds are smaller and darker in color, often black, and are loosely clustered within the seed head.

4. Culinary Use:

   • Wheat: Valued as a staple crop for its edible grains, which are ground into flour and used to make bread, pasta, and other food products.
   • Tares: Not suitable for human consumption due to toxic compounds present in the seeds.

5. Cultural Significance:

   • Wheat: Symbolizes sustenance, fertility, and abundance in various cultures and religions.
   • Tares: Often seen as a symbol of impurity or corruption due to its negative impact on wheat crops and its toxic properties.

When both tares and wheat aren’t totally ripped, they resemble each other. Only with time and maturity will reveal the differences in these plants. As Christians, we have to ask: What am I ripping into? I pray that God will make us like wheat so that when we are completely matured and ripe, we will bow down to our King of Kings, Jesus, in love and adoration! 

🌾 Take heart and be encouraged in Christ.