The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares teaches us a vital lesson about deception in the modern church. In this passage, Jesus describes a field where an enemy secretly sows counterfeit seeds alongside the good crop.
“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.” (Matthew 13:24-26)
In their early stages, tares look nearly identical to wheat, completely fooling the casual observer. It is only when you look closely, examining the fruit, that the difference becomes clear. They grow side-by-side and pulling one up would mean pulling up the other. Today, the church is filled with similar charlatans and imitators—false teachers and profit-driven ministers who masquerade as true servants of God. They speak the language of faith and copy the outward appearance of righteousness, but their core motivation is financial gain. To spot these sophisticated fakes, you must know your Bible. Just as bank tellers study real currency in order to recognize counterfeits, you cannot know that lies are actually lies until you know the truth outlined in your Bible. They are not only found in the pulpits, but in the pews as well. Not everyone who enters the church building is a true believer. Some sit in silence for years without revealing their true colors.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Because the Word of God is the ultimate truth, it serves as our spiritual baseline for discernment. While these “fakes” may successfully deceive people for a season, their charade has a strict expiration date. God allows them to grow together for now to protect the innocent, but a definitive separation is coming. Ask yourself today: Am I dedicating enough time to studying the Scriptures so that I can automatically recognize when a message or a leader deviates from God’s truth?
“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.” (Matthew 13:30)
When the time of harvest arrives after the Tribulation period is finished, the true nature of every heart will be permanently revealed. The tares—the religious phonies and unrepentant deceivers—will be gathered, cast into Hell, and burned. Meanwhile, the wheat—true believers who trusted in Jesus Christ—will be gathered into His barn. They will safely enter the glorious Millennium period, where Jesus Christ will rule and reign in perfect righteousness and truth.
Heavenly Father, give us eyes to see and hearts that love the truth. Keep us grounded daily in Your Holy Word so that we will not be deceived by those who use ministry for selfish gain. Protect us, root us deeply in Christ, and prepare us for the glorious day when You rule and reign forever. In Jesus’ precious and Holy Name I pray, Amen.
