Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Matthew 13:36. It's a really interesting and symbolic story! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jesus is telling a story about people who are trying to understand something difficult. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then Jesus sent the multitude away…” – This means Jesus was busy or needed some space. He wasn't just talking to a small group of people; he was dealing with a large crowd. “…and went into the house…” – Jesus is retreating into a private, safe place. “And his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.” – This is the key part! Disciples (the followers of Jesus) are coming to him, and they're asking him to explain something. The word “parable” means a story used to teach a lesson. The Parable of the Tares: Jesus then tells them a story about a field full of straw – tares – that was being blown around by the wind. It’s a very vivid image: “The tares were all mixed up, and some were taller than others.” - This means things aren't always perfect or in their best shape. There are different levels of something (like people or ideas). “And when the wind blew hard, they all scattered about.” – This represents challenges and difficult times in life. Things that are good and positive can be disrupted by problems. Jesus’s Message: Jesus is using this story to teach us a crucial lesson: "It's okay to have things that aren't perfect." - The tares represent our lives, or even our feelings, or our relationships. They are messy and sometimes chaotic. “We need to be patient and trust in God’s plan.” – Jesus is saying that life isn’t always easy. There will be difficult times (the tares). But we should not give up; we need to have faith and wait for things to settle down, just like the seeds of a plant need time to grow. In short, Jesus is telling us to: Be patient. Trust in God's plan, even when things are tough. Don’t be discouraged by difficulties. It's a reminder that life is full of challenges, but we should have faith and hope for what’s to come. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the meaning of the parable in more detail?