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Matthew 13:39–43 — “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.”

Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the tares reminds us that the final harvest is not just about reward but also about judgment. The wheat represents those who belong to Christ, while the tares symbolize those who only appear to be His but are not. Though they may look alike for a season, the final gathering will make the difference clear.

This passage is sobering because it confronts us with the reality that not everyone who names the name of Christ truly belongs to Him. Profession is not possession. The day is coming when the Lord Himself will separate the genuine from the false, and eternity will reveal what could not be discerned by human eyes.

For the believer, this truth is not meant to create fear but to strengthen assurance. If you are in Christ—redeemed by His blood, indwelt by His Spirit—you are wheat, and you will be gathered into His barn. The tares may surround you now, but they cannot rob you of your place in God’s kingdom.

For the unbeliever, this truth is a warning. The day of separation is coming, and there will be no second chances. The time to repent and believe is now, before the harvest begins. Eternity is too serious to leave your soul unprepared.

The wheat and tares remind us to examine our hearts. Are we genuine followers of Christ, or are we simply religious by appearance? On that day, only the true will stand. May we be found among the wheat, rejoicing in the Lord of the harvest.