Study Questions

The Wheat and the Tares

August 16, 2026

Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43

Study Questions

1.    Read Matthew 13:24-30. The parable describes tares (zizaneon) as poisonous and nearly indistinguishable from wheat until maturity. What was the reasoning for the farmer to not uproot the tares before harvest?

2.    How does this imagery help us understand the difficulty of discerning true faith? What does True Christlike faith produce? How is it evident in the your culture, community, church?

3.    Read Matthew 13:36-43. As you identify who is represented in the parable, what does this teach you about the Kingdom of God? What evidence shows the kingdom is already present? What evidence shows it is not yet fully realized?

4.    As Christ followers, we always need to be aware of the devil’s designs. What practical habits help cultivate spiritual awareness/ discernment?

5.    Not everyone alongside the church is of the church. How should Christians respond to hypocrisy within the church?

6.    The presence of hypocrites is no excuse to avoid church. Why is this a necessary reminder for Christ followers today?

7.    What does it mean to “confirm your calling and election” and why is this important? See: 2 Peter 1:10