The Parallels of Faith: Abraham’s Story and the Parable of the Wheat and Tares
Isaac Megbolugbe ,
January 3, 2025
Introduction
The Holy Scriptures offer a rich tapestry of stories, parables, and teachings that provide insight into God’s plan of redemption for humanity. Two such accounts, the story of Abraham and the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, may seem disparate at first glance. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that these narratives share a common thread – the struggle between faith and doubt, and the ultimate separation between the children of God and the children of the evil one.
Abraham’s Story: A Test of Faith
Abraham’s story, as recorded in the book of Genesis, is a testament to the power of faith and obedience. Called by God to leave his homeland and family, Abraham embarked on a journey of trust, relying solely on God’s promises. The crowning moment of Abraham’s faith came when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac, the child of promise. Abraham’s willingness to obey, even in the face of unimaginable hardship, demonstrated his unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty.
However, Abraham’s story also reveals the consequences of doubting God’s promises. When Sarah, Abraham’s wife, suggested that he sleep with her Egyptian maid, Hagar, to produce an heir, Abraham acquiesced. This decision led to the birth of Ishmael, a son who would not be the child of promise. Instead, Ishmael’s descendants would become a source of conflict and strife, symbolizing the children of the evil one.
The Parable of the Wheat and Tares: A Lesson in Separation
In the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, Jesus teaches a valuable lesson about the nature of God’s kingdom and the ultimate separation between good and evil. A man sows good seed in his field, but while he sleeps, an enemy sows tares among the wheat. When the servants ask the owner about the presence of tares, he instructs them to let both the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest. At that time, the owner will separate the wheat from the tares, gathering the wheat into his barn and burning the tares.
This parable serves as a reminder to trust in the Lord of the Harvest, who knows who belongs to Him and who does not. The wheat represents the children of the kingdom, while the tares symbolize the children of the evil one. The field represents the world, and the harvest represents the end of the age.
Juxtaposing the Two Accounts
When we juxtapose Abraham’s story with the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, several parallels emerge:
1. The struggle between faith and doubt: Abraham’s decision to sleep with Hagar represents a moment of doubt, while his willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates his faith. Similarly, the Parable of the Wheat and Tares highlights the struggle between good and evil, with the wheat representing faith and obedience.
2. The concept of separation: In both accounts, there is a clear separation between those who belong to God and those who do not. Abraham’s descendants through Isaac are the children of the kingdom, while Ishmael’s descendants represent the children of the evil one. In the parable, the wheat is separated from the tares, with the wheat being gathered into the owner’s barn and the tares being burned.
3. The importance of trusting in God’s sovereignty: Both accounts emphasize the need to trust in God’s sovereignty and timing. Abraham had to trust that God would provide a child of promise, despite the seemingly impossible circumstances. Similarly, the Parable of the Wheat and Tares encourages believers to trust in the Lord of the Harvest, who will ultimately separate the wheat from the tares.
Conclusion
The story of Abraham and the Parable of the Wheat and Tares offer valuable insights into the nature of faith, doubt, and separation. As believers, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the face of uncertainty and hardship. We must recognize that there will be a separation between those who belong to God and those who do not. Ultimately, our faith and obedience will determine which group we belong to – the children of the kingdom or the children of the evil one. May we strive to be like Abraham, who demonstrated unwavering trust in God’s promises, and may we remember the lesson of the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, trusting in the Lord of the Harvest to separate the wheat from the tares.
