It is obvious from the preceding explanation that the tares are the fruit of the labors of the Jewish leaders or sin-in-the-flesh manifested through them. Upon thoughtfully considering what is said about the tares, it is soon realized that the tares are the result solely of the labors of the enemy and not in any way related to Christ. This observation is important for every one who is a member of the ecclesia whether they turn out good or bad was initially drawn by the Father (John 6:44; 1 Cor. 1:9) and experienced the benefits of the work of Christ (Col. 1:15-20). Again we have proof that the field is the Jewish world and not the ecclesia. In fact, the word translated "wicked" in verse 38 is used by Christ of the Jews of his day and age. Consider the following passages:

- Matthew 12:34, 35, 39 "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah:"

- Matthew 16:4 "A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. And he left them, and departed."

- Luke 11:29 "And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonah the prophet."

It was also used by Christ to describe the evil that proceeds out of the human heart. Consider:

- Matthew 9:4 "And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

- Matthew 15:19 "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:"

- Mark 7:23 "All these evil things come from within, and defile the man."

From these passages we see that the very word used by Christ to explain the tares is in complete harmony with both that used to describe the enemy who sowed them and with other passages that describe that generation of Jews.

Verse 38 is the only place where the phrase "the children of the wicked one" occurs. (Marshall renders it as "the sons of the evil one.") However, consider the following similar phrases:

1. "The children of them which killed the prophets" Matthew 23:31.

2. "The children of this world (aion)." Luke 16:8; 20:34.

3. "The children of the flesh." Romans 9:8.

4. "The children of disobedience." Ephesians 2:2; 5:6; Col. 3:6.

5. "The children of wrath." Ephesians 2:3.

6. "Cursed children." 2 Peter 2:14.

7. "The children of the devil (diabolos)." (Cp. John 8:44) 1 John 3:10.

8. "Generation of vipers." Matthew 3:7; 12:34; 23:33; Luke 3:7.

Note: In Genesis 3:15 we have the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. Compare this verse with that of Rev. 12:17 where we have "the remnant of the seed of the woman."

Below is a list of phrases similar in intent to that of "the children of the kingdom" in verse 39:

9. "The children of God." Matthew 5:9; Luke 20:36; John 11:52; Romans 8:16, 21; 9:8; Galatians 3:26; 1 John 3:10; 5:2.

10. "The children of your Father." Matthew 5:45.

11. "The children of the bridechamber." Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:19; Luke 5:34.

12. "The children of Israel." Luke 1:16; Rev. 7:4; 21:12.

13. "The children of the Highest." Luke 6:35.

14. "The children of light." Luke 16:8; John 12:36; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5.

15. "The children of the resurrection." Luke 20:36.

16. "The children of the prophets." Acts 3:25.

17. "Heirs of God." Romans 8:17.

18. "The children of the promise." Romans 9:8; Galatians 4:28.

19. "The children of the living God." Romans 9:26.

20. "The children of Abraham." Galatians 3:7.

21. "Dear children." Ephesians 5:1.

22. "The children of the day." 1 Thess. 5:5.

These two contrasting lists bring home to each and everyone of us the characteristics of these two different types of seed. It is an exhortation in itself to think of all the implications of each of the titles mentioned above and to examine ourselves in the light of such classifications.