Sunday, January 23, 2010 am
THE LIFE OF JESUS (12)
The Parables of Jesus
Matthew 13
As we continue our study of the teachings and work of Jesus,
today we want to focus on His parables.
We have noted that Jesus is The Master Teacher in every way.
His preaching stormed the will in a way the people were not used
to. His teaching astonished
His audience and caused many to follow Him and others to vehemently
reject Him. John 7:46
describes officers sent to arrest Jesus in the temple, but they return
empty handed saying, “No man ever spoke like this Man.”
We learn from Him not only truths that we need to apply to in our
lives, but also HOW to interact with others and to teach the gospel.
In the previous two lessons of this study we examined His
preaching, including the Sermon on the Mount.
Today we notice another method that Jesus used in His preaching
and teaching – the parables.
I want to present two lessons dealing with the parables of Jesus.
This morning we are going to talk about parables and notice what
is perhaps the most prominent of Jesus’ parables – the Parable of the
Sower. Tonight, as an
addition to this study, I want to notice the OTHER parables found in
Matthew 13. In Matthew 13
there are total of 8 parables.
a.
Defined.
i.
The Greek
word
parabolh/, (parabolé)
literally means, “a placing beside”.
The idea is that of putting something beside something else in
order to compare them. (W.E.
Vine’s).
ii.
While they
are related to simile (two fundamentally unlike things are compared to
one another, usually with the word like or as) and metaphors (a figure
of speech with like comparison, i.e. “Life is a journey”) in our English
language, parables are actually a little more detailed.
iii.
TDNT
(abridged) notes that a “parable is a similitude which uses evident
truth from a known field (nature or human life) to convey new truth in
an unknown (the kingdom, the nature and action of God).”
iv.
Some have
described many of the proverbs as a type of parable.
In fact, Luke 4:23 says, “He
said to them, ‘You will say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal
yourself!’’…” The word
proverb in that text is the Greek word parable we are discussing.
v.
The word
is not unique to the teachings of Jesus, though He used them
masterfully. The simplest of
parables would be proverbs (such as the proverbs of Solomon).
The Greek word is also translated symbolic (Heb. 9:9) &
figurative (Heb. 11:19) in the book of Hebrews (NKJV).
This gives us a little better understanding of the flavor of the
parables of Jesus.
b.
Recorded
in the Gospels are some 33-36 parables (depending on who is counting and
what they define as a parable). The Tyndale Bible dictionary notes that
the parables of Jesus comprised about 35% of His recorded teaching.
Jesus was very effective in using them to portray His message.
c.
Why did
Jesus speak in parables? (Matt. 13:11-17)
i.
So
that His disciples could better understand spiritual teachings,
especially related to the Kingdom of God/Heaven.
In vs. 11 of this text, Jesus answered that it had been given to
them (His disciples) to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.
When we consider the teaching’s of Jesus, He skillfully used every day
occurrences that his audience would have been familiar with to help
explain the spiritual nature of the kingdom.
The hope would be that with a little better understanding of the
kingdom of heaven, they would more faithfully follow Him and seek that
spiritual realm.
We know this to be true, because the more in-depth parables of Jesus
were explained when inquiry was made by His disciples.
Furthermore, vs. 12 says, “For
whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance.”
In that statement, and in our context, you can see provisions to
glean a better understanding.
Furthermore, in vs. 16-17 Jesus observed that they were blessed to see
and hear what the prophets desired to see and hear.
That appeals to a better understanding of things spiritual, which
is what the parables did.
(See 1 Peter 1:10-12
NOTICE that the true disciples inquired!
It is from this understanding that we describe the parables of Jesus as,
“an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.”
ii.
As
recorded in the gospels, it confounded His critics and those not
interested in the truth.
In the rest of this text (Matt. 13:11-17), Jesus presented a message
that those not interested would not receive.
Jesus had many critics whose conduct and hardened hearts declared
them unworthy of the kingdom (in their present state).
When Jesus spoke parables, to such they were meaningless stories,
even senseless. The result
of these parables helped Jesus and His followers to separate themselves
from those who were not.
IT is worthy of note that Jesus here quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 which was
written some 750 years before Jesus said these words.
Isaiah spoke of Israel’s rejection of God when He did finally
reveal Himself.
There were also times when He spoke in parables to his enemies WITH THE
INTENT of them understanding.
For example: In Mark
3:23-24 we read that Jesus “said
unto them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan?’”
He would explain it in the next few verses noting,
“And if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.’”
(Mark 3:24-29). These words
were directed at the scribes who had accused Him of casting out demons
in the name of Beelzebub.
There is also Luke 20:19 which says, “And
the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on
Him, but they feared the people — for they knew He had spoken this
parable against them.”
This comes after He told the parable of the wicked vinedressers who
wounded & humiliated the owners servants and finally killed his son.
(Lk. 20:9-18)
iii.
It
is also observed that parables would have afforded an easy way for His
disciples to remember what He taught.
Not everyone was literate and any method which could help them
remember key principles would be beneficial not only for them but as
they sought to teach others.
The simplicity of many of the parables, especially in areas of life they
were familiar with, would have been easy to remember.
d.
Thoughts
about the parables of Jesus
i.
The
parables were a verification of the work of Jesus.
Matthew 13:34-35 quotes Psalm 78:2 which says that He would speak
in parables.
ii.
Many of
Jesus’ parables needed no explanation.
They were simple and straightforward as we shall see in our
examples of Matt. 13. The
parallel is clearly obvious.
iii.
We need
to seek to apply their meanings in our lives. Herein is the real
blessing of parables, as with all the teachings of Jesus.
They are meaningful only if we apply them.
iv.
When
studying the parables consider the following:
1.
Don’t
read into every detail of every parable.
Sometimes, the interpretation lies in simply looking at the
overall intended message.
For example, in Luke 10:30-36 we read about the Good Samaritan.
There are many details that do not have specific application such
as the wounded man being placed on an animal or going to the inn.
The point is simply, WHO WAS THE NEIGHBOR? The answer, the one
who cared and acted out of concern.
2.
Pay
attention to the details that Jesus DOES emphasize!
These are the ones that have the intended message.
Whatever details are emphasized need to be in harmony with the overall
parable.
3.
Read
the context before and after the parable.
Why was Jesus telling the parable?
Consider again the Good Samaritan.
Jesus was answering a question, “And who is my neighbor?” from a
lawyer seeking to justify himself (Lk. 10:25-29).
Similarly, the parables of Matthew 24 & 25 have to do with judgment
based upon the questions asked in Matthew 24:3.
IT is a profitable study to examine all
of the parables of Jesus, but time will not permit such in this lesson.
Therefore we will briefly examine a group of parables and notice
how these parables demonstrate attributes of the kingdom of Heaven/God
and judgment to come. We
will notice the 7 parables of Matthew 13.
a.
The
Parable of the Sower (13:3-9) – explained (13:18-23)
i.
This is
one the most known of Jesus’ parables and it contains very valuable
lessons to us. It is simply
about a sower broadcasting seed which fell on four different types of
soils. The condition of the
soil determined how receptive it was to the seed.
This parable promoted His disciples to ask for an explanation which
Jesus gave after explaining why He spoke in parables.
ii.
The
explanation – 13:18-23 addresses specifically the different soils
representing 4 different types of hearts (the spiritual heart or mind of
man that determines how receptive he is to serving God):
1.
The
wayside is the impenetrable heart which will NOT receive seed.
Satan snatches the seed away before it can do anything.
This is the one who has no intention of receiving the word.
Many of Jesus’ enemies had this attitude.
2.
The
stony ground represents a heart receives the word
but has no root because the ground has not been properly prepared
for planting.
As a result, the seed begins to grow but it cannot firmly take
root. Therefore the plant is
there but it is WEAK. At the
first sign of trouble, it is overcome by the elements.
Jesus equates this to one who receives the word but at the first
sign of tribulation or persecutions, he stumbles.
The word for stumble here is a Greek word from which our English
word scandal comes. The idea
is not merely tripping up but the consequences of such.
Jesus is emphasizing that this heart will quit and wither away
spiritually when difficulties come.
NOTE: That is why when one first becomes a Christian they may be very
vulnerable (inexperienced, they have baggage, not a full understanding,
etc.). THEREFORE, when one
first obeys the gospel, we need to work with them to build them up (some
need it more than others).
In essence, while the soil may not be perfect when one obeys, we can
help remove some of the obstacles (stones) under the surface before they
become an offense of stumbling.
3.
The
thorny ground represents a heart that has divided loyalties.
Just as soil with weeds robs the seed of nutrients (because it
competes for the limited supply that is there), so this one seeks to
serve God with divided loyalties.
But you cannot do that (Matt. 6:24).
Jesus said of this seed represents a heart through which the
deceitfulness of riches chokes out the word and the seed becomes
unfruitful.
NOTE: This could describe one who never totally quits on God, but
neither is he faithful to God.
His religion is one of convenience and self-serving interests.
He is not of much value to the church because he cannot be
counted upon to put it first.
4.
The
good soil is the productive soil that receives the seed which becomes
rooted (well grounded) and produces fruit.
This is the good and honest heart that sees its primary purpose
is to serve God. This is
done by producing all manner of spiritual fruit.
iii.
Some other
observations about this parable.
1.
It is one
of the few recorded in the 3 synoptic gospels (Mark 4:1-9, 13-20; Luke
8:4-8, 11-15. From our text
and the others we find out different points.
2.
Matt.
13:18 describes it as “the parable of the Sower”, not the parable of the
soils. NOTE in that phrase
that Jesus is preaching to the Sower – the one broadcasting the seed.
3.
When we
consider this we see an important application: Jesus is telling the one
sowing the seed that he will face different types of hearts.
In other words, be prepared for rejection and less than total
reception in some cases. Not
all will hear and not all will remain faithful.
BUT some will.
ALSO note the responsibility of the Sower – SOW THE SEED.
Beyond that, we do not read of the Sower again in this parable.
Let God give the increase (1 Cor. 3:6).
4.
Consider
that it is possible for the condition of soil to change in time.
Just as a physical field can change – a stony field can become
good soil with intense efforts to remove the stones, good ground can
become filled with weeds or even become hardened and impenetrable if
neglected and impenetrable soil can be worked to become good soil – so
in time hearts can change.
5.
Finally,
consider Luke 8:11 – “The seed is the word of God”.
Now we know what we are supposed to be planting.
Nothing more and nothing less.
b.
Parable
of the wheat and tares (13:24-30) – explained (13:36-43)
i.
After
explaining the parable of the sower (according to Matthew’s account)
Jesus then spoke another parable.
ii.
This
describes a man sowing good seed in his field.
But while he was sleeping, an enemy comes and sows tares in the
midst of the wheat. When the
plants begin to sprout, servants notice both wheat and tares.
They ask the master if he wanted them to go and gather up the
tares. The master responds
to wait until the harvest when it will be easier to distinguish them and
to separate them. Then they
will be separated and the tares burned and the wheat saved and used.
iii.
In the
explanation we find the following facts about this parable (13:37-43):
1.
It is the
Son of Man who is sowing the good seed.
2.
The field
is the world
3.
The good
seed is the sons of the kingdom
4.
The tares
the sons of the wicked one
5.
The enemy
is the devil
6.
The
harvest is the end of the age
7.
The
reapers are the angels.
iv.
ANY
explanation must keep these in mind because Jesus identified them.
Based on these things, Jesus said that at judgment the sons of
the kingdom and the sons of the wicked one would be separated by the
angels and the wicked would be condemned to hell while the righteous
would shine forth.
v.
The wicked
are described as those in the kingdom that offend and practice
lawlessness.
vi.
The
message: This is a warning of judgment.
We learn from this parable that we have to live in the world
among the wicked.
1.
Some
believe because it mentions the kingdom, it has reference to the church
and thus the point is that within the church there will be those who
offend and practice lawlessness.
While that is true, the text is better supported with what Jesus
said – He speaks of the world.
Consider Psalm 24:1 which says, “The earth is the Lord’s and all
it’s fullness.” (cf. Ex.
9:29, 1 Cor. 10:26). Acts
17:24 says, “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is
Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.”
2.
Regardless
of where the wicked are we still need to be righteous and do what is
right (grow and produce fruit).
vii.
Some
observations about this parable
1.
There is a
day of judgment that is coming that we need to prepare for.
2.
If the
kingdom here is reference to the world, it is the ONLY one of the 7
parables in this chapter that uses the term that way.
The rest of the parables have reference to attributes OF the
kingdom of heaven.
3.
There is a
place of eternal torments.
Here described as the furnace of fire and where there will be wailing
and gnashing of teeth.
c.
The
Parables of the mustard seed (13:31-32) and leaven (13:33).
i.
Here are
two parables that address the growth of the kingdom of heaven.
1.
You have a
mustard seed which is planted and grows into a tree suitable for birds
to rest in.
2.
You read
of leaven (yeast, etc.) which is hidden in a lump of dough and it
leavens the whole lump.
ii.
The lesson
that Jesus is presenting is that the kingdom of heaven is going to grow
from something very small into something large and of great influence.
This is certainly borne out in the book of Acts.
Recall Colossians 1:23 which noted that the gospel had been
preached to “every creature under heaven.”
iii.
What is
different in these parables?
While both deal with growth, why are there two.
1.
The
parable of the mustard seed demonstrates VISIBLE growth from a small
seed throughout the world.
As the Christian faith spread, it’s presence was visible and obvious.
It is because of this that many of the Jewish leaders expressed
such great concerns. Also,
later Rome would wage war against the church and Christians.
MAY our works in the kingdom result in VISIBLE changes in our lives
personally and within our society around us.
2.
The
parable of leaven describes the INFLUENCE of the kingdom which is often
unseen. As leaven works, it
may not be seen with the naked eye, but the RESULTS can be seen.
MUCH of our influence is done in not so obvious ways.
We simply live as good examples and we do what we can to defend
the kingdom and let our influence do the work.
We are not working to be seen by men (i.e. praised by them or to
brag).
NOTE 1 Cor. 5:6, “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole
lump?” Some when they see
leaven think of its negative influence.
But leavening can work for either good or bad.
It depends on the “starter”.
Let us resolve to be GOOD leaven.
d.
The
Parable of hidden treasure (13:44) & Parable of pearl of great price
(13:45).
i.
Here we
have two more parables that seem to be saying the same thing.
Both deal with the value of the kingdom of heaven.
1.
The
parable of the hidden treasure describes a man finding a hidden treasure
in a field. He goes and buys
the field – so that he can have the treasure.
2.
The
parable of the pearl of great price describes a merchant seeking
beautiful pearls. When he
finds one of great value he goes and sells all that he has so that he
can buy it.
ii.
The
message of both of these parables is that the value of the kingdom of
heaven is greater than anything this world has to offer.
As Jesus taught in Matthew 16:26 says, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his
own soul? Or what will a man
give in exchange for his soul?”
One who truly appreciates the Kingdom of heaven WILL seek it
first (Matt. 6:33)
iii.
What is
different in these parables?
It has to do with the searcher.
In one, the man is not looking for it while in the other one he
is. In either case, when the
treasure is discovered, its value is realized and he will sell
EVERYTHING to possess it.
iv.
LESSON:
Don’t judge who is worthy of trying to convert without making effort
with all. You NEVER know how
one will respond until you try.
2 Cor. 5:10-11.
e.
The
Parable of the dragnet (13:47-50)
i.
Here Jesus
describes the kingdom of heaven as a dragnet cast into the sea and some
of every kind are gathered.
While the net catches many different types of sea creatures, not all of
them are fit to eat or use.
The good ones are gathered into vessels and the bad ones are cast away.
ii.
Jesus
gives a FEW points to consider in application:
1.
It deals
with the end of the age – i.e. the judgment
2.
Angels
will separate the wicked and the just
3.
The wicked
will be cast into hell (the furnace of fire, with wailing and gnashing
of teeth).
iii.
This
parable is similar in message to the wheat and tares as to judgment.
In the end BOTH the good and bad will face the judgment of God.
The difference is that this parable COULD be talking about the
good and bad within the kingdom.
Notice the net being cast into the sea.
If the sea is the world, the net could be the church on earth (as
opposed to the perfect kingdom in heaven) where there are many who
profess to follow Christ, but not all are TRUE and GOOD.
It is a sad truth, but not everyone who professes to be a
Christian is one. EVEN among
those who faithfully attend and are active in the TRUE church there
might be some who are lost.
Because a local congregation is made up of men who are fallible, we make
judgments based upon what we observe, but not without errors at time.
While we do our best to render proper judgment, at times we will
make mistakes and be deceived.
BUT GOD KNOWS BETTER.
If one puts on a front while on earth, he may get away with it between
men, but in judgment, God will separate the godly from the wicked.
The wicked here WILL face the wrath of God the same as those who
NEVER obeyed the gospel.
iv.
OBSERVE:
In this parable, as with many others we see that the kingdom is already
in existence when the Lord comes to judge the world. The kingdom is NOW
present and if you are a faithful Christian, you are in the kingdom of
heaven.
f.
The
Parable of the scribe like a householder (13:52)
i.
Some don’t think of this as a
parable, but when you read it, it is one.
Jesus here compares the scribe instructed concerning the kingdom
of heaven to a householder who has both old and new treasures.
I think of one who goes to the attic and finds old things that
have been put away for a long time and brings them out and finds a new
use for it.
ii.
What is
different is He describes a certain group – the scribes.
This parable is a challenge to the scribes of the Old Law.
The scribes Jesus here describes were those trained in writing
whose task was to document events and to copy and preserve the Law of
Moses, as well as to understand it and properly apply it.
The point Jesus was trying to derive was that as they studied the Law,
they should do so seeking to bring out not only what they already
understood, but also new things they had not thought about.
Bear in mind that Jesus is revealing that He is the fulfillment
of many of the promises of the Old Law as well as its spiritual hope.
His message is that they ought to weigh His claims by what the
Law actually said – it would validate Him (cf. John 5:39-40, 45-47).
iii.
Lessons
for us:
1.
In a sense
we are all scribes. We need
to study the word of God for ourselves (2 Tim. 2:15, Heb. 5:12-14, 1
Pet. 3:15, etc.) and we need to discern its teachings in our lives and
teach it to others.
2.
We also
need to bring out treasures new and old.
Our faith needs to grow built upon what we have already learned.
And just because we have advanced in our understanding does NOT
mean that the former things we learned are not needed.
They are often the FOUNDATION of our wisdom.
Just, don’t become stagnant!
3.
We could
also consider the importance of the Old Law to us.
Just as it verified that Jesus WAS the promised Messiah and the
Kingdom He ushered in was the one promised, so the Old Law helps us
better understand the New Law today (cf. Matt. 5:17-18, Rom. 15:4, 1
Cor. 10:11, etc.)
In these parables, Jesus helped to reveal the kingdom of Heaven
to His disciples. All of His
parables and teachings have meaning for us to consider.
What does the kingdom mean to you?