Matthew 13:34-35

In Matthew 13, we find several parables. Why did Jesus teach in so many parables? Matthew uses prophecy to explain Jesus’ fondness of parables. What is a “parable”? We often say that a parable is a “earthly story with an heavenly meaning.” The Greek word for “parable” literally means “placing beside.” It’s teaching, then, that is placed beside other teaching. It supplements other teaching. Not everyone always understands parables.

Matthew says that the reason Jesus is teaching in parables is that this is the fulfillment of prophecy (Matt 13:34-35). Part of the purpose of Jesus’ telling parables was certainly to keep certain truths from people who refused to accept His Messiahship. Matthew 13:11-17. Through parables, Jesus was able to teach truth in such a way that hard-hearted individuals couldn’t grasp it. How often do we teach truth in plain language but hard-hearted folks don’t get it? Why would Jesus want certain people not to get His message?

The Original Prophecy

Psalm 78:1-4. We really need to read the entire Psalm to get the idea. However, it is quite lengthy. But, please take the time to read all of Psalm 78 to get a clear idea of the context. Asaph used “parables” to teach the Israelites about their history. “Parable” in this context should really be understood as “comparison” or “analogy.” He proceeds to explain things to the Israelites about their history that were previously unknown. He proceeds to tell them how the Israelites were consistently unfaithful to God.

Asaph tells the Israelites how sinful their forefathers were by using “parables.” He compares incidents from Israel’s history. By comparing these events, he makes clear certain things that were previously unknown.

The Prophecy and Jesus

In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches in many parables. After teaching the Parable of the Sower, the disciples come and ask, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” (v 10). Jesus answers: vv 11-17. We even find that hard hearts fulfill prophecy.

The Parables of Matthew 13: Parable of the Sower. Parables of the Wheat and Tares. Parable of the Mustard Seed. Parable of the Leaven. Parable of the Hidden Treasure. Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. Parable of the Dragnet.

The text says that Jesus spoke only in parables. Matthew 13:34-35. The text says that Jesus spoke only in parables. Why would He only speak in parables? Did Jesus not want certain people to grasp what He was teaching? Didn’t Jesus come so that all people would learn of Him and have the opportunity to live with Him eternally?

According to prophecy, Jesus would “utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.” Why were certain things “kept secret”? Why didn’t God tell everyone from the very beginning all that He was going to do? Are there things that are still “kept secret”? What things were “kept secret from the foundation of the world”?