From Matthew 13:10-17 / The Problem of Parables

In these few verses, we find not only that these parables of the Kingdom reveal “secrets” (mysterion, mysteries), but that Jesus’ means of revelation is itself somewhat mysterious.

The disciples themselves want to know why He is using this method.

Note first: That Jesus is always willing to unfold His darker sayings when people inquire. R.T. France observes that a pattern emerges here. As vs. 34 records, when Jesus spoke to he crowds, “indeed, He said nothing to them without a parable.” And this was not to make Himself better understood, but as a weeding out mechanism. But when the disciples (or any others) seek Him out and ask for explanations – He always gives them.

Note second: That in Jesus’ citation of Isaiah, He explains too why He is using parables. Because prophecy must be fulfilled as a testimony to them. If they knew the Scriptures, they would know this was foretold and they would hear it all differently. Instead, they hear it and themselves fulfill other prophecy by failing to recognize this would happen, and seek me to know the truth behind the parables. It is the good seed falling on hard, stony and weedy ground.

Note third: This passage and especially Jesus’ quotation points out a principle which is threaded all the way through the Bible: That one and the same thing or event, is often divinely used both as blessing and judgment.

The ultimate reality of this will be Jesus’ 2nd coming. In that day, Believers will step into ultimate blessing, and unbelievers will be judged in fire. Israel’s deliverance from Egypt was blessing for them and judgment on Egypt. This pattern recurs over and over.

So it is, Jesus speaks in parables, which is a blessing to those who will hear and inquire (vss. 16-17) but serves as judgment on those who will give it but a surface hearing and walk away.

Note fourth: This is explicitly demonstrated in vs. 15 – 14b-15 cited from Isaiah.

The bottom line is in the last sentence: They do not want to turn from their ways, to come to Christ.

They do not want:

a. The healing that only He can provide. They want a helper, not a sole Savior.

b. To have to come to HIM. They hate His exclusivity.

c. To admit they need the healing only He can provide. They want to think differently about their sin. And that it can only be met by Christ.

And so it is with so many yet today.

These are deep reasonings of the heart that most do not even realize.

Note lastly: To what lengths Jesus goes through to give His disciples, and all who believe, a realistic and deep understanding what His kingdom is like in its key facets. How these parables will tell them, and us, what to expect, and not to expect. To understand why things in the Church are the way they are. To keep us from formulating our own ideas about how the Church and the Church age ought to progress.

As such, these marvelous parables keep us from discouragement, and bolster our confidence in what He is doing in the years before His return.

Some will hear, some will not.

There will always be a mixture of the righteous and the unrighteous on the earth, and in the Church until Christ returns. We cannot produce a truly “pure” Church.

Christ’s Kingdom many times appears so small. But it is alive and growing. We’ll see it in due time.

Conformity to Christ’s image is a slow and sometimes painful process. Don’t flag.

The Kingdom really is worth anything and everything we may need to endure.

Christ really is our greatest gain. We need eyes to grasp it more and more.

There is a final day of separation and judgement and reward ahead. Wait for it.

Glory!