Matthew 13 - February 16^th

Matthew 13 is a chapter of parables. I want to consider two of the parables that Jesus presents in this chapter, and that is the parable of the sower and the parable of the weeds. However, before I do, I would like to consider precisely what a parable is and Jesus’ purpose in using them.

Purpose of Parables

The word parable comes from the greek word parabolē, which, when broken down, literally means to throw alongside. Parables were common instruments implemented by rabbis during the time of Jesus to aid in their teaching. They were short and simple illustrations, usually in the form of a story, that would be thrown alongside spiritual teaching. I once heard them explained as earthly stories with heavenly meanings. Parables were often used to make complex concepts more attainable through the use of analogy. Now, many think that Jesus implemented parables for the same purpose, that is, to reveal certain heavenly realities and make them clearer. While that is true for those who “have ears to hear”, Jesus would often use the very same parables to conceal certain truths to others, which is the exact explanation we find Jesus giving in verses 10-16. 

Parables are very useful when explained; when the meaning has been revealed, and the parable is thrown alongside something plainly said, then the illustration aids in understanding. However, an unexplained parable is nothing more than a riddle and can actually serve to conceal the truth that it contains. Were Jesus to want to make things clear, he would simply say everything plainly, instead, he conceals truth by using parables. Why would he do this? As a form of judgment to those who reject him! 

Jesus revealed the truth to those whom he chose; in this case, it is his disciples. When they would ask for the meaning, he would reveal it to them; however, to the rest, he would leave them with nothing more than the parable. There are some as Jesus says, who have “ears to hear”. I believe the ones who have ears to hear are Christians. The people of God who have been given new birth have also been those who have been chosen to receive illumination by the Holy Spirit as to the meaning of God’s holy Word! We are those who “have” as Jesus says, and so we are given more, that is, more understanding. But, to those who have rejected God, like the unbelieving Scribes and Pharisees, the truth of God’s Word is hidden. The ones who “have not” are those who have not been born again, and so are judged by having the truth of God’s word obscured. To the people of God who have the illumination of the Holy Sprit by election, a parable reveals heavenly truths, but to those who are not the people of God, parables conceal them.

This does not mean that we, who are Christians, will understand everything fully at once. But it should give us confidence that we will come to understand more and more through diligent study of the Word of God.

Parable of Sower/Weeds

These parables are unique, in my opinion, in that they are the only parables that I can think of in which we have Jesus explaining them plainly. There is no question as to what the tares represent or what the different terrains of soil signify; it is all made clear. The parable of the sower communicates the truth that not all who hear the Gospel will be saved. In fact, just because somebody makes a profession of faith does not mean they are truly in Christ. True Christians are those who bear the fruit of the faith and persevere under trial. Do not be mistaken, a saving faith is a fruitful faith, and a saving faith is a persevering faith!

The parable of the weeds shows us that there are such things as false converts. There are those who dwell amongst the people of God who are not, in fact, themselves the people of God. There are those who will cry “Lord, Lord,” and yet Christ will say to them, “depart from me. I never knew you”. On Judgement day, they will be revealed and thrown into the fire to be burned like weeds. But the people of God will be gathered into the heavenly kingdom like wheat in a barn.