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Kingdom Parables
In the
interpretation of the parable, three elements must be considered.
1. The scope of the parable or the thing to be illustrated.
It is vital that the purpose of the parable stands out clearly in the mind of the
interpreter. In his studies, he should not overlook the important helps found in the
Bible.
- The occasion on which a parable is introduced may illustrate its
meaning and bearing. Matthew 20:1 ff. is explained by 19:27; Matthew 25:14 ff., by verse
13; Luke 16:19-31 by the 14th verse.
- Cf. also Luke 10:29; 15:1,2; and 19:11, for the purpose of the
following parables.
- The object of the parable may be expressly stated in the
introduction, as in Luke 18:1.
- Certain expressions at the end of the parable also may explain its
bearing. Cf. Matthew 13:49; Luke 11:9; 12:21.
- Again, a similar parable of similar import may point out the thing
to be illustrated. Compare Luke 15:3 ff. with Matthew 18:12 ff. The 14th verse of Matthew
contains a valuable hint.
- Often the interpreter must discover the purpose of a parable by the
careful study of its context.
2. The figurative
representation of the parable. After the scope of the parable is determined, the
figurative representation calls for close examination. The formal narrative that is meant
both to reveal and conceal the truth must be analyzed carefully and all the necessary
geographical, archaeological, and historical light, must be brought to bear upon it.
3. The exact point of
comparison. Finally, the exact point of comparison must be detected. There is always some
special aspect of the kingdom of God, some particular line of duty to be followed, or some
danger to be shunned, which the parable seeks to exhibit. Since the interpreter has not
discovered this point, he cannot hope to understand the parable, and he should not explain
the individual traits because these may be understood only under the light of the central
idea.
The same day
went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. Matthew 13:1
What House?
Matthew 12:1
Deuteronomy 23:25 Matthew 12:22-24
- This is the last miracle that Jesus does in the presence
of the Pharisees.
Matthew 12:25-27 Acts 19:13-15
- Sceva was right there, and was doing what he had accused
Jesus of doing.
- Jesus had to walk out of
the house of Israel!
If he had not done so, Israel would have
been divided and could not stand. Matthew 12:34
- Evil = Spiritual Blindness
- Speak Good Things = Dumb
It may be argued that the Kingdom Parables
begin here. Matthew 12:43-45
- Jesus says, “You guys are just like this man. You
have rejected me, your eyes were blind, and you could not speak good things.”
- “I have swept and garnished the house, but you have
rejected me. When I go, these devils will come back to you.” Matthew 13:1
- This is the first time
Jesus teaches by parables.
He has mentioned a few parables, but he
has never before taught by them.
Parable of The Sower
The Key
Matthew
13:3-10 Verse 9 is the key to this parable. This parable
is the key to all parables.
- Jesus is establishing a foundational idea. Only the person
who wishes to understand what he hears Jesus speaking will be given understanding.
- Only those who will receive the word will ever understand
what Jesus is saying to them.
All other hearers do not want to understand
what Jesus is saying, they only want to use his words against him.
A Sower
Verse 3 says
a sower. Jesus was the sower, now we are the sower in his stead.
Verse 8
Ground = The Hearer Look at verse 52.
- Treasure = Heart
- Things New = The Church Age
- Things Old = The Tribulation Period
Parable of
The Tares
Something Old
Matthew
13:24-30 Man = Jesus Good seed in his field = Believers
during the Tribulation
Parable of
The Dragnet
Something Old
Matthew
13:47-51 Straightforward....The end of the age.
Parable of
The Mustard Seed
Something New
Matthew
13:31-32
The first two
parables speak of a man sowing many seeds. Here the sower sows only one (1) seed. The Man = God the Father The
Seed = Jesus
- Mark 4:14-15 Birds =
Demons (Satanic spirits)
- Verse 4
- Mark 4:15
They are come to steal the seed (the word).
We are the branches
- John 15:5
- Seed comes from the branches, not from the trunk.
We are the ones under attack, especially
new converts.
Parable of The Leaven
Something New
Matthew
13:33-35 Leaven is a type of sin. Woman = False religion
- Revelation 17:5 Meal = The Church
- An internal attack
Leaven of the Pharisees
Legalism:
Does and Don’ts
Matthew 16:6
Mark 8:14-15
Leaven of The Herodians
Church
Politics Matthew 22:15-22
Leaven of The
Sadducees
Denial of the
Miraculous Acts 23:6-8
Parable of
The Field
Something Old
Matthew 13:44
Treasure
- Psalm 135:4
- Exodus 19:4-5; 39:8-14
ME! Field = The
World Man = Jesus
The Pearl of
Great Price
Something New
Matthew
13:45-46 Merchant Man = Jesus Pearl of Great Price = ME!
Pearl Facts
- A stone is formed, but a pearl is made
- Pearls start with one irritating stone
- A pearl cannot be worn until it is lifted out of its place
- Pearls are fragile and must be protected (outside of
Christ we are fragile
- All other gems reflect light, but pearls both absorb and
reflect light
- As long as a pearl is in its place it is still being built
- Revelation 21:2, 19-21
Verse 51
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