Matt 13

From chapter 13-16, Mathew emphasizes on the rejection of Jesus. Why did Jesus suddenly preach in parable? Because Jesus wanted to hide the truth from the people who had rejected Him (v.11, 14-15). Jesus was even rejected by His hometown (vv. 53-58).

Parable is one of the most difficult genre to interpret because many people try to dig out hidden meaning from parables. A parable is like a joke: it has (1) points of reference – how would the original audience identify with the parable? and (2) a punch line – what kind of response does the parable want?

The parable of sower (vv. 1-8; 18-23) is about the reception of the message of the kingdom. The points of reference: the seed is the message and the types of soil represents different kinds of response. The punch line is to urge us to be a good soil: not only hear but understand and product fruit. (v. 23) All other details of the parable is just for the purpose of making the story lively.

The parable of weed (vv. 24-30) and the parable of the net (vv. 47-50) is about the selection process of the kingdom. The parable of the mustard seed (vv. 31-32) and the yeast (vv. 33) is about the rapid growth of the kingdom. The parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl is about the value of the kingdom.

My sharing: I should be careful of how I hear. If I let my heart become calloused, no matter how often I hear, I won’t benefit from it. Hear and obey is the key for growth.

Comments

Audrey said…
From yesterday passage, the Pharisee has hardened their heart about the identity of Jesus. No, they will never accept who Jesus is no matter what He will do. In 13:14, Jesus refers them to the prophecy of Isaiah. Their hearts are dull, ears can barely hear and eyes have closed v.15. I notice the order of their condition. They have a presupposition about Jesus in their heart which does not correspond to the facts which can be heard and seen. Then they cannot hear and see v.14. On the other hand, the disciples are blessed because they see and hear v.16. The right respond will be expected in their heart. Are we open to see what Jesus teach us everyday in His Words and change our heart? Or we have presupposition and not willing to change no matter what we see and hear?
April 17, 2007 at 8:22:00 AM CST
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