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I think it’s about time for a new series. I love Jesus’ parables and believe there is so much power in them that they pretty much preach themselves. It’s therefore quite surprising that I have never tried doing a study of one. Over the course of the next 17(ish) weeks we are therefore going to work our way through Matthew’s gospel, spending one week on each parable as we encounter it.

The first parable appears in chapter 7, then clumps of parables appear in chapters 13,18, 20-22,24-25. Some people will tell you that a lot of Matthew’s parables are repeated in other gospels, but in most cases I’m pretty certain that it’s not the case – here’s why:

Jesus of Nazareth lived at a time when the only real way that teaching took place was orally. That is, a rabbi would tell his disciples what his rabbi had told him. His disciples would pass on the message, and so on. The message was kept the same throughout generations because rabbis would tell the same stories again and again, to as wide an audience as possible, and therefore many would be able to repeat the stories and compare what they had heard, ensuring that it was accurately communicated to the next generation.

Jesus would have told some of his parables hundreds of times! Each time may have been slightly altered depending on the scenario although the general theme would be the same. This is why the gospel authors may, at first glance, appear to disagree on exactly what words Jesus used, or exactly where he was when he gave a message – they are, in fact, different parables. And this is why we are only looking at Matthew. Matthew intentionally chose his particular parables, and so his pattern is the one we will use.

Why study the parables?

Well, there are a couple of very good reasons to study the parables, as the disciples found out when they asked Jesus: ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ (Matthew 13:10) Jesus’ answer gives us three reasons: ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled…’ (Matthew 13:11-14a)

1. To reveal the secrets of the kingdom of heaven

So there are secrets about the kingdom of heaven which are not known; Jesus’ parables serve as a way to present these secrets in a manner by which we can understand them.

2. Because the tiny bit they have will be taken away

We’ll see this in the coming weeks but the essence of what Jesus is talking about here is the audience for his parables. Jesus’ intention in his parables was primarily to serve his disciples, not unbelievers. In other words, those who already have an understanding of Jesus will receive a greater understanding, and those who do not know him will lose even the touch of grace they have seen while on this planet. This makes parables particularly relevant for self-titled Christians who think that they believe, but in their heart despise God.

3. To fulfil Isaiah’s prophecy

Finally Jesus told parables because the results were prophesied in Isaiah 6:9-10. Therefore parables are certainly part of God’s eternal plan, and have been since the Old Testament!

It is with some excitement that we set off on this journey – I’m looking forward to next week! I hope you are too.

"Word from Scotland" from Sandy Shaw

"Lord God, You Have a Funny Way of Working at Times"