Mission in Jesus’ Parables of the KingdomSample

We’re so used to the idea that Jesus spoke in parables that we may have lost the sense of confusion this held for his followers. In Matthew 13:10, the disciples’ question is: “Why don’t you just come right out and say what you mean?” Jesus’ reply seems to bring more confusion than clarity (Matthew 13:13–15). Was Jesus telling parables to prevent people from hearing and seeing? Well, not quite.

In the passage, he quotes from Isaiah 6, Israel’s sin caused their inability to hear and see. To those not open to seeing or hearing, Jesus’ parables are like riddles, confirming people in their choices. Their hearts are dull, and they have shut their eyes to the truth. The disciples, however, have drawn close to Jesus. They want to learn and understand, so the parables help them. To quote Matthew 13:11, it has been given to them “to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven.”

Yet, outsiders frequently become insiders in the gospels. The disciples’ question comes immediately after the parable of the sower. According to that parable, though many do not bear fruit, some people respond—like the soil producing a bumper crop. Later in this chapter, we see parables about the growth of the kingdom—so it doesn’t stop with the 12 disciples he’s speaking to; instead, others are entering, and the kingdom continues to grow. Look at Matthew 13:16. The disciples focus on others: “Why do you speak to those people in parables?”. But Jesus wants to say something to them:“ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear” (emphasis added).

The passage's main point turns out to be GOOD news—you do see! In fact, you’re in a more privileged position than all the Old Testament prophets and other righteous people who lived before your day because the king has come, and you live in the age of the kingdom. The disciples are in that position. Now, they are those who have, to whom more will be given (Matthew 13:12). The parables provide a new perspective through which we see God, ourselves, and our world with fresh eyes and have a message to share with others. We minister so that others may see too, outsiders become insiders, and the kingdom may continue to grow. That is the privilege, the challenge, and the opportunity we’ve been given as we join with God in his mission to the world.

Matthew 13:10–17