The King and His Kingdom

Parables are a teaching method that uses comparisons between physical things and spiritual things in order to reveal spiritual meanings. Jesus used parables to teach His disciples so they could grow in knowledge while keeping the meanings of His teachings hidden from unbelievers, especially those who wanted to use His teachings simply to attack Him. It was a method used by other teachers before Jesus but used extensively by Him to reveal the deeper meaning of God's will to those who were sincerely seeking it.

Look for spiritual truths in context (what prompted the teaching, how it applied to the initial audience, and how it applies to us today.) Look for meaning within the parable itself or in the context before drawing a conclusion.

Avoid oversimplification or complication.

Don't separate Jesus (the messenger) from the parable (the message).

Look for the truth being taught.

Note: A parable doesn't prove a truth nor form a basis alone for doctrine. A parable communicates the meaning of an already established truth.

see the Kingdom fully realized and completed here, we're only adding to it as time goes by. A more biblical view is that there is an earthly Kingdom (the Church) but the eternal Kingdom will be fulfilled by the return of Jesus and the resurrection and glorification of Christians at that time.

Matthew 13:3-17 – The Parable of the Sower

This parable describes the response from those who are hearing the message of Jesus. He is also describing our responsibility to spread the gospel and the various reactions of those that hear the message.

Matthew 13:24-30 – The Wheat and the Tares

Many will receive the message, including those who seek to rebel or destroy our Lord. In the end, God will divide them and destroy those that do not receive and respond to the message.

Matthew 13:31-33 – The Parable of the Mustard

Seed and Leaven The kingdom will begin small but will grow to cover all the earth and afford protection to those within it and to influence the entire world. We see this as the church with the twelve in Acts 2 and is now known throughout the entire world.

Matthew 13:44-50 – The Parables of a Great

Treasure, Pearl, and Net The Kingdom is more valuable than anything earthly and we must be willing to give up everything to obtain it. Some will accept it but for the wrong reasons and will be rejected by God at judgment.

Note: Teachers may consider referring to Paul's teachings from Ephesians 5:25-33; Ephesians 6:4, and Colossians 3:19-21 regarding the role of the father as the spiritual leader of the family.

Jesus asks if they understand the parable (not just hear it but gather its intended meaning. See also Matthew 13:9 and Matthew 13:17) Jesus compares the listeners to the head of the household whose responsibility was to provide for the needs of the household, especially spiritual needs. They were to take what they currently understand and grow in knowledge of the new truths taught by Jesus. If they do so, they will be able to provide for the spiritual needs of their family.

Jesus reveals His message in a way all should be able to understand if they are willing to listen and apply. The use of parables is a common methodology because it provides understanding based on what we know and then moves into the unknown. Also, as disciples of Jesus we dedicate ourselves to learning and following His teachings in all aspects of our lives. As we do so, we grow spiritually and take on more of the identity of Jesus.