Jesus explained a parable

Matthew 13:10–23

Parables can do two things. They may confuse people. Or they may make things clear. This parable shows us our spiritual state.

The disciples heard Jesus’ story. Then they asked a natural question. It was, ‘Why are you using this way to teach?’ (Matthew 13:10.) Jesus’ reply was in two parts. They are in Matthew 13:12–15 and Matthew 13:16–17. Jesus also gave a brief statement of the main points in verse 11.

First, parables could confuse the people who heard them. Some people chose not to believe. They might have had a little understanding. But they refused to listen. So, the stories confused them (Matthew 13:12). Jesus gave the reason for this. It is in Matthew 13:14-15. He repeated Isaiah 6:9–10. They had chosen not to believe. So they could not receive the truth. They could not repent. The parables of Jesus just showed what they were like. This is still true about people today.

But some parables can help people who hear them. Parables can help people to understand the truth. Some people want to know the truth about Jesus. So they listen to what he says. These people will understand the parables. So, the same words can have the opposite effect. They confuse those who refuse to believe. They give clearer understanding to those who want to obey Jesus. (Read Matthew 13:16–17.)

Think about the greatest spiritual men in the OT. There were God’s people. Examples of these are Noah and Abraham. Also there were the prophets. Examples of these are Samuel and Isaiah. They knew that a very special person would come at some time. But there was so much that they did not know. The person who wanted to follow Jesus knew more than they did! He or she would learn that Jesus was that special person. People who lived in OT times had so many hopes. And Jesus was the answer to them all.

First, Jesus told the parable. (Read Matthew 13:3–9.) Then he explained why he taught by parables. (Read Matthew 13:10–17.) Finally, he would explain how to understand them.

The seed and the soil

It was not important here to know who the farmer was. The important thing was the seed. The seed was like the word of God. The main lesson was about the effects of the ‘seed’. It had a different effect on those who heard God’s word. The people who heard God’s word were like the various types of soil. The lessons that Jesus taught are still true today. They are:

• The way that we receive God’s word is most important. There is nothing wrong with the message. There is nothing wrong with the person who brings that message. The problem is with those who hear it. Jesus compares them to different types of soil.
• It is impossible to teach some people. The seed that fell on the path could never grow. The farmer might be very skilful. The seed could be the very best seed. But it would not grow. Some men and women can be like this. They do not want to know the truth. They may hear the good news about Jesus. But they never really listen to it. So they can never benefit from it.
• Some people do not realise that God’s word is vital. Jesus described ground where there was not much soil. There were rocks just underneath the surface. Jesus was speaking about people who do listen to him. They like his message. It is the answer to their sense of need. So they are often eager to welcome it. But this desire does not last.
• Some people are busy with many things. With them, it is like the seed that fell among thorn bushes. (Note: A thorn is sharp, like a needle.) There was nothing wrong with the soil. The person who is like this receives God’s word. He or she even acts in a Christian way for a time. But there is a problem. There are other important things in that person’s life. Soon, he or she has no time for the things of God.
• Some people have the right reactions to God’s word. With them, it is like the seed that fell into good soil. The size of the ‘harvest’ will depend on their gifts. But each one of them will be useful in the service of Jesus.

This passage showed attitudes to Jesus and to his message. We can often have the wrong attitudes ourselves. We do not like to think about this. It is a natural reaction. But we must be willing to listen to Jesus.

Questions

• How could the different types of soil refer to non-Christians today? How could they apply to Christians today?
• There are many problems in the church today. Could they come because people do not hear God’s word properly? What things in the church could spoil our ‘harvest’?
• Some people today want to obey Jesus at first. But they do not become real disciples. How do the different types of soil describe them? (Look at your answers to question 1.) What can we do to help these people?