A Parable About Parables

Matthew 13:1-23

Introduction

This is a well-known parable, largely because of its explanation that follows it.

It is most commonly brought out in order to encourage evangelism. “Sow everywhere and don’t be concerned about the condition of the soil…just sow.”

Fair enough, but is that the point of the parable.

And if it is not, what are the consequences of missing that point?

At the series of lectures on the book of Matthew that I attended back in April, a man called this parable a parable about parables.

I think that is an apt description for in this parable and the explanation that follows we have the key to all the other parables.

It also is a good indicator of whether we will let the Bible interpret itself or if we will force our own conclusions onto it.

How Will You Understand?

This is the question asked by Jesus in Mark’s account (Mk. 4:13).

We use Scripture’s own interpretation as a key to other parts (Matt. 22:31-32; Heb. 7:1-17).

This is how we understand the value of command, example, and necessary inference.

It is how we begin to see more of Jesus as we look back into Moses and the prophets.

It is not just an opportunity, it is an expectation (Matt. 19:4).

Jesus is actually saying this before the explanation.

Hearing the Explanation

The parable is about hearing and receiving (Matt. 13:9, 11-13).

The parable is playing out what it is talking about.

The parable is seed and the reception of it illustrates its point.

That means the instruction is geared toward the soils (Matt. 13:19).

Where do you think the Pharisees viewed themselves in this parable?

Hearing and Not Understanding

Too often we ignore what is explicitly explained (Matt. 13:36-40).

We ignore context (Lk. 15:1-3).

We imagine ourselves as sympathetic characters (Lk. 15:11-32).

Or we offer sympathetic explanations of wicked characters (Lk. 19:22).

This is not a matter of capacity (cf. Num. 22:31-34).

Conclusion

Be careful that you don’t run to some additional practical application (sowing the seed) before applying the initial application.

You can and are expected to understand God’s word. If you don’t, the idea is that you need to do some soil amendment.

So…take heed how you hear.