Lesson Three (Chapter 13)
The Kingdom Parables
“It is the glory of G-d to conceal [Gen 4:14] a matter [davar=word], but the glory of kings is to search out a matter [davar=word].”
Proverbs 25:2
“But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says HaShem: I will put My Torah in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their G-d, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know HaShem,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says HaShem. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
Jeremiah 31:33-34
Introduction
- In the last lesson we saw how the Sabbath is a sign – a sign that it is G-d, and G-d alone that sets us apart.
- Chapter 13 begins the didactic teaching on the Kingdom. Yeshua used parables to teach about “the Kingdom”.
- There is great irony in the fact that the Kingdom is being expressed in parables, which in this instance are only understood by the few who have been called.
Parables Reveal and Conceal
- What many do not know is that the parable is one of the most common elements to Jewish literature. Yeshua's use of parables enforces the idea that Yeshua taught as a Rabbi.
- First we need to know that parables are easy ways for talmidim to remember complex concepts in story form.
- They are NOT to be treated as allegories.
- Matt 13:14-15; Is 6:1-10: Sent with a message that some would not hear.
- Parables are simple. They use common points to make mostly a single point – to motivate toward a decision. To those unwilling to accept the decision needed, it sounds like nonsense.
What is the Kingdom?
- The “Kingdom Parables” are found throughout the Gospels – but are concentrated here in Matthew 13. Before we delve into “what the Kingdom is like” – let’s understand what the “Kingdom” is NOT.
- It is NOT: Heaven and “pie in the sky,” or a “spiritual community,” or something that begins at the end of time
- The Kingdom is a RELATIONSHIP. There was never a “king” without “subjects”, nor “subjects” without a “king”.
- The King is Yeshua, the Messiah. All those called by Him are His subjects. Everything that Yeshua speaks regarding the “Kingdom” is ALWAYS to be understood in light of the relationship between Himself and His people. “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done”. Subjects obey their King – or they are not subjects.
Parable of the Sower
- Matt 13:3-9; 18-23
- Seed = the Kingdom message (“Repent…”)
- Birds = the wicked one
- The wayside, the path = the one who will not receive the message, or does not understand it.
- Stony ground = the one who begins to repent, but when difficulties arise, gives up.
- Thorny ground = the one who begins to repent, but because the cares and distractions of life, gives up.
- Good ground = the one who repents and submits to the rule of G-d in his life.
- Bountiful crop = good deeds; righteous acts (i.e. fruit)
- Singular point: The ones who truly obey the Kingdom message will endure. and produce fruit in the Kingdom of G-d.
Parables of Wheat and Tares; and the Dragnet
- Matt 13:24-30; 36-43; Matt 13:47-50
- The Sower = the Son of Man
- The field = the world
- Good seed = sons of the Kingdom
- Tares = sons of the evil one
- The Enemy = the Devil
- The harvest = the end of the age
- The reapers = angels
- The burning of tares = separation and torment of Lake of Fire
- The wheat gathered to the barn = the righteous with their King
- Matt 13:24-30; 36-43; Matt 13:47-50
- The Dragnet = the Kingdom of Heaven
- The Sea = the world
- The fishermen = angels
- Good fish = the righteous
- Bad fish = the wicked
- Singular point: the Judgment will reveal who are true citizens of the Kingdom.
Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven
- Matt 13:31-32; Matt 13:33
- The Sower = Yeshua
- Mustard seed = the Kingdom of Heaven
- The field = the world
- The tree = the Kingdom fully realized
- The birds of the air = nations
- The Woman mixing flour = Yeshua
- Leaven = the Kingdom of Heaven
- Dough = the world
- Singular point: Even though the Kingdom begins small, it will fill the earth.
Parables of the Treasure and Precious Pearl
- Matt 13:44; Matt 13:45-46
- The man = a talmid [disciple]
- The treasure = the Kingdom of Heaven
- The field = the value of a relationship with the King
- The merchant = a talmid [disciple]
- Pearl of great price = the Kingdom of Heaven
- Cost of the Pearl = the value of a relationship with the King
- Singular point: The cost of discipleship is far outweighed by the having a relationship with the King.
Parable of the Householder
- Matt 13:52
- The householder = One who has been discipled, and now teaches Torah himself.
- Old Treasure = the literal words of Torah
- New Treasure = seeing Messiah in the words, living Messiah’s life in the deeds
- Singular point: Those who have learned to see Messiah in the words, and learned to live as He lived, have more to offer.
Summary
- The Kingdom is about a relationship between you and the King. It is about learning of Him from His Word. It is about seeing every word as relating to Him. It is about seeing Him, as He lived and lives – and walking as He did and does.
- It is about your relationship to a Person. It is about a relationship that you are to live now.
- Who is your King? Do you know King Messiah?