Teaching The Bible. Part 5 & 6. Of Matthew Series

Teaching the Bible. Part 5 of Matthew. Read Matthew 13:1 thru 58. Here we Deal with Parables. Knowing what a parable is and what it isn’t, is very important. Parables are; a simple story illustrating a moral or religious lesson. The term translates the Hebrew word "marshal" –a term denoting a metaphor, or an enigmatic saying or an analogy. In the Greco-Roman rhetorical tradition, however, "parables" were illustrative narrative examples. Jewish teachers of the 1st cent. made use of comparisons in narrative form to clarify scripture. As used in the Gospels, the "parable" not only denotes metaphors, analogies, and enigmatic statements, but also short illustrative narratives. In Jesus’ parables, He compares an observable, natural, or human phenomenon to the Kingdom of God. Some of these challenge and mystify or even attack the hearer.[Note, “attack the hearer” shows that, those who understood the parables might be offended in them because they point out their sin and lack of righteousness according to God.] Other parables are allegories(The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form. A story, picture, or play employing such representation.). The major themes of the parables of Jesus include the contrast between the old and new age now dawning in the ministry of Jesus; the necessity of radical decisions; the gradual but sure growth of the Kingdom of God on earth; God’s way of relating to people; and God’s invitation for people to enter his Kingdom. (Col.Enc.) Parables are neither fantasy nor fiction that many may imply. Jesus is taking the simple to explain the complex. [Note] As we progress in our lessons on Matthew, you will note that they will become more involved into the insight of the Scriptures.] Read 13:1 & 2. Here we see a miracle in itself. Notice that Jesus, while on a boat, is speaking a multitude on the shore. This miracle happens numerous times in scripture. Don’t fail to notice them as we progress. A “multitude” is, 1. A very great number. 2.The condition or quality of being numerous. 3.The masses; the populace. Mark questions if needed. Read 13: 3 thru 9. Here we deal with the first parable, prophecy being fulfilled and Jesus asking those that will understand to understand.[ Read. Refs. Isa-6:9, Isa-6:10; Eze-12:2; Psa-49: 4, Psa-78:2; Isa-5:1-7; Eze-17:2, Eze-20:49, Eze-24:3-14; Mic-2:4; Hab-2:6.] Mark questions if needed. Jesus explains many of these parables. Remember if you have questions, they are not restricted to just the Book of Matthew but they also can be from the references also. A good way to compare the parable with the explanation ,is to write the portion of the parable down then write the explanation just below it, as follows; [1. Mat 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up. 1a.Mat 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.] {”wicked one” is Satan.} [2. Mat 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 2a. Mat 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; [3. Mat 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 3a.Mat 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.] [4. Mat 13:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them. 4a. Mat 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.] [5. Mat 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 5a. Mat 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.]

As you see in this example, dividing the parable with the meaning will make them so much easier to understand. See if you can do this also as we enter into many other parables. The phrase in verse 8 & 23,‘and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.’ Signify not only blessings but also more importantly, Fruit being converts to Christ. Remember the word “Christian or Christianity, didn’t become fully used until the Book of Acts. With the Beginning of the Church. I will explain this as we go along. By prophecy Jesus had to seek out the Jews only at the beginning and not the Gentiles, of which we are part. Mark questions if needed.