Matthew 13:1-23
Matthew Overview
In our study of Matthew, we have looked at
1. the King being presented (1:1 - 4:11) - where the genealogy of Jesus is explored (i.e. proving that He is from the line of David)
2. the King proclaiming His kingdom message through teaching and preaching (4:12 - 7:29)
3. His authority over illness, death, demons etc (8:1 - 11:1)
4. Responses to the King (11:2 - 12:45) - rejection by Israel, exemplified by the Jewish leaders
In the next section, we will be looking at further rejection across all spectrums (13:1 - 18)
Kingdom
The phrase “Kingdom (of heaven)” is mentioned in each of the 7 parables (v11, 24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47). Evidently, the parables of chapter 13 are meant to reveal truths regarding the Kingdom of heaven.
A kingdom can be viewed as having 4 components: a king, a domain, subjects and the law governing the kingdom. As an example, in OT Israel, king David ruled over the Jews using God’s law.
God is Sovereign over all: heaven & earth, all creation, including Satan and fallen angels (1 Chronicles 29:11).
When sin entered the world, and Satan was given domain over this world (“price of the earth”; John 12:31, Ephesians 2:2). However, throughout history, God has always imposed His sphere of Sovereignty over His elect through His appointed mediators: the Patriarchs (Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), Israel, The Christ.
Matthew also sets the stage for the King
- 1:1 “the Son of David”
- 2:1-2 “King of Jews”
- 3:2 “kingdom of heaven”
- 4:23 “gospel of the kingdom”
Given all the evidences, one would expect Israel to receive Jesus as their King. Instead, we see rejection.
- 12:14 “the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him”
- 12:24 “the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils”
If Israel have rejected the Messiah, and Jesus will return in the future, what becomes of God’s Kingdom on earth during the interim period? This is the topic Jesus addresses to His disciples in Matthew 13.
v10-11, 34-35 Mystery - in other ages was not made known, but now revealed
Also quoted by Paul in Ephesians 3:3-10, where he talks about the church, which is a concept now made known to the world.
Hence, before the Messiah comes back, the kingdom of God is now the church of Jesus Christ.
Parables: what and why
A parable is something placed alongside for purposes of illustration. It uses things and activities that are common and familiar to the audience. A few observations about parables:
- helps to transform abstract concepts into concrete terms
- makes the idea more interesting to the listener
- in story form, the truth then becomes portable
- every parable is meant to convey one point of truth.
Jesus used parables to achieve 2 purposes:
1. To obscure Truth from rejecters “to them it is not given” (v11)
2. To reveal Truth to His elect “it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (v11)
Today, we are part of the elect, and we are blessed to be able to hear and see the truth (v16). Hence, we should be grateful, happy and worshipful.
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