The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?"
Writers have long marveled at Jesus’ skill in communicating profound truth through parables- short, simple, everyday stories with a point. Everybody likes a story, and stories are easier to remember than concepts or logical outlines. Jesus spoke in terms that would hold the interest of a society of farmers and fishermen, many of whom were illiterate. About 30 of his masterful parables have survived in the Gospels.
While he is telling the stories recorded in this chapter, Jesus is floating offshore in a boat, projecting his voice to the large crowds that have gathered. Because the stories concern their daily lives- farming, baking bread, hunting buried treasure, fishing- he keeps their interest. Later, he reveals the deeper meanings of the stories to his disciples.
As Jesus explains to his disciples, parables also help to winnow the audience. Spectators seeking entertainment can go home with a few stories to mull over, but more serious inquirers will need to come back for further interpretation.
While he is telling the stories recorded in this chapter, Jesus is floating offshore in a boat, projecting his voice to the large crowds that have gathered. Because the stories concern their daily lives- farming, baking bread, hunting buried treasure, fishing- he keeps their interest. Later, he reveals the deeper meanings of the stories to his disciples.
As Jesus explains to his disciples, parables also help to winnow the audience. Spectators seeking entertainment can go home with a few stories to mull over, but more serious inquirers will need to come back for further interpretation.
This chapter collects several of Jesus' stories about the "kingdom of heaven"- a phrase used 32 times in Matthew. Although Jesus never concisely defines the term, he gives many clues about the nature of this kingdom. Unlike, say, Greece or China or Spain, this kingdom has no geographical boundaries and can't be charted on a map. Its citizens live right among their enemies, not separated from them by an armed border. Still, Jesus predicts that the kingdom of heaven will show remarkable growth, even in an evil environment bent on its destruction.
In summary, the "kingdom of heaven" consists of the rule of God in the world. It comprises people of all races from all nations who loyally follow God's will. Jesus stresses that this new kingdom is a major advance in God's plan: its least member, he says, surpasses the great John the Baptist (11:11). The disciples, accustomed to more traditional images of power and leadership, never quite grasp Jesus' concept of the kingdom. They keep asking him to explain his parables, even as they jockey vainly for status. Not until Jesus dies and then comes back will they comprehend his mission on Earth.
1 comment:
Lord Jesus ; Gives us God-blessed eyes to really see and God-blessed-ears to really hear as we turn to follow You.
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