The Purpose Of Parables

Matthew 13:10-17, 34-35 (ESV)

Matthew 13:10-17

The Purpose of the Parables

Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

“‘“You will indeed hear but never understand,
    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
For this people's heart has grown dull,
    and with their ears they can barely hear,
    and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
    and turn, and I would heal them.’

But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Matthew 13:34-35

Prophecy and Parables

All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:

“I will open my mouth in parables;
    I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”

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Study Guide Questions:

Observation

• According to the message, what did first-century listeners expect when they heard “kingdom”? Name the kinds of power and results they wanted.

Interpretation

• If understanding is “given” (v. 11), how should a person view their spiritual insight—as achievement or mercy? What attitudes should grow out of that view, and why?

• How can the same parable both reveal and conceal at the same time? Use the “thermometer, not thermostat” picture to explain how that works in real life.

• What is the spiritual process by which repeated refusal hardens a heart? How does Isaiah 6:9–10 help explain why familiarity without surrender can turn into hostility?

Life Application

• Think about a relationship where you often “hear but don’t hear.” How might that same habit show up in how you listen to the Lord? Choose one concrete change for your listening this week (put the phone away, ask clarifying questions, write it down).

• Identify one thing that God has been moving in you but that you’ve been resisting. What is one next faithful step you will take before next Sunday to stop resisting, and who will you tell for accountability?

• If your heart feels tender but unsure, how will you ask for more?