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"Compared to His earlier teaching during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus's turn to parables might seem odd. He'd used clear instruction to teach His followers how to live and about the Kingdom of God, and He'd exhibited the Kingdom in a tangible way through His miracles. But suddenly, when the crowds come to hear Him, He hops into a boat and speaks in parables, stories about sowing seeds and gathering wheat (Matthew 13)." Read more from Alfred Edersheim.
When the disciples ask Him why, since they obviously noticed the change, His answer may seem even more astonishing: "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it has not been granted" (Matthew 13:11). In other words, the parables are meant to divide the crowd. While this may seem as if Jesus denied some people access, the difference He means is not in the message—but in the response.
What Exactly Is a Tare?45Jesus told a story known as the parable of the wheat and tares. However, few people know what a tare is now days.text
Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?44Compared to His earlier teaching, Jesus's use of parables seems strange. Did He purposefully hide His teaching from His listeners?text
Treasure, Pearls, and the Kingdom of Heaven?14The parable of the "treasure hidden in the field" and the "merchant man seeking goodly pearls" appear intended to convey one and the same lesson.text
What Does the Unmerciful Servant Teach Us?7The parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35) teaches us two things about sin.text
Talking to the Pharisees Rather than about Them?7It may seem minor at first, but notice that it says that Jesus told this parable TO some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous.text
Putting the Responsibility on the Listeners?5Parables were primarily not for reading, but hearing. Not for studying but for heeding.text
What Did Jesus Mean by the Parable of the Different Types of Soil?2Jesus uses the Parable of the Soils to reveal the human heart and our response to God's Word.video