"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"
Chapter Thirteen
Jesus began teaching in parables regarding the kingdom, seven recorded
in this chapter (Mt 13:1-9,18-33,36-52). His goal appeared to separate
the truth seekers from the curiosity seekers, as He explained the
parables privately to His disciples (Mt 13:10-17,34-35). At Nazareth,
He taught in the synagogue where He found an unreceptive audience
(53-58).
POINTS TO PONDER
* The purpose of parables
* What the parables reveal about the kingdom of heaven
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Seven parables concerning the kingdom of heaven - Mt 13:1-9,18-33,
36-52
- The purpose of parables - Mt 13:10-17,34-35
- Jesus rejected at Nazareth - Mt 13:53-58
2) List the seven parables of Jesus found in this chapter (3,24,31,33,
44,45,47)
- The parable of the sower
- The parable of the wheat and tares
- The parable of the mustard seed
- The parable of the leaven
- The parable of the hidden treasure
- The parable of the pearl of great price
- The parable of the dragnet
3) What was Jesus two-fold purpose in teaching in parables? (10-17,
34-35,51-52)
- To keep truths of the kingdom hidden from those not seeking the
truth
- To illustrate truths of the kingdom to those with ears and hearts
willing to listen
4) What does the parable of the sower illustrate? (3-9,18-23)
- Different types of listeners and their response to the word of the
kingdom
5) What does the parable of the wheat and tares illustrate? (24-30,
36-43)
- The efforts of the devil to undermine the work of the Son of Man
6) What do the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven illustrate?
(31-34)
- The growth and spread of the kingdom heaven
7) What about the parables of the hidden treasure and pearl of great
price? (44-46)
- The great worth of the kingdom, found accidentally or after
diligent search
8) What does the parable of the dragnet illustrate? (47-52)
- The final makeup of the kingdom will be determined at the end of
the age
9) Why was Jesus rejected by many at Nazareth? (53-58)
- They were apparently blinded by their familiarity with Him and His
family