5/1/12

"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW" Chapter Thirteen by Mark Copeland

                       "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