Jesus teaches with parables and even His closest disciples are confused with why He does this. Jesus explains and even His explanation can be hard to understand.
Matthew 13:1-3a, 10-17
SERMON OUTLINE
What is a Parable?
- παραβολή [parabole] is a combination of para (along-side) and ballo (to throw), thus “to throw alongside.”
- “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning”.
Why did Jesus teach in Parables?
- To reveal truth (Matthew 13:11)
- Two things about this truth the parables reveal:
- The Kingdom of Heaven is mysterious
- Their understanding is a gift from God (vs 11)
- Two things about this truth the parables reveal:
- To conceal Truth. (Mathew 13:11)
Making it Real
- Do the work to discern the meaning of the parable
- Ask God to guide
- Study context (literal and cultural)
- Take note of surprising details
- Take note of stock imagery
- Keep the main point the main point
- Respond to the truth of the parable with action
- Don’t lose hope for those you love
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Open Up
1. Who is the favorite teacher you’ve ever had? Why? 2. Which of Jesus’ parables is your favorite? Why?
Dig In
- Pray for God to help you understand and hear clearly what He wants to say to you.
- Read Matthew 13:1-3; 10-17 What are the first things that stand out to you about this text? (key words, attitudes, etc…)
- What do you think parables accomplish that simple and direct teaching does not? Why? When have you experienced this?
- Do you think it is more difficult for us to understand the parables of Jesus than it was for the people who first heard them? Why?
- Jesus said the secrets were given for His disciples to know. What did He mean? How does that bring encouragement to your study of the parables of the kingdom of heaven?
- Jesus promised that those who have, will have in abundance. What is it that they have?
- What does Jesus promise they will have in abundance?
- What did Isaiah and Jesus mean in talking about seeing but not seeing and hearing but not hearing? Have you ever experienced this in trying to share the kingdom of God with someone? What should you do in a situation like that? Base your response on the words and witness of Jesus and his disciples.
- How do you reconcile the statements/quotes Jesus uses in Matthew 13:13-15 with God’s desire for all people to come to know and love Him? (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
- In verses 16-17, Jesus gives a new “Beatitude.” What have the disciples seen and experienced that the prophets longed to see and hear?
- Are we included in this blessing? Why or why not?
- Which of the keys to understanding a parable is hardest for you to implement? What can help you with this as we begin to study the parables moving forward?
Live it Out
- Make a commitment to read each of the parables in Matthew before we study them together in the church services. Start with the parable of the soils (Matthew 13:4-9; 18-23).
- As we continue through this study of the parables of Jesus, consider who you can share what you’re learning with and who you can expose to the truth of the God’s kingdom. Pray for them by name now. If you’re in a group, spend time praying for each other for boldness to share the Good News of God’s kingdom with others.