Jesus and the Parable, Part 1

Just offshore the Sea of Galilee, Jesus surveyed the gathering crowd from the anchored boat in which he stood. moving his head unhurriedly from side to side.

He hadn't planned on it, but the converging mass of humanity had forced him to move there. The sunlight reflected brightly off the beach sand as a light breeze rustled his one-piece tunic and hair.

Jesus took one last glance outward as he calmly took a step forward, then sat down. The multitude slowly quieted down until only the occasional cough, crying baby, or squawking seagull was heard.

Thus was the scene as Jesus began to preach the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-17; Mark 4:1-9; Luke 8:4-8). Here is the first written account of the use of parables in teaching.

Why did Jesus use this particular method of instruction instead of a straight-forward sermon? To get a better understanding of what led to this, let's go back to Matthew 12.

Beginning in Matthew 12 we see the peak of Israel's unbelief in the unforgivable sin of rejecting their Messiah (Matthew 12:30-31). Christ's answer to this denial extends into chapter 13.

Jesus perceives the impiousness exhibited by the religious leaders (Matthew 12) as an official snub of His messiahship. Thereafter, He intentionally withdrew from them.

The upshot of this was that Jesus first faced the instructional challenge of instructing His devoted disciples on this change, then after, the large assembly that followed Him.

His followers were now faced with a two-fold problem: How could He (Jesus) be the Messiah if we was shunned by the leaders? And, how would this rejection affect His kingdom design?

The rejection of Jesus as the Messiah by the Jewish leaders (Pharisees) was a watershed moment in His ministry. Jesus' usage of parables was in response to the objections that He now faced.

I encourage you to read/study Matthew 13:1-17, Mark 4:1-9, and Luke 8:4-8 in preparation for our next discussion. Until then, I pray that God will bless you abundantly!

Scripture: Matthew 13:35; John 8:32; Psalm 86:11; Psalm 145:18; John 14:17

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I pray for guidance in my life as I read and study Your word. I also pray for a discerning heart that I may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of You. Amen.

May God be with you always,

Kaelyn