Matthew 13:1–13

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Dean, School of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

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Matthew 13:1–13

First century Jews were anticipating a visible messianic kingdom in which the son of David would provide economic stability, military security and political autonomy for the remnant of Judah. They were tired of the Gentile leaders from Rome monopolizing all the authority. Messiah would re-establish the glory of a Davidic dynasty which they had anticipated since the return from Babylonian exile more than 500 years prior.

In contrast to their expectations Jesus spoke of a secret Kingdom, one in which the ruling class of highly educated and well-connected men were left uninformed and in which the common person had access to the Kingdom. The keys to unlock this secret Kingdom were given by means of parables.

In fulfillment of Scripture, Jesus taught the crowds with parables (13:35; Ps. 78:2). A parable is a simple story in a familiar setting usually intended to teach a single spiritual truth. As Jesus explains in this passage, these stories were intended to instruct hearers who were prepared to receive the message of the Kingdom. Throughout this chapter, Matthew repeatedly quotes Jesus, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like … ” (vv. 31, 33, 44, 45, 47).

A Crowd (1–3a)

“Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down while the whole crowd stood on the shore” (v. 2). In parallel passages, Mark makes reference to “a very large crowd” (4:1) and Luke writes “a large crowd” (8:4). Jesus went to the boat in order for the gathering to hear Him.

What kind of people made up this crowd? The content of Jesus’ teaching indicates His audience. Some were men who worked in the fields, perhaps as day laborers who longed for a field of their own. Women were there and they would certainly have understood Jesus’ point about working the yeast through lumps of dough as they kneaded them. Others were merchants who would appreciate the value of a rare pearl. Still others were fishermen who could distinguish edible fish from inedible ones.

A Parable (3b–9)

Planting seed in much of the world is very different from what we Americans know. They don’t disc, plow, fertilize and seed with tractors and implements. Instead they use animals to break up the soil and plant by hand. Some still practice the art of broadcasting, by which the sower casts his seeds broadly. The benefit of this method is that you can reap bountifully if you sow bountifully. The problem is that seeds go everywhere, including among the pathways between rows, the stony areas and the edges of the fields which may be overgrown with vines and weeds. The only seeds that mature and come to harvest are those that land in the deep, fertile soil.

A Reason (10–13)

Why does Jesus teach in such an enigmatic way? Why is He secretive about the nature of the Kingdom? Jesus explains that not everyone would receive the secrets of the Kingdom. Many people have eyes but will not see. They have ears but they refuse to listen. They have hearts that are calloused to the revelation of Jesus, and they refuse to receive Him (Isa. 6:9).

“Anyone who has ears should listen” (v. 9). Followers of Jesus must beware of complacency. We are recipients of the gospel by the grace of God, and He expects that the seeds implanted in us will bear fruit. Listening to God’s Word is more than hearing it; we must act in repentance and in obedience.