The Mysteries of the Kingdom

In our study of Matthew’s gospel account, we have already covered two of Christ’s major discourses (of five). First, Matthew 5-7 contains what is considered the most famous sermon, which is all about Jesus and why we must submit to Him through faith and repentance. Then, in Matthew 10, Christ summons His disciples and instructs them for the mission to spread the Gospel of the kingdom among the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Now, in Matthew 13, having gone through the cities preaching, teaching, and healing - Jesus gets into a boat to give further instruction. Only this time, His teaching is different. He uses stories, or parables, as a primary means to communicate God’s truth, which puzzles not only the crowds but also His disciples.

What is a parable? A parable is a story that is “cast alongside” (lit. in Greek) a truth to vividly illustrate that truth. Often, it is framed as a comparison using the word “like” or “as.” Today many people consider the parables to be easy-to-understand truths presented through the stories of everyday life, but that is not why Jesus employed them. When the disciples asked Him why He spoke in parables, Jesus told them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted” (13:11).

So, why did Jesus speak in parables? The answer to this question is different based on the audience. This is clear in the way Matthew has structured this chapter. There are a total of eight parables. The first four are told to the crowd in the open air (13:2-3), and the last four are told only to the disciples inside a house (13:36). His explanations of the first two parables are also only given to the disciples (13:10-23; 36:43).

There are two purposes for the parables based on two audiences. To the crowds (an evil and adulterous generation represented by the scribes and the Pharisees who had so vehemently rejected Jesus in the previous chapter), Jesus was concealing the truth. Instead of making it easier for them to understand, the purpose of parables was judgment. But to the disciples, Jesus was revealing additional truth. They were given the “mysteries of the kingdom.” A “mystery” always refers to something that was hidden in the Old Testament and was made known in the New Testament (Ps 78:2; Rom 16:25; Eph 3:3-9; Col 1:26).

It was no mystery or secret that God would send the Messiah who would rule on the throne of David. Many were waiting for the arrival of the King and His kingdom. Yet, when Jesus appeared, He was not what everyone had expected. He came as a servant (12:18), gentle and humble in heart (11:29). He came to call sinners and save them from their sins (1:21; 9:12). He came to “suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day” (16:21). He came the first time to accomplish redemption. He will come a second time to usher in the earthly kingdom (Acts 1:6-11). Each of the parables in Matthew 13 then provides specific insight into Christ’s Kingdom pertaining to the time between Jesus’ first and second coming, the period we call “the church age.” Although the word “church” is not used in Matthew 13, it will become abundantly clear in just a few chapters when Christ authoritatively declares, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (16:18).

What specific mysteries do these parables reveal about Christ’s kingdom? The first two parables (sower & wheat and tares) indicate the origin and mixed reception of the kingdom. Only a few will understand and respond to the message of Christ. Others will seek to integrate themselves among “the sons of the kingdom” (13:38) without faith in Christ, but, in the end, they will be exposed. The next two parables (mustard seed & leaven) illustrate the growth of the kingdom. At first it is small, almost invisible, with only a few followers. But in the end, it will grow large with ever-increasing influence. Parables five and six (treasure & pearl) demonstrate the value God places on His own people. Christ graciously gives up His own life to purchase a people to be His treasured possession. The final two parables (dragnet & householder) describe the work disciples are to perform - warn the unbelievers of the imminent judgment and preach the Gospel of the King.

Join us for the next seven weeks as we dive into these parables. And as we do, we will see evidence of God’s grace and mercy all over these verses. God is willing and able to extend His mercy and reveal the value of His Son to all who see their need and come to Him in humility.