Can You Hear Me Now? (Matthew 13; Fulfillment of Psalm 78:1-4)

An ear

Can You Hear Me Now? (Matthew 13; Fulfillment of Psalm 78:1-4)

In Matthew 13, we find several parables. Why did Jesus teach in so many parables? Matthew uses prophecy to explain Jesus’ fondness of parables.

What is a “parable”? We often say that a parable is an “earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” The Greek word for “parable” literally means “placing beside.” It’s teaching, then, that is placed beside other teaching. It supplements other teaching. Not everyone always understands parables.

Matthew says that the reason Jesus is teaching in parables is that this is the fulfillment of prophecy: “Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world’” (Matt 13:34-35).

Part of the purpose of Jesus’ telling parables was certainly to keep certain truths from people who refused to accept his Messiahship. Matthew 13:11-17. Through parables, Jesus was able to teach truth in such a way that hard-hearted individuals couldn’t grasp it. How often do we teach truth in plain language, but hard-hearted folks don’t get it? Why would Jesus want certain people not to get his message?

The Original Prophecy

Psalm 78:1-4.

Asaph used “parables” to teach the Israelites about their history. “Parable” in this context should really be understood as “comparison” or “analogy.” He proceeds to explain things to the Israelites about their history that were previously unknown. He proceeds to tell them how the Israelites were consistently unfaithful to God.

Asaph tells the Israelites how sinful their forefathers were by using “parables.” He compares incidents from Israel’s history. By comparing these events, he makes clear certain things that were previously unknown.

The Prophecy and Jesus

In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches in many parables. After teaching the Parable of the Sower, the disciples come and ask, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” Jesus answers in verses 11-17, and we find that hard hearts fulfill prophecy.

The Parables of Matthew 13:

  • Parable of the Sower.
  • Parable of the Wheat and Tares.
  • Parable of the Mustard Seed.
  • Parable of the Leaven.
  • Parable of the Hidden Treasure.
  • Parable of the Pearl of Great Price.
  • Parable of the Dragnet.

Matthew 13:34-35.

The text says that Jesus spoke only in parables. Why would he only speak in parables? Did Jesus not want certain people to grasp what he was teaching? Didn’t Jesus come so that all people would learn of him and have the opportunity to live with him eternally?


This Bible class was originally taught by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Dale Ridge church of Christ in Roanoke, Virginia.

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