The Gospel According To MatthewSample

Kingdom Parables: Matthew 13:1-53

Matthew’s account reports Jesus’ well-known parables in five segments. 

The parable of the sower in 13:1-23, the parable of the weeds in 13:24-30, the mustard seed and the yeast in 13:31-43, the hidden treasure and pearl in 13:44-46, and the parable of the net in 13:47-53. These parables were designed to correct misunderstandings that explained the kingdom of God.

In some of the parables — such as the parables of the mustard seed in 13:31-32, the yeast in verse 33, the treasure in verse 44, and the pearl in verses 45-46 — Jesus taught that the kingdom of heaven was of supreme value and was to be sought at all cost. It might look insignificant at first, but one day it would be seen in all of its glory.

But Jesus also told other parables that focused on Israel’s failure to embrace King Jesus and his kingdom. In the parable of the sower and its explanation in Matthew 13:1-23, Jesus made it clear that there were many obstacles to belief, and that most people would reject the kingdom. 

This idea is reinforced by the parable of the weeds in verses 24-30 and 36-43, and the parable of the net in verses 47-51. Jesus taught that many would refuse to embrace the kingdom and would be destroyed in the end. These parables were clear warnings to those who opposed Jesus; they provided an opportunity for unbelievers to repent, and to become faithful followers of the one true King.