Teachings,+the+secret+message+of+Jesus+(6)

The medium of the message
(Kai Stormwalker)

“Parables are to Jesus what jokes are to a comedian. Matthew 13:34 makes the point through grand hyperbole: ‘He did not say anything to them without using a parable.’ Why would Jesus do this? Why would he indulge in an art form - a short fictional narrative - to convey his essential message?”

-Brian D. McLaren

Read Matthew 13

Make note of some things.

First, each parable ends with a repeated phrase: “Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.” What could Jesus mean by it?

Second, each parable involves a hiddenness that eventually becomes visible. Seeds are planted, weeds that resemble grain are secretly planted, mustard seed planted, yeast kneaded - or hidden - in a lump of dough, treasure hidden, fish hidden under water until they are caught in a net and their identity is eventually revealed as are the identities of all the other things - seeds, weeds, yeast, treasure.

Third, each parable involves surprise - a surprising variety of harvests, a surprising infestation of weeds, a surprising answer about what to do about the weeds, a surprising size of the full-grown mustard plant, and so on.

The disciples don’t understand why Jesus is doing this since no one seems to be getting the point of the parables.

A. Why do you think Jesus spoke in parables?

With a clear and easy explanation, hearers can listen and achieve understanding and then go on their way, independent of the teacher. But when a parable confounds them, it invites them to ask questions, so they continue to depend on the teacher himself, not just their independent understanding of his words.

B. What do you think Jesus means in Matthew 13:11?

C. What set the disciples apart from the other people?

D. What do you make of the following passages?

Matthew 18:3; 19:14; Mark 10:24; John 13:33

In our last lesson we read about Nicodemus and how Jesus told him he had to be born again. This brings about connotations of relearning and rethinking. This is where the word repentance comes from. When you repent, you realize that something you have been doing is wrong, you rethink it, and don’t do it anymore. You usually don’t realize that you are doing something wrong unless someone points it out to you.

So, in light of these passages, let’s ask the question again:

Why did Jesus speak in parables?

Sometimes people did understand Jesus’ parables and it made them angry.

Read Luke 20:9-19

So, the point of Jesus speaking in parables seems to be to get us to soften our hearts and become as little children. To establish a relationship with him where we can question and grow.

E. What does this say about how we are to win people for the kingdom of God?