"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

Chapter Thirteen

Jesus began teaching in parables regarding the kingdom, seven recorded in this chapter (Mt 13:1-9,18-33,36-52). His goal appeared to separate the truth seekers from the curiosity seekers, as He explained the parables privately to His disciples (Mt 13:10-17,34-35). At Nazareth, He taught in the synagogue where He found an unreceptive audience (53-58).

POINTS TO PONDER

• The purpose of parables
• What the parables reveal about the kingdom of heaven

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Seven parables concerning the kingdom of heaven - Mt 13:1-9,18-33, 36-52
   - The purpose of parables - Mt 13:10-17,34-35
   - Jesus rejected at Nazareth - Mt 13:53-58
2. List the seven parables of Jesus found in this chapter (3,24,31,33, 44,45,47)
   - The parable of the sower
   - The parable of the wheat and tares
   - The parable of the mustard seed
   - The parable of the leaven
   - The parable of the hidden treasure
   - The parable of the pearl of great price
   - The parable of the dragnet
3. What was Jesus two-fold purpose in teaching in parables? (10-17, 34-35,51-52)
   - To keep truths of the kingdom hidden from those not seeking the truth
   - To illustrate truths of the kingdom to those with ears and hearts willing to listen
4. What does the parable of the sower illustrate? (3-9,18-23)
   - Different types of listeners and their response to the word of the kingdom
5. What does the parable of the wheat and tares illustrate? (24-30, 36-43)
   - The efforts of the devil to undermine the work of the Son of Man
6. What do the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven illustrate? (31-34)
   - The growth and spread of the kingdom heaven
7. What about the parables of the hidden treasure and pearl of great price? (44-46)
   - The great worth of the kingdom, found accidentally or after diligent search
8. What does the parable of the dragnet illustrate? (47-52)
   - The final makeup of the kingdom will be determined at the end of the age
9. Why was Jesus rejected by many at Nazareth? (53-58)
   - They were apparently blinded by their familiarity with Him and His family