• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

The Parables as a Powerful Means of Effective Teaching

Text: Matthew 13 : 24 - 43

In the hands of Jesus, the parable became a powerful means of teaching! Though each parable was breathtakingly simple in form, the depth of meaning contained within, was something else!

PARABLES STRUNG TOGETHER

Matthew did an excellent job in stringing the parables of the kingdom together. There was high purpose in doing that.

1. For greater impact

When a series of parables are strung together, sharing a common theme, a greater impact may be expected! Each parable already possesses its own power. A whole string of them will not fail to make a greater impact!

2. For Comparative purposes

When parables share the same theme, they may be studied comparatively. One parable would lend a particular insight while another would provide another significant impact. Similarities must be analysed and appreciated in greater depth. Differences must also be noted and studied most carefully.

3. Cumulative significance

When parables sharing the same theme are strung together, they create a special cumulative significance. In the case of the “kingdom parables”, we obtain a beautiful, multi-faceted doctrine of the kingdom of heaven.

THE PARABLE OF THE WHEAT AND THE TARES

Jesus spoke another parable that is obviously closely related to the parable of The Sower. The importance of this parable must not be lost!

“Another parable He put forth to them, saying:
The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed
in his field.
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares
Among the wheat and went his way.”
MATTHEW 13:24-25

A simple enough beginning! In the study of parables, we must always note the similarities.

1. The common theme – ‘The Kingdom of God’

This theme must be noted in both parables. Both must be borne in mind when studies in the kingdom parables are made.

2. Another common theme – The Seed

The word “seed” is not explained in the second parable. However, we may borrow the meaning of the word “seed” from the first parable.

3. A third common theme – The enemy

In the first parable of The Sower, we are introduced to Satan. He is called “the wicked one”. In the second parable, we see the devil described as “the enemy”.

The significance of these similarities must not be lost! In particular, the work of the enemy must be highlighted! The work of God will always be resisted by Satan. He will come up with many different ways to thwart God’s work!

NEW ELEMENTS IN ANOTHER PARABLE

Obviously, Jesus made up many parables to teach the Word of God. On occasions, He will make use of old references. By so doing, He emphasized the validity and relevance of the things He mentioned earlier.

Of course there would be new elements introduced. These elements must be understood and appreciated in their own rights. They add to our further comprehension of the Word of God.

1. No contradictions

Whereas in the first parable, Satan is described as snatching away the seed of the Word of God, in the second parable, he is spoken of as imitating the work of the sower. Both applications are correct! We don’t see a contradiction in any sense of the word.

2. Imitating the work of the sower

Satan is a fearsome adversary! His cunning is well represented here. He would of course never sow the word of righteousness. However, he does provide a devastating imitation. He sows tares! These look like wheat from afar! However, they do not yield fruit for the farmer at all.

The tare is a general word that is used to describe plants belonging to the vetch family. They are essentially climbers. Their tendrils would wrap around the wheat as they grow. The tares-problem may be compared to the weeds-problem many gardeners face.

3. “While men slept”

This statement is not to be understood as a criticism from Jesus! The work of planting is naturally done in the day time. It is hard work! All farmers know how important it is to have a good night’s rest. Jesus did not mean this remark as a criticism at all!

Jesus used this phrase to describe the cunning way in which Satan does his work. His work would always be surreptitiously done. If he cannot snatch away the word of God, he will sow his own words. He would so disguise them that the undiscerning would be taken in. His work is truly deadly and has long-term effects.