Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 13:3-33
2. Parables addressed to the multitudes 13:3b-33Jesus spoke four parables to the multitudes and provided some instruction about how to interpret them to His disciples. read more
2. Parables addressed to the multitudes 13:3b-33Jesus spoke four parables to the multitudes and provided some instruction about how to interpret them to His disciples. read more
The parable of the yeast hidden in meal 13:33 (cf. Luke 13:20-21)This parable stresses the extensive ultimate condition and consequences of the kingdom that would be out of all proportion to its insignificant beginnings."Whereas the parable of the mustard seed answers the question of whether the phase of the kingdom planted by Jesus would survive, the parable of the leavening process answers how." [Note: Idem, "The Parable of the Leavening Process," Bibliotheca Sacra 156:621 (January-March... read more
A Day of Parables1-3a. Teaching by parables begun (Mark 4:1; Luke 8:4). This chapter introduces a new type of teaching, that by parables. St. Matthew gives us a group of seven, the first four of which (the Sower, the Tares, the Mustard Seed, the Leaven) were addressed to the multitudes, and the last three (the Hid Treasure, the Pearl, and the Draw-net) to the disciples. St. Mark gives only four parables on this occasion, St. Luke only two. St. Matthew’s group of seven forms ’a great whole,... read more
(33) The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven.—The parable sets forth the working of the Church of Christ on the world, but not in the same way as that of the Mustard Seed. There the growth was outward, measured by the extension of the Church, dependent on its missionary efforts. Here the working is from within. The “leaven”—commonly, as in the Passover ritual, the symbol of malice and wickedness (1 Corinthians 5:8)—causing an action in the flour with which it is mingled that is of the nature... read more
The Parable of the Sower Matthew 13:3 In regard to the figure here. None not leaven with its assimilating power, nor light with its illuminating rays, nor bread with its nutritious elements, nor water as it springs sparkling from a mossy fountain to parched and thirsty lips none sets forth the Word of God better than this of seed. For example: I. There is Life in Seed. Dry and dead as it seems, let a seed be planted with a stone flashing diamond, or burning ruby; and while that in the... read more
Chapter 11The Parables of the Kingdom - Matthew 13:1-58"THE same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side." We can well imagine that, after such a series of discouragements and mortifications, the weary and heavy-laden Saviour would long to be alone, to get away from the abodes of men, to some lonely place where silent nature around Him would calm His spirit and furnish a temple in which He might lift up His soul to God. How long He was allowed to be alone we cannot tell; but... read more
II. The Rejected Kingdom and the Rejected King. Chapters 13-28. 1. The King at the Seaside. The Mysteries of the Kingdom. CHAPTER 13 1. The King at the Seaside. (Matthew 13:1-2 .) 2. The Parable of the Sower. (Matthew 13:3-9 .) 3. The Question of the Disciples and His Answer. (Matthew 13:10-17 .) 4. The Parable of the Sower Explained. (Matthew 13:18-23 .) 5. The Parable of the Good Seed and the Tares. (Matthew 13:24-30 .) 6. The Parable of the Mustard Seed.(Matthew 13:31-32 .) 7. The... read more
This chapter begins a new division of the book. Israel is looked at as set aside because of unbelief: the Lord went out of the house (typically Israel's house), and set by the seaside. The sea is typical of the Gentile nations (Revelation 17:15). Therefore we can expect in Chapter 13 the teaching of a new dispensation, that of the Gospel going out to all the world. Because of great crowds gathered to hear Him, He preaches from a boat to His audience on the shore of the lake. There are seven... read more
THE TURNING POINT From the dispensational point of view, there is no chapter of the New Testament more needful to be understood than this. It contains seven parables, which now that the practical rejection of the Messiah by Israel has taken place, set forth the result of the gospel in the world down to the end of this age, when He shall come again. It is symbolic that our Lord now goes into a ship on the sea, the latter a type of the Gentile nations as compared with Israel; and also that He... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 13:2-53
IV. THE OPPOSITION TO THE KING 11:2-13:53Chapters 11-13 record Israel’s rejection of her Messiah and its consequences. Opposition continued to build, but Jesus announced new revelation in view of hardened unbelief."The Evangelist has carefully presented the credentials of the king in relationship to His birth, His baptism, His temptation, His righteous doctrine, and His supernatural power. Israel has heard the message of the nearness of the kingdom from John the Baptist, the King Himself, and... read more