Unlocking the Secrets of Jesus' Parables

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we embark on a new series as we continue our journey through the book of Matthew. I shared a bit about my family and our love for the show "Bluey," which offers lessons for both children and adults. This show serves as a great analogy for how Jesus' parables work. Just as "Bluey" has layers of meaning for different audiences, Jesus' parables contain deeper truths that are not immediately apparent to everyone.

We transitioned into Matthew 13, where Jesus begins teaching in parables. Unlike the clear illustrations in the Sermon on the Mount, these parables are designed to reveal truths to believers while concealing them from unbelievers. This dual purpose is crucial to understand. Jesus uses parables to both reveal and hide the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, depending on the listener's openness to His message.

I shared a study by Jennifer Aker, which found that stories are 22 times more memorable than mere facts. This underscores why Jesus chose parables—earthly stories with heavenly meanings—to convey spiritual truths. However, these stories are not just nice tales; they are profound lessons that require spiritual insight to fully grasp.

We discussed how Jesus' shift to parables was a response to the hardened hearts of the religious leaders and the crowds. They were more interested in the miracles than in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. This hardening of hearts is a complex issue, as it involves both human responsibility and divine sovereignty. Jesus' parables serve to further harden those who reject Him while enlightening those who are open to His message.

The parable of the sower, which we'll delve into next week, exemplifies this dual purpose. Today, we focused on why Jesus uses parables and the importance of recognizing Him as the Son of God. Without this recognition, the deeper truths of the kingdom remain hidden.

In conclusion, the parables are a test of our spiritual receptivity. Are we like the egg that hardens in boiling water, or the potato that softens? Our response to Jesus' teachings reveals the state of our hearts. As believers, we are blessed to have the secrets of the kingdom revealed to us, and we must approach God's Word with an open and teachable heart.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Dual Purpose of Parables: Jesus' parables are designed to reveal truths to believers while concealing them from unbelievers. This dual purpose serves to test the spiritual receptivity of the listener. Those who are open to Jesus' message will find deeper meanings, while those who reject Him will remain in the dark. [06:17]

2. Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty: The hardening of hearts is a complex interplay between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. While God reveals the secrets of the kingdom to some, others remain blind due to their own rejection of Jesus. This dual reality challenges us to recognize our responsibility in responding to God's revelation. [14:15]

3. The Importance of Spiritual Receptivity: Our response to Jesus' teachings reveals the state of our hearts. Like the egg that hardens in boiling water or the potato that softens, our spiritual receptivity determines whether we grow in understanding or become more calloused. We must approach God's Word with an open and teachable heart. [29:24]

4. The Blessing of Revelation: Believers are blessed to have the secrets of the kingdom revealed to them. This revelation is not due to our own merit but is a gift of God's grace. Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God is the key to unlocking these deeper truths. [25:35]

5. The Ultimate Story of Redemption: The parables are part of a greater story of redemption. Jesus lived a perfect life, died the death we deserved, and rose again, offering us the chance to be united with Him. This grand narrative gives meaning to the parables and invites us into a relationship with God that transforms our understanding and our lives. [30:34]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:37] - Introduction to the Series and Family
[02:35] - Lessons from "Bluey"
[05:28] - Transition to Matthew 13
[06:17] - Purpose of Parables
[07:03] - The Power of Stories
[09:04] - Earthly Stories with Heavenly Meanings
[10:44] - Parables and Hardened Hearts
[12:32] - The Secret of the Kingdom
[14:15] - Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty
[16:00] - Understanding Deeper Truths
[18:29] - Recognizing Jesus
[20:07] - The Hardening of Hearts
[22:31] - The Mystery of God's Plan
[25:35] - The Blessing of Revelation
[27:52] - The Scribe's Treasure
[29:24] - Spiritual Receptivity
[30:34] - The Ultimate Story of Redemption
[32:05] - Conclusion and Invitation

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 13:10-17 - "The disciples came to him and asked, 'Why do you speak to the people in parables?' He replied, 'Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: 'Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.'"

2. Isaiah 6:9-10 - "He said, 'Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.'"

3. Matthew 16:15-17 - "'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' Jesus replied, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.'"

### Observation Questions
1. What reasons did Jesus give for speaking in parables according to Matthew 13:10-17? [07:03]
2. How does the prophecy from Isaiah 6:9-10 relate to Jesus' use of parables? [20:07]
3. What was Simon Peter's confession about Jesus in Matthew 16:15-17, and how did Jesus respond to it? [14:15]
4. According to the sermon, what is the dual purpose of Jesus' parables? [06:17]

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Jesus choose to reveal the secrets of the kingdom to some people but not to others? How does this align with the concept of divine sovereignty and human responsibility? [14:15]
2. How does the analogy of the egg and the potato in boiling water help us understand our spiritual receptivity to Jesus' teachings? [27:52]
3. In what ways do the parables serve as a test of our spiritual receptivity, and what does this reveal about the state of our hearts? [29:24]
4. How does recognizing Jesus as the Son of God unlock the deeper truths of the kingdom of heaven? [18:29]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual receptivity. Are you more like the egg that hardens or the potato that softens when exposed to God's Word? How can you cultivate a more open and teachable heart? [27:52]
2. Have you ever found yourself more interested in the "miracles" or benefits of following Jesus rather than recognizing Him as the Messiah? How can you shift your focus to truly understanding and accepting His teachings? [09:59]
3. Think about a time when you felt your heart was hardening towards God's message. What steps did you take, or can you take, to soften your heart and be more receptive? [24:35]
4. How can you ensure that you approach the Bible with an open mind, ready to learn and grow, rather than seeking to affirm what you already believe? [29:24]
5. In what ways can you actively seek the deeper meanings in Jesus' parables and apply them to your life? How can this pursuit transform your understanding and relationship with God? [18:29]
6. How does the ultimate story of redemption, as described in the sermon, impact your daily life and faith journey? What specific actions can you take to live out this truth more fully? [30:34]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to slow down and not let time pass too quickly, as illustrated in the "Bluey" episode. How can you make intentional changes to prioritize what truly matters? [03:25]

Devotional

Day 1: The Dual Purpose of Parables
Jesus' parables serve a dual purpose: to reveal truths to believers while concealing them from unbelievers. This duality tests the spiritual receptivity of the listener. Those who are open to Jesus' message will find deeper meanings, while those who reject Him will remain in the dark. This concept is crucial to understanding why Jesus chose to teach in parables. The parables are not just simple stories; they are profound lessons that require spiritual insight to fully grasp.

Jesus' use of parables was a strategic response to the hardened hearts of the religious leaders and the crowds. They were more interested in the miracles than in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. This hardening of hearts is a complex issue, involving both human responsibility and divine sovereignty. Jesus' parables serve to further harden those who reject Him while enlightening those who are open to His message. [06:17]

Matthew 13:10-11 (ESV): "Then the disciples came and said to him, 'Why do you speak to them in parables?' And he answered them, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.'"

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel resistant to Jesus' teachings? How can you open your heart to understand the deeper truths He wants to reveal to you?

Day 2: Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty
The hardening of hearts is a complex interplay between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. While God reveals the secrets of the kingdom to some, others remain blind due to their own rejection of Jesus. This dual reality challenges us to recognize our responsibility in responding to God's revelation.

Understanding this balance is crucial for spiritual growth. It reminds us that while God is sovereign and in control, we also have a role to play in how we respond to His Word. Our openness or resistance to Jesus' teachings can either lead us to deeper understanding or further spiritual blindness. [14:15]

Romans 9:18 (ESV): "So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt resistant to God's message. What steps can you take to ensure your heart remains open and receptive to His teachings?

Day 3: The Importance of Spiritual Receptivity
Our response to Jesus' teachings reveals the state of our hearts. Like the egg that hardens in boiling water or the potato that softens, our spiritual receptivity determines whether we grow in understanding or become more calloused. We must approach God's Word with an open and teachable heart.

Spiritual receptivity is not just about hearing the Word but also about allowing it to transform us. It requires humility and a willingness to be changed by what we learn. This is a continuous process that involves daily surrender and openness to God's guidance. [29:24]

James 1:21 (ESV): "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."

Reflection: How do you usually respond to challenging teachings from the Bible? What can you do to cultivate a more teachable and receptive heart?

Day 4: The Blessing of Revelation
Believers are blessed to have the secrets of the kingdom revealed to them. This revelation is not due to our own merit but is a gift of God's grace. Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God is the key to unlocking these deeper truths.

This blessing of revelation is a profound gift that should not be taken lightly. It calls us to a deeper relationship with God and a greater responsibility to live out the truths we have been shown. It is a privilege that comes with the duty to share these truths with others. [25:35]

1 Corinthians 2:10 (ESV): "These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God."

Reflection: How can you show gratitude for the spiritual truths God has revealed to you? In what ways can you share these truths with others?

Day 5: The Ultimate Story of Redemption
The parables are part of a greater story of redemption. Jesus lived a perfect life, died the death we deserved, and rose again, offering us the chance to be united with Him. This grand narrative gives meaning to the parables and invites us into a relationship with God that transforms our understanding and our lives.

Understanding the parables within the context of Jesus' redemptive work helps us see their true significance. They are not just moral lessons but invitations to participate in the kingdom of God. This ultimate story of redemption is the foundation of our faith and the lens through which we should view all of Jesus' teachings. [30:34]

Ephesians 1:7-8 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."

Reflection: How does understanding the parables in the context of Jesus' redemption change your perspective on them? How can you live out this redemptive story in your daily life?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Parables are given to hide truth from unbelievers and to reveal truth to believers. If you read in the Gospel of Mark, Matthew, Mark, the next book of the Bible. Mark, this exact same kind of situation happens. But we read in Mark that the disciples come up to Jesus after he's told all these parables. But in Matthew they come up to him in the middle of that. And I think part of it has to do with the fact that the parable of the sower is the only parable that Jesus actually explains to them. But I think part of the reason why the disciples ask the question is because they don't understand it either. They're not sure what Jesus is talking about." [11:49] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If you recognize and accept the truth of who Jesus is. Then when you are handed the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. You find this wealth of treasure. This wealth of truth. So you and I can sit here and listen to the parables. That we are going to talk about over the next couple of weeks. And without explanation we are just going to look at these as cool stories. As cute stories. You might think they are good stories. And they have got a neat you know moral to them. And that is essentially what the crowd said. But if we do not accept that. Then we are going to be in the same company as the religious leaders and as the crowd. And we are going to miss the point." [18:29] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And so our sinful heart are naturally rejects Jesus. And for the person who rejects the elementary aspects of this Christian faith. They look at the parables and they say that is a good story. Or maybe they think Jesus is a good story. But we are never going to submit our lives to Jesus. And so parables like Jesus said are given to hide the truth from unbelievers." [19:15] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And the more you reject him. The longer you live. The harder it is going to be to actually respond to him. In Exodus chapter 8 and 9. We read through the 10 plagues of Egypt. Moses is going to Pharaoh saying let my people go. Let the Israelites go. They have been in slavery. And they are supposed to be free. You need to bring them to the promised land. And we read all throughout the plagues. That Pharaoh is hardening his heart. Pharaoh is hardening his heart. Pharaoh is hardening his heart. And then we read in the plague. On the sixth plague. It says that God hardened Pharaoh's heart. What is he doing there? Well he is just letting Pharaoh. Move in the direction that he has been moving. This entire time. He is allowing himself to do that." [24:02] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And here's the good news. Parables are also given. To reveal truth to believers. And this is what we read in Matthew chapter 13. Verses 16 and 17. Blessed are your eyes for they see. And your ears for they hear. For truly I say to you. Many prophets and righteous people long to see what you see. And did not see it. And to hear what you hear. And did not hear it. And therefore in that verse. Is very emphatic. Your eyes see. And your ears hear. And because of that you are blessed. Because they believe in Jesus. Because they are open to his message. Their organ of listening and hearing. Is directly tied to their faith. And he says you are blessed. Because you get a chance to see this." [25:02] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "And so when someone rejects the reality of Jesus. They are rejecting the reality of basic truth. And so when they are given the understanding of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. They are not going to get it. But if you recognize and accept the truth of who Jesus is. Then when you are handed the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. You find this wealth of treasure. This wealth of truth. So you and I can sit here and listen to the parables. That we are going to talk about over the next couple of weeks. And without explanation we are just going to look at these as cool stories. As cute stories. You might think they are good stories. And they have got a neat you know moral to them. And that is essentially what the crowd said. But if we do not accept that. Then we are going to be in the same company as the religious leaders and as the crowd. And we are going to miss the point. That this story is meant to understand how to grow in the Christian life." [18:29] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And so our sinful heart are naturally rejects Jesus. And for the person who rejects the elementary aspects of this Christian faith. They look at the parables and they say that is a good story. Or maybe they think Jesus is a good story. But we are never going to submit our lives to Jesus. And so parables like Jesus said are given to hide the truth from unbelievers. Verses 13 through 15 says this. This is why I speak to them in parables. Because seeing they do not see and hearing they do not hear nor do they understand. Indeed in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled. That says you will indeed hear but never understand. You will indeed see but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull. And with their ears they can barely hear. And with their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart. And in turn I would heal them." [19:15] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And so if you believe in Jesus today. You have come to bow your knee to him. The proper response is to give God glory. Your salvation, my salvation is not the result of anything of our doing. It is not because we are smarter or better than anyone else. It is simply because of the grace that has been extended to us. But if you continue to reject Jesus today. And you do not understand the truth of who Jesus is. You have only yourself to blame. You and I are held responsible for our response to Jesus. Especially if you have been coming here for a while. If you have been coming to redemption for a while. You have heard this truth taught regularly. And if you walk away. And you go that is a nice story. I don't believe it. And God forbid something happens to you. And you stand before God tonight. Or you stand before God this week. Something happens. And you have not accepted the reality. You have not believed upon Jesus. For salvation. You have only yourself to blame." [23:26] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And here's the good news. Parables are also given. To reveal truth to believers. And this is what we read in Matthew chapter 13. Verses 16 and 17. Blessed are your eyes for they see. And your ears for they hear. For truly I say to you. Many prophets and righteous people long to see what you see. And did not see it. And to hear what you hear. And did not hear it. And therefore in that verse. Is very emphatic. Your eyes see. And your ears hear. And because of that you are blessed. Because they believe in Jesus. Because they are open to his message. Their organ of listening and hearing. Is directly tied to their faith. And he says you are blessed. Because you get a chance to see this. Here in the 21st century today. In the state of Florida. In Lakeland in air conditioning. We are blessed. Because we have the truth of who Jesus is today." [25:02] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And therefore in that verse. Is very emphatic. Your eyes see. And your ears hear. And because of that you are blessed. Because they believe in Jesus. Because they are open to his message. Their organ of listening and hearing. Is directly tied to their faith. And he says you are blessed. Because you get a chance to see this. Here in the 21st century today. In the state of Florida. In Lakeland in air conditioning. We are blessed. Because we have the truth of who Jesus is today. I was just at a camp. At a camp at SCU. With some members of our worship team. And the camp speaker on the final night said. There are about 8 billion people on the planet. 3.1 billion people have never heard Have never heard the truth of who Jesus is. Have never heard the truth of who Jesus is. You and I are blessed. To get the opportunity. To hear this message today. But to the crowd. This is just an interesting story. is something about their life. Excuse me. To them it is more than just a story. It is something about their life. And they seek Jesus out. They seek the deeper meaning of what Jesus is talking about. In this message. They are not content to live on the surface. They want to go deeper. And we see that Jesus honors that request." [25:35] (79 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?