Matthew 13:10-17
1. Parables mean something to those in the story.
Parables require that you are personally involved in order to understand.
2. Preaching parables is part of Christ’s heart to hide and reveal.
Parables ensure that the sheep get closer and the wolves go further away.
3. Parables reinforce the kingdom’s justice and its grace.
4. Parables speak to those who know they are not neutral.
-Deut. 29:4, Jer. 5:21; Ezek. 12:2; 2Cor. 3:14
-2Cor. 1:9; Rev. 1:17-18; Eph. 2:1-5; John 10:26-28
Without our own work, God sends a mediator, purges our sin, and makes atonement for us.
-The true preaching of the gospel will save sheep and harden goats.
5. Parables produce prepared people.
6. Parables require a relationship to understand.
7. God reveals in his way, to his beloved (verse 16) and in his time (verse 17)
We do want a long future in Christ’s kingdom on earth even as we long for the future of Christ’s kingdom of heaven.
