The disciples asked Jesus why he taught in parables and the answer was so that people of the right disposition would understand and consequently be greatly blessed, as were his apostles. We can be similarly blessed if we are the type of people represented by ground in which the word of God can flourish.
Many of Jesus’ parables illustrate the different kinds of individual who may be affected by the word of God. There are two main types: the righteous and the wicked. It may be difficult to identify them now but this will be done at the judgment seat of Christ, and this is illustrated in the parable of the tares. Tares look like wheat, but are weeds. Thus there are many people claiming Jesus as their Lord who will be rejected by him. There will be much wailing and gnashing of teeth at that time, but it is then that the righteous, represented by the wheat, will enjoy the fruit of faith and obedience: “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
The preaching of the gospel is likened to the casting of a net into the sea (of nations) catching many fish, some good and some bad, with the bad in the end being thrown away. Therefore, the only safe course of action is, not just professing to follow Christ, but actually doing so by accepting his teaching and obeying his commandments. The offer of life and glory to the righteous is truly marvellous and of greater value than anything we may gain in this life. It is likened to unexpectedly discovering treasure for the possession of which a man sells everything he has!
This chapter illustrates the way in which Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 78:2Waiting for response for Psalm 78:2 that he would speak God’s message in parables. v.35Waiting for response for Matthew 13:35