What in the world was Yeshua saying in the parables?!?
We are all familiar with Yeshua’s parables, but do we really take the time to understand what He is teaching us? In Matthew 13:1-2, we see two examples of Yeshua’s wisdom in action. Let’s take a closer look at these parables and what they can teach us about living our lives for our Messiah.
- Oftentimes it’s difficult to understand parables that Yeshua shared in the Gospels.
Over the coming weeks, we will be breaking down some of the parables to make it easier to understand what Yeshua was teaching back then that applies to our lives today.
Yeshua said the purpose of the parables is that it’s in plain sight for everyone, but the state of your intentions and your heart for the Lord will determine the treasure that you get from it. Free will.
Yeshua told it for all-but not everyone will pick it up. So let’s begin in Matthew 13:1-2
“That same day Yeshua went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about Him so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach.”
Notice the unwearied ministry of Yeshua in this chapter as He goes out. If you go back in the previous chapter, You will see He had been ministering all day. And the religious leaders had been questioning everything He had been doing and saying that He got his power from satan. Our Messiah did not allow the persecutors to stop Him from spreading the Gospel.
He resisted them and they did not show up later that day by the sea. He kept going because He knew His time was limited and He needed to share while He could. He says in John 9:4 As long as it is day, we must keep doing the work of the One who sent me; the night is coming, when no one can work.
The word says in 2 Timothy 4:1-2, I solemnly charge you before our Heavenly Father and Jesus our Messiah, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching. His message just in these first two verses is to remind us to be about our Heavenly Father’s business. Spreading the gospel while we can before darkness comes. The end of times.
Let’s dig a little deeper…
Why did Yeshua teach in parables
Yeshua was a master storyteller, teaching in parables that inspired dialogue and encouraged His listeners to think deeply about the message He was communicating. Through His stories, Yeshua revealed that God’s kingdom is a complex and varied place with many facets and levels of meaning, just like a multifaceted gemstone which catches the light in different ways depending on its angles of observation. Yeshua also used stories to reveal fundamental truths in simple yet effective ways; even in matters of faith and morality, He presented them as integrated elements of life itself rather than lofty abstractions. By teaching us through parables, Yeshua taught us profound lessons about how living an intentional life of faith could bring joy and purpose to our lives. In this way, Yeshua made it easier for people to digest difficult information while still being encouraged by His words. Whenever we feel lost or discouraged on our journey with Him, trusting in Him — as told by His many parables — will always bring us hope and reassurance.
He also told the disciples later on that He taught in parables for another reason. “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.” (Matthew 13:10-12)
In other words, those who were truly seeking Him and wanting to follow Him, would search deeper to find the truths in His message. That protected the truth from those who were just curious but not serious about following Him. The more truth He can trust us with the more He will reveal to us.
How can we apply this to our lives today
While the world around us may appear confusing and disconnected at times, God’s Word is always applicable to our lives. We can be encouraged by the knowledge that each of us has an eternal purpose and are called to serve with love, compassion, and self-control while spreading the Good News. By being mindful of our lives from an eternal perspective, we can apply scriptural guidance to our modern challenges. As believers, let us draw on the examples outlined in the Bible to find strength and encouragement in His Word each and every day. May we stand firm in our faith as we graciously surrender ourselves obediently to His will in all things!
He taught in parables for many reasons, one being that He kept His truths for His true followers. The meaning of the parable is that we need to trust the Father in all circumstances, turn back to Him when we have strayed, repent, and study the whole Bible from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation. By doing these things, we will be living according to His plan for our lives and we will be blessed beyond measure.
God bless you