Why Parables?

Audio Recording

Sermon Outline

Speaker: Rev. Tim Chang
Sermon Series: Parables of the Kingdom in the Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 13:10-17 (ESV)
10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 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. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 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. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

“‘“You will indeed hear but never understand,
    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
15 For this people's heart has grown dull,
    and with their ears they can barely hear,
    and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
    and turn, and I would heal them.’

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Sermon Outline

1. Parables reveal who we are (v. 10-12)

2. Parables reveal who Jesus is (v. 13-15)

3. Parables reveal who we’re meant to be (v. 16-17)

Prayer of Confession
Jesus, you are the image of the invisible God.  You have fully revealed the beauty and wonder of the Kingdom of God.  But we confess there are times when we hear but do not want to understand, when we see but do not want to perceive.  Our dull hearts, our blocked ears, our closed eyes desperately need your healing. May your Spirit give us the strength to turn to you and gaze upon your beauty and marvel at your wonder. Remind us of our blessedness because Jesus has saved and rescued us.  Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. What connected with you from the sermon or the passage?

2. When you hear the word “parable,” what comes to mind?

3. What implications are there that God’s kingdom is something that must be received, not just figured out on our own?

4. Why do you think Jesus chose parables to reveal who he is?

5. How does Jesus’ persistence in revealing himself, even in the face of rejection, shape how you view him?

6. To what degree do you believe that we are blessed to see and hear what prophets longed for?

7. In what ways might you be a mini-parable to those around you and in the places that God has uniquely called you?

8. What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?