The Purpose of Parables - Holy Week Day 3

In Psalm 78:2, Asaph prophesied that the Lord would open His mouth in a parable. In Matthew 13, this prophecy was fulfilled as Jesus delivered His first parable: the Parable of the Sower.

Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! (Matthew 13:3-9 NKJV)

The purpose of parables was outlined through this very parable – to show that the kingdom of God is given to those who want it.

Approximately one year after delivering this parable to the multitudes, Jesus reinforced its truth on Holy Tuesday during His teachings in the temple. The chief priests and elders of the people confronted Him, saying: “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” (Matthew 21:23)

In His response, Jesus told them parables – one being the Parable of the Wicked Vinedresser. At its conclusion, and to those who opposed Him, He said:“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.” (Matthew 21:43)

In other words, Jesus was saying that the kingdom of God would be given to those whose hearts resembled “good ground” – to those who hear the word and understand it, who indeed bear fruit. (Matthew 13:23)

To establish “good ground” we must till. Tilling is the process that cultivates soil by loosening it up to prepare it for planting and, ultimately, a good harvest. Therefore, to be fruitful and receive the kingdom of God, we must plow up the hard ground of our hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that He may come and shower righteousness upon us. (Hosea 10:12)

As we take time to reflect on Holy Tuesday and Jesus’ teachings and parables that were given on this day, let us have ears to hear – let us do the labor required within ourselves to reap a bountiful harvest.

Reading Guide 

• Matthew 13:1-23

• Matthew 21:23-45

• Hosea 10:12

• Isaiah 55:6

  
  

Reflection Questions 

1. What have I allowed to take root in my heart that is choking spiritual growth?

2. Am I relying on myself, or clinging to the Lord as a trellis?

3. What are some practical ways that I can make time for the Lord? 

Prayer Focus

Lord, help me to actively resist conforming to this world, and rather be transformed daily by the renewing of my mind through Your word and time in Your presence. I want to become more aware of You, and bear the fruit of the Spirit in my life.

-Edna Noel