Matthew 13: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Kingdom
The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
And 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 sprung up, and choked them:
But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Matthew 13 invites us into a deeper understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven through a series of parables delivered by Jesus. From the shores of Galilee to the familiar streets of Nazareth, this chapter reveals not only the nature of God's kingdom but also the varied responses it elicits. Let's explore these rich teachings, seeking both intellectual insight and spiritual application for our lives. This chapter is particularly important, and these Matthew 13 commentary notes will help you understand it better.
The Setting: From House to Shore (Matthew 13:1-3)
Following the events of Matthew 12, Jesus moves from a crowded house to the open air of the Sea of Galilee. The multitude is so great that He enters a boat to teach, using the water as a natural amplifier. This scene sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He employs parables to convey profound truths about the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Power and Purpose of Parables (Matthew 13:3, 10-17, 34-35)
Jesus begins to teach using parables, short stories designed to illustrate a greater spiritual truth. Parables bridge the gap between abstract concepts and everyday experiences, making them easier to grasp. However, Jesus intentionally withholds the full meaning from the general crowd, reserving deeper explanations for His disciples. As Tony Evans notes, the "secrets" or "mysteries" of the kingdom are revealed in the New Testament through Christ, building upon what was hidden in the Old Testament. Matthew emphasizes that this method of teaching fulfills prophecy (Psalm 78:2), highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
Why this selective revelation? Jesus explains to His disciples that they have been given the ability to understand the mysteries of the kingdom, while others, due to their hardened hearts, will not. This echoes Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 6:9-10) about those who see but do not perceive, and hear but do not understand. It’s crucial that we not only hear Jesus, but have a heart that’s willing to receive his words in order to benefit from them. When you respond to the spiritual light you’ve been given, you’ll receive more light—more understanding. But when you reject the light, the opposite happens.
The Parable of the Sower: Seeds of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23)
The first parable is that of the sower, who scatters seeds on different types of soil. Some fall on the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil. Jesus explains to His disciples that the seed represents the word of the kingdom.
- The Path: Represents those who hear the word but do not understand it. The evil one snatches it away before it can take root (Matthew 13:19).
- Rocky Ground: Represents those who receive the word with joy but lack depth. When trials or persecution come, they quickly fall away (Matthew 13:20-21).
- Thorns: Represents those who hear the word, but worldly anxieties and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful (Matthew 13:22).
- Good Soil: Represents those who hear the word, understand it, and produce a harvest—some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty (Matthew 13:23).
The condition of the heart is crucial. As Tony Evans points out, the parable emphasizes that the effectiveness of God's word in a person's life depends on their openness and willingness to receive and respond to it. Fruit that results from faithful discipleship is always visible and benefits others.
The Parable of the Weeds: A Mixed Harvest (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
Jesus shares another parable, comparing the kingdom to a field where a farmer sows good seed, but an enemy sows weeds (likely darnel, which resembles wheat) among the wheat. The farmer instructs his servants to let both grow together until the harvest, when the weeds will be gathered and burned, and the wheat gathered into the barn.
Jesus explains that He is the sower of good seed, the field is the world, the good seed are the children of the kingdom, and the weeds are the children of the evil one. At the end of the age, the angels will separate the wicked from the righteous, casting the wicked into a blazing furnace, while the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:36-43).
Tony Evans highlights that self-righteous religion will grow alongside true Christianity. There will be those who appear to be saved and use spiritual-sounding language, but their Christianity is only an imitation.
The Mustard Seed and the Leaven: Small Beginnings, Great Impact (Matthew 13:31-33)
Jesus uses two short parables to illustrate the growth and influence of the kingdom. The mustard seed, though small, grows into a large plant. The leaven, though hidden in a large batch of flour, permeates the entire dough.
These parables demonstrate that the kingdom, though starting small, will grow and spread throughout the world by the power of the Holy Spirit. Christianity would become a significant worldwide movement in spite of its humble beginnings.
Hidden Treasure and Priceless Pearl: The Value of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:44-46)
The kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man finds and sells everything to buy. It is also like a merchant seeking fine pearls, who finds one of great value and sells everything to buy it. These parables emphasize the surpassing value of the kingdom.
Those who recognize the worth of living life under the rule of God will sacrifice anything of earthly value for participation in his kingdom. Life holds no greater treasure.
The Net: A Final Separation (Matthew 13:47-50)
The kingdom is compared to a net cast into the sea, gathering all kinds of fish. The fishermen sort the good fish from the bad, throwing the bad away. This parable illustrates the final judgment, when the wicked will be separated from the righteous and cast into a blazing furnace.
Tony Evans reminds us that hell is an uncomfortable topic, but Christians need to share the truth about Jesus, so that unbelievers have a chance to undergo gospel surgery and avoid the blazing furnace of God’s judgment.
New and Old Treasures: The Disciple's Task (Matthew 13:51-53)
Jesus concludes by comparing a teacher of the law who has become a disciple to a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old. All believers are called to be disciples of Jesus and students of the Word. As you grow in understanding the Bible—both the new (the teachings of Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament) and the old (the law and the prophets of the Old Testament)—you are to help the world know the King and follow his kingdom rule.
Rejection in Nazareth: Familiarity Breeds Contempt (Matthew 13:54-58)
Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth, where He teaches in the synagogue. However, the people are offended by Him, questioning His authority and wisdom because they know Him and His family. Due to their unbelief, Jesus does not perform many miracles there.
Unbelief can stop the miraculous. God will choose not to do things that he wants to do when you don’t take seriously what he has to say. Don’t be a hindrance to God’s work in your life. Believe his word. Trust his promises. Follow in obedience.
Conclusion: Embracing the Kingdom
Matthew 13 offers a multifaceted view of the Kingdom of Heaven, revealing its mysteries, its growth, its value, and the varied responses it evokes. Through parables, Jesus challenges us to examine our hearts, to receive the word with understanding, and to embrace the Kingdom with all that we are. This chapter serves as a call to discipleship, urging us to become students of the Word, sharing the treasures of the Kingdom with the world.
The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
And 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 sprung up, and choked them:
But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Matthew 13 invites us into a deeper understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven through a series of parables delivered by Jesus. From the shores of Galilee to the familiar streets of Nazareth, this chapter reveals not only the nature of God's kingdom but also the varied responses it elicits. Let's explore these rich teachings, seeking both intellectual insight and spiritual application for our lives. This chapter is particularly important, and these Matthew 13 commentary notes will help you understand it better.
The Setting: From House to Shore (Matthew 13:1-3)
Following the events of Matthew 12, Jesus moves from a crowded house to the open air of the Sea of Galilee. The multitude is so great that He enters a boat to teach, using the water as a natural amplifier. This scene sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He employs parables to convey profound truths about the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Power and Purpose of Parables (Matthew 13:3, 10-17, 34-35)
Jesus begins to teach using parables, short stories designed to illustrate a greater spiritual truth. Parables bridge the gap between abstract concepts and everyday experiences, making them easier to grasp. However, Jesus intentionally withholds the full meaning from the general crowd, reserving deeper explanations for His disciples. As Tony Evans notes, the "secrets" or "mysteries" of the kingdom are revealed in the New Testament through Christ, building upon what was hidden in the Old Testament. Matthew emphasizes that this method of teaching fulfills prophecy (Psalm 78:2), highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
Why this selective revelation? Jesus explains to His disciples that they have been given the ability to understand the mysteries of the kingdom, while others, due to their hardened hearts, will not. This echoes Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 6:9-10) about those who see but do not perceive, and hear but do not understand. It’s crucial that we not only hear Jesus, but have a heart that’s willing to receive his words in order to benefit from them. When you respond to the spiritual light you’ve been given, you’ll receive more light—more understanding. But when you reject the light, the opposite happens.
The Parable of the Sower: Seeds of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23)
The first parable is that of the sower, who scatters seeds on different types of soil. Some fall on the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil. Jesus explains to His disciples that the seed represents the word of the kingdom.
- The Path: Represents those who hear the word but do not understand it. The evil one snatches it away before it can take root (Matthew 13:19).
- Rocky Ground: Represents those who receive the word with joy but lack depth. When trials or persecution come, they quickly fall away (Matthew 13:20-21).
- Thorns: Represents those who hear the word, but worldly anxieties and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful (Matthew 13:22).
- Good Soil: Represents those who hear the word, understand it, and produce a harvest—some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty (Matthew 13:23).
The condition of the heart is crucial. As Tony Evans points out, the parable emphasizes that the effectiveness of God's word in a person's life depends on their openness and willingness to receive and respond to it. Fruit that results from faithful discipleship is always visible and benefits others.
The Parable of the Weeds: A Mixed Harvest (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
Jesus shares another parable, comparing the kingdom to a field where a farmer sows good seed, but an enemy sows weeds (likely darnel, which resembles wheat) among the wheat. The farmer instructs his servants to let both grow together until the harvest, when the weeds will be gathered and burned, and the wheat gathered into the barn.
Jesus explains that He is the sower of good seed, the field is the world, the good seed are the children of the kingdom, and the weeds are the children of the evil one. At the end of the age, the angels will separate the wicked from the righteous, casting the wicked into a blazing furnace, while the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:36-43).
Tony Evans highlights that self-righteous religion will grow alongside true Christianity. There will be those who appear to be saved and use spiritual-sounding language, but their Christianity is only an imitation.
The Mustard Seed and the Leaven: Small Beginnings, Great Impact (Matthew 13:31-33)
Jesus uses two short parables to illustrate the growth and influence of the kingdom. The mustard seed, though small, grows into a large plant. The leaven, though hidden in a large batch of flour, permeates the entire dough.
These parables demonstrate that the kingdom, though starting small, will grow and spread throughout the world by the power of the Holy Spirit. Christianity would become a significant worldwide movement in spite of its humble beginnings.
Hidden Treasure and Priceless Pearl: The Value of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:44-46)
The kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man finds and sells everything to buy. It is also like a merchant seeking fine pearls, who finds one of great value and sells everything to buy it. These parables emphasize the surpassing value of the kingdom.
Those who recognize the worth of living life under the rule of God will sacrifice anything of earthly value for participation in his kingdom. Life holds no greater treasure.
The Net: A Final Separation (Matthew 13:47-50)
The kingdom is compared to a net cast into the sea, gathering all kinds of fish. The fishermen sort the good fish from the bad, throwing the bad away. This parable illustrates the final judgment, when the wicked will be separated from the righteous and cast into a blazing furnace.
Tony Evans reminds us that hell is an uncomfortable topic, but Christians need to share the truth about Jesus, so that unbelievers have a chance to undergo gospel surgery and avoid the blazing furnace of God’s judgment.
New and Old Treasures: The Disciple's Task (Matthew 13:51-53)
Jesus concludes by comparing a teacher of the law who has become a disciple to a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old. All believers are called to be disciples of Jesus and students of the Word. As you grow in understanding the Bible—both the new (the teachings of Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament) and the old (the law and the prophets of the Old Testament)—you are to help the world know the King and follow his kingdom rule.
Rejection in Nazareth: Familiarity Breeds Contempt (Matthew 13:54-58)
Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth, where He teaches in the synagogue. However, the people are offended by Him, questioning His authority and wisdom because they know Him and His family. Due to their unbelief, Jesus does not perform many miracles there.
Unbelief can stop the miraculous. God will choose not to do things that he wants to do when you don’t take seriously what he has to say. Don’t be a hindrance to God’s work in your life. Believe his word. Trust his promises. Follow in obedience.
Conclusion: Embracing the Kingdom
Matthew 13 offers a multifaceted view of the Kingdom of Heaven, revealing its mysteries, its growth, its value, and the varied responses it evokes. Through parables, Jesus challenges us to examine our hearts, to receive the word with understanding, and to embrace the Kingdom with all that we are. This chapter serves as a call to discipleship, urging us to become students of the Word, sharing the treasures of the Kingdom with the world.