WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.399 A funny thing happened a couple weeks ago. It was our last big snow. 00:00:04.200 --> 00:00:08.220 And I have a pickup truck, which I love driving around in. I just drive around in it. 00:00:08.919 --> 00:00:13.820 But I also have a snowblower. And when I can make those two come together, 00:00:13.980 --> 00:00:17.300 put the snowblower in the back of the pickup truck, I love it. 00:00:18.460 --> 00:00:25.500 So I cleared my snow around my house, loaded up the snowblower in the back of my pickup truck, 00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:31.060 closed the back gate, and I was going to come over here to the church just to make sure that 00:00:31.060 --> 00:00:34.380 if I could help out anyway, and it had already been cleared. 00:00:35.799 --> 00:00:40.420 But I'm pulling out. I've got my truck in four-wheel drive. I punch it a little bit. 00:00:41.420 --> 00:00:43.799 And I look up in the rearview mirror, and do you know what I see? 00:00:45.379 --> 00:00:49.219 I see my snowblower rolling off the back of my pickup truck. 00:00:50.159 --> 00:00:54.679 Apparently, the gate hadn't closed sufficiently because of snow. 00:00:54.679 --> 00:01:00.479 And so I watched the snowblower roll off and then do about a three-foot bounce and fall back down. 00:01:00.640 --> 00:01:05.159 I stopped. I rushed out. I ran up to my snowblower, which was on its side, looking dead. 00:01:06.159 --> 00:01:07.200 What am I going to do? 00:01:08.519 --> 00:01:11.099 I reached down, pumped the primer. 00:01:11.579 --> 00:01:13.760 Are you going to be okay? Pull that cord. 00:01:14.319 --> 00:01:16.159 That thing was ready to roar. 00:01:17.840 --> 00:01:19.460 It needs a lot of work done to it. 00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:22.740 But the engine was working great. 00:01:22.739 --> 00:01:28.979 This morning, I don't want to punch the engine and drop you off the back of the gate. 00:01:29.899 --> 00:01:31.719 I want to prime your pump. 00:01:33.280 --> 00:01:39.039 I want your heart to be primed to receive the parables of Matthew 13. 00:01:40.319 --> 00:01:46.579 And so this morning, we're going to take some time to take a look at these eight parables together. 00:01:46.579 --> 00:01:49.939 Parables about the kingdom of heaven. 00:01:50.500 --> 00:01:57.379 And if I can remind you what the kingdom of heaven is, the kingdom of heaven is a way of talking about the saving reign of God. 00:01:58.120 --> 00:02:02.239 God being present and rescuing sinners to himself. 00:02:02.239 --> 00:02:07.739 And the saving reign of God was inaugurated at the first coming of Jesus. 00:02:08.539 --> 00:02:11.400 And it will culminate in the second coming of Jesus. 00:02:13.240 --> 00:02:16.620 But this morning, I'm going to look at these eight parables in Matthew 13. 00:02:16.759 --> 00:02:22.319 And we're going to see each one reveals some aspect of the kingdom of heaven. 00:02:22.439 --> 00:02:24.579 Something about the saving reign of God. 00:02:24.580 --> 00:02:32.140 And in order for you to fully appreciate each parable, you need to see how they're all functioning together as a whole. 00:02:32.980 --> 00:02:39.400 Matthew 13, 1-53 is one extended teaching of Jesus. 00:02:39.620 --> 00:02:41.660 It's all to be taken together. 00:02:42.720 --> 00:02:47.640 And so what makes this teaching unique is that Jesus teaches in parables. 00:02:47.639 --> 00:02:53.139 That's why it's commonly known as the parabolic discourse. 00:02:53.879 --> 00:02:56.239 And personally, I just like saying parabolic. 00:02:56.459 --> 00:02:58.199 I love the way that comes off my tongue. 00:02:58.879 --> 00:02:59.479 Parabolic. 00:03:02.759 --> 00:03:10.359 This parabolic discourse is one of five extended teachings throughout the Gospel of Matthew 00:03:10.359 --> 00:03:15.459 that culminate in the climax of Matthew. 00:03:15.460 --> 00:03:19.560 And that is the death and resurrection of Jesus. 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:25.260 But this morning, I want to prime your heart for these parables of the kingdom. 00:03:25.439 --> 00:03:27.860 And so this morning, five primers. 00:03:28.040 --> 00:03:28.300 You ready? 00:03:28.439 --> 00:03:32.740 Number one, a parable is a kind of tool. 00:03:33.920 --> 00:03:38.120 Primer number two, parables have a dual purpose. 00:03:38.780 --> 00:03:45.340 Primer number three, the parables have an interwoven theme. 00:03:45.460 --> 00:03:47.460 That makes it a beautiful tapestry. 00:03:48.760 --> 00:03:54.520 Primer number four, and this is the one that I think you're going to be amazed by. 00:03:55.920 --> 00:04:00.800 There is a very carefully constructed design here. 00:04:01.800 --> 00:04:05.040 These parables are working together. 00:04:05.039 --> 00:04:13.879 And primer number five, these parables point to a common focal point. 00:04:14.099 --> 00:04:15.739 And his name is Jesus. 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:21.300 So primer number one, a parable is a kind of tool. 00:04:21.899 --> 00:04:24.259 What's your favorite tool that you have? 00:04:24.800 --> 00:04:25.639 Is it your phone? 00:04:25.639 --> 00:04:27.639 Is it Google? 00:04:29.319 --> 00:04:31.419 The remote control to your TV? 00:04:32.419 --> 00:04:38.000 I was given a cordless drill by my mother-in-law about 10, 15 years ago. 00:04:38.139 --> 00:04:39.620 And I love that thing. 00:04:39.659 --> 00:04:41.000 That thing gets a lot done. 00:04:41.079 --> 00:04:42.079 I've got an axe. 00:04:42.379 --> 00:04:43.639 I love my axe. 00:04:43.759 --> 00:04:45.919 I would carry it around my back if I could. 00:04:46.019 --> 00:04:47.659 But I think it would raise too many questions. 00:04:47.860 --> 00:04:48.680 And so I don't. 00:04:48.680 --> 00:04:51.699 A buddy of mine let me use his chainsaw. 00:04:51.920 --> 00:04:54.040 It's called a Husqvarna chainsaw. 00:04:54.300 --> 00:04:55.180 It is awesome. 00:04:55.600 --> 00:04:56.620 I would use it. 00:04:56.879 --> 00:05:01.199 It would blow all this kind of wood chips all over the place. 00:05:01.540 --> 00:05:04.620 I would smell like chainsaw exhaust and sweat. 00:05:05.160 --> 00:05:09.199 And all that, all coming together, wood chips, exhaust, sweat. 00:05:09.439 --> 00:05:11.000 Oh, man, it smelled so good. 00:05:11.000 --> 00:05:15.199 But I have actually coined the fragrance. 00:05:15.699 --> 00:05:16.540 It's a cologne. 00:05:16.779 --> 00:05:18.540 It's called Weekend Warrior. 00:05:24.540 --> 00:05:25.779 What's your favorite tool? 00:05:27.660 --> 00:05:28.920 Jesus was a carpenter. 00:05:29.019 --> 00:05:30.220 I'm sure he had a favorite tool. 00:05:31.660 --> 00:05:36.600 But when it comes to teaching, one of Jesus' favorite tools was the parable. 00:05:36.600 --> 00:05:42.520 A parable is simply a way to communicate truth. 00:05:43.160 --> 00:05:45.800 It's a teaching tool. 00:05:47.020 --> 00:05:50.900 And another thing you need to know about a parable, not only is it a teaching tool, 00:05:51.300 --> 00:05:56.379 it's a teaching tool that communicates truth through comparison. 00:05:57.960 --> 00:06:03.100 It's a very effective way to communicate spiritual truth, 00:06:03.100 --> 00:06:08.560 and it does so through a comparison to everyday activity. 00:06:09.780 --> 00:06:13.600 And so if you took a look at the eight parables in Matthew 13, 00:06:13.780 --> 00:06:15.060 the parable of the sower, 00:06:15.860 --> 00:06:19.480 you see this very visible presentation Jesus puts in your mind. 00:06:19.700 --> 00:06:23.939 He paints a picture in your mind to make a point. 00:06:23.939 --> 00:06:30.019 And so the parable of the sower is chapter 13, 3 through 9, 00:06:30.560 --> 00:06:33.060 and we see this sower throwing seed, 00:06:33.219 --> 00:06:36.959 and it's being received by four different kinds of soils. 00:06:37.139 --> 00:06:38.420 It's like you're there. 00:06:38.699 --> 00:06:39.660 You can imagine it. 00:06:40.899 --> 00:06:41.819 Very vivid. 00:06:42.600 --> 00:06:43.319 It's a comparison. 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:48.779 The parable of the weeds in chapter 13, 24 through 30, 00:06:48.860 --> 00:06:50.019 that's the second parable. 00:06:50.019 --> 00:06:54.919 Weeds and wheat growing up together. 00:06:55.099 --> 00:06:56.479 It's like you're there. 00:06:58.399 --> 00:07:02.259 The parable of the mustard seed in chapter 13, 31 through 32. 00:07:02.479 --> 00:07:04.959 The parable of the leaven in 13, 33. 00:07:05.120 --> 00:07:07.459 It's like when I hear Jesus saying that, 00:07:07.560 --> 00:07:11.180 I imagine a lady just kneading dough 00:07:11.180 --> 00:07:13.699 and kneading leaven through a lump of dough. 00:07:14.819 --> 00:07:15.759 Very visible. 00:07:15.979 --> 00:07:17.279 But they're there to make a comparison. 00:07:17.279 --> 00:07:21.579 You go on to the hidden treasure in the pearl of great price. 00:07:21.679 --> 00:07:23.099 The hidden treasure in 1344. 00:07:23.599 --> 00:07:26.739 Can you not imagine a guy digging in the middle of a field? 00:07:26.939 --> 00:07:27.839 I'm like there. 00:07:30.159 --> 00:07:31.619 The parable of the net. 00:07:33.419 --> 00:07:40.500 Fishermen getting this huge catch of mixed fish together. 00:07:40.500 --> 00:07:44.899 That's 1347 through 58. 00:07:44.899 --> 00:07:46.899 And the last parable, of course, 00:07:47.000 --> 00:07:49.139 is the parable of the master of the house. 00:07:49.279 --> 00:07:52.680 That's in 1352 where this guy comes out 00:07:52.680 --> 00:07:56.079 and out of his treasure shares new and old things. 00:07:58.319 --> 00:07:59.819 Each is very vivid. 00:08:00.860 --> 00:08:02.560 And each is making a comparison. 00:08:02.800 --> 00:08:04.160 So what a parable does is 00:08:04.160 --> 00:08:07.839 it teaches truth through a comparison. 00:08:07.839 --> 00:08:13.399 Jesus is going to point us to an everyday experience 00:08:13.399 --> 00:08:14.719 we all deal with 00:08:14.719 --> 00:08:17.979 and make a spiritual connection to it. 00:08:18.739 --> 00:08:20.399 Jesus is absolutely brilliant. 00:08:22.879 --> 00:08:25.439 Now, a parable is a teaching tool 00:08:25.439 --> 00:08:28.599 that makes a comparison in order to communicate truth, 00:08:28.939 --> 00:08:31.399 but it also provokes a response. 00:08:31.759 --> 00:08:33.740 You just can't read it and kind of like, 00:08:33.839 --> 00:08:35.339 well, I'm going to move on. 00:08:35.340 --> 00:08:37.600 It provokes a response. 00:08:37.740 --> 00:08:40.399 And it's not just these parables in Matthew 13, 00:08:40.820 --> 00:08:42.060 but in Matthew 18, 00:08:42.180 --> 00:08:44.000 there's the parable of the unforgiving servant. 00:08:44.160 --> 00:08:45.639 It's an extended parable. 00:08:45.860 --> 00:08:46.820 And you can't help, 00:08:46.879 --> 00:08:48.019 but when you get done reading, 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:48.420 you're like, 00:08:49.200 --> 00:08:51.440 am I forgiving everybody 00:08:51.440 --> 00:08:52.820 the way I'm supposed to be forgiving everybody? 00:08:53.300 --> 00:08:54.700 It provokes a response. 00:08:55.580 --> 00:08:57.700 Or the parable of the talents 00:08:57.700 --> 00:08:59.460 in Matthew 25. 00:08:59.460 --> 00:09:05.400 Am I faithfully stewarding 00:09:05.400 --> 00:09:07.200 what God has entrusted to me? 00:09:07.420 --> 00:09:09.379 And am I doing that in a way 00:09:09.379 --> 00:09:10.320 that when He comes back, 00:09:10.360 --> 00:09:11.120 He will be pleased? 00:09:13.120 --> 00:09:15.720 You see, parables are very vivid, 00:09:15.920 --> 00:09:17.480 but they're designed to provoke 00:09:17.480 --> 00:09:19.240 a response from us. 00:09:19.960 --> 00:09:21.960 And so when you read the parable of the sowers 00:09:21.960 --> 00:09:24.000 and you learn about all these kind of different soils, 00:09:24.240 --> 00:09:26.040 you find yourself asking the question, 00:09:26.460 --> 00:09:28.220 well, what kind of soil is my heart? 00:09:28.220 --> 00:09:30.360 That's the right response. 00:09:30.820 --> 00:09:32.860 If you read the parable of the hidden treasure 00:09:32.860 --> 00:09:33.840 and you see this guy 00:09:33.840 --> 00:09:36.800 who stumbles across this treasure hidden in a field 00:09:36.800 --> 00:09:39.220 and you see his response 00:09:39.220 --> 00:09:40.420 that in joy, 00:09:40.899 --> 00:09:43.620 he sells everything that he has to buy it. 00:09:43.759 --> 00:09:45.480 You find yourself asking the question, 00:09:46.279 --> 00:09:49.000 am I responding that way to the kingdom of heaven? 00:09:50.100 --> 00:09:51.660 Do I have that kind of joy? 00:09:53.360 --> 00:09:55.680 Very effective teaching tool. 00:09:55.679 --> 00:10:00.539 And so a parable is a kind of teaching tool 00:10:00.539 --> 00:10:03.539 that compares everyday events 00:10:03.539 --> 00:10:05.839 to make a spiritual connection 00:10:05.839 --> 00:10:07.359 to a spiritual truth 00:10:07.359 --> 00:10:10.039 and it's designed to elicit a response. 00:10:11.639 --> 00:10:13.859 And Jesus used parables 00:10:13.859 --> 00:10:17.000 like no other before or after. 00:10:17.159 --> 00:10:18.459 You can even say that Jesus 00:10:18.459 --> 00:10:20.159 was the prince of parables. 00:10:21.039 --> 00:10:21.740 He's that good. 00:10:21.740 --> 00:10:24.799 So primer number one, 00:10:25.480 --> 00:10:27.659 parables are a kind of a tool. 00:10:29.299 --> 00:10:30.560 Primer number two, 00:10:30.940 --> 00:10:32.840 a parable has a dual purpose. 00:10:33.680 --> 00:10:35.139 Think vertical blinds. 00:10:36.240 --> 00:10:37.000 I'll come back to it. 00:10:38.120 --> 00:10:40.500 Remember, Matthew 13 is coming after 00:10:40.500 --> 00:10:42.039 a couple chapters 00:10:42.039 --> 00:10:46.200 dealing with people's responses to Jesus. 00:10:46.480 --> 00:10:47.960 Remember in John chapter 11, 00:10:47.960 --> 00:10:51.960 John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus 00:10:51.960 --> 00:10:53.600 and basically asks him, 00:10:54.060 --> 00:10:54.740 hey, are you the one? 00:10:55.340 --> 00:10:56.320 Are you the Christ? 00:10:57.019 --> 00:10:59.560 And Jesus responds to John's disciples. 00:10:59.680 --> 00:11:02.860 He says, well, let's see here. 00:11:03.620 --> 00:11:04.420 The deaf hear. 00:11:04.860 --> 00:11:06.440 The blind receive their sight. 00:11:06.860 --> 00:11:07.879 The dead are raised. 00:11:08.480 --> 00:11:10.500 The poor have the gospel preached to them. 00:11:11.040 --> 00:11:13.060 You go tell John that I'm the one. 00:11:13.059 --> 00:11:17.799 But John the Baptist was somewhat undecided. 00:11:19.379 --> 00:11:21.619 And then what we see throughout the gospels too 00:11:21.619 --> 00:11:24.859 are those who are decidedly followers of Jesus. 00:11:25.119 --> 00:11:25.659 His disciples. 00:11:26.819 --> 00:11:31.899 But we also see people who are decidedly against Jesus. 00:11:33.239 --> 00:11:36.039 They have rejected Jesus as the Christ, 00:11:36.159 --> 00:11:37.639 the son of man, the son of David. 00:11:37.759 --> 00:11:40.000 In chapter 12, we see the conflicts 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:42.199 between Jesus and the Pharisees, 00:11:42.200 --> 00:11:44.040 the religious establishment of the day. 00:11:45.200 --> 00:11:47.200 There were some significant tensions rising. 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:49.700 And for the rest of the gospel of Matthew, 00:11:49.900 --> 00:11:52.820 all the way up to chapter 26 and 27, 00:11:53.160 --> 00:11:55.700 there is going to be this rising tension 00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:57.920 between Jesus and the religious establishment. 00:12:01.100 --> 00:12:03.720 We're kind of left asking this question though 00:12:03.720 --> 00:12:06.800 as we're reading through the gospel of Matthew. 00:12:07.920 --> 00:12:10.980 Why doesn't everybody see Jesus for who he really is? 00:12:12.200 --> 00:12:13.500 For us, it's kind of clear. 00:12:13.580 --> 00:12:15.240 We see Jesus to be the Messiah. 00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:17.180 The one long anticipated. 00:12:17.700 --> 00:12:18.960 The King of Kings. 00:12:19.360 --> 00:12:21.160 The Lord of Lords who has come. 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:26.320 Why isn't everybody seeing Jesus that way? 00:12:26.759 --> 00:12:30.060 Why are some people rejecting Jesus as the Messiah? 00:12:30.059 --> 00:12:34.299 We see that happening in Kenosha. 00:12:35.479 --> 00:12:38.000 Not everybody sees Jesus for who he claimed to be. 00:12:39.279 --> 00:12:40.359 What's up with that? 00:12:42.219 --> 00:12:44.719 Well, Matthew is helping us come to grips 00:12:44.719 --> 00:12:47.199 even here in Matthew 13. 00:12:47.459 --> 00:12:48.799 He's helping us come to grips 00:12:48.799 --> 00:12:51.139 with the fact that not everybody 00:12:51.139 --> 00:12:53.359 is going to become a Christian. 00:12:54.059 --> 00:12:55.779 They're not going to receive Jesus 00:12:55.779 --> 00:12:57.539 as God's promised Messiah. 00:12:57.539 --> 00:13:00.059 Not everyone in this city 00:13:00.059 --> 00:13:02.740 is going to joyfully bow their knee 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:05.500 to Jesus as their Savior and King. 00:13:08.039 --> 00:13:09.059 Why not? 00:13:11.319 --> 00:13:14.959 Well, Jesus helps us understand that 00:13:14.959 --> 00:13:16.360 in Matthew 13. 00:13:17.079 --> 00:13:19.839 Right after he speaks the parable of the sower, 00:13:20.379 --> 00:13:23.019 his disciples in chapter 13, verse 10, 00:13:23.079 --> 00:13:24.159 if you want to look there with me, 00:13:24.579 --> 00:13:27.059 his disciples notice something. 00:13:28.539 --> 00:13:30.659 They notice that Jesus is speaking 00:13:30.659 --> 00:13:32.399 only in parables to the crowds. 00:13:32.599 --> 00:13:34.620 It's a change of his method. 00:13:35.639 --> 00:13:37.639 Why do you speak to them in parables? 00:13:37.939 --> 00:13:38.819 This was new to them. 00:13:39.500 --> 00:13:40.099 And so they're like, 00:13:40.159 --> 00:13:40.980 what's going on here? 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:42.639 Why are you just speaking to the crowds in parables? 00:13:43.059 --> 00:13:44.719 And then in verse 12, 00:13:45.039 --> 00:13:46.279 Jesus answers them. 00:13:46.839 --> 00:13:47.399 He says, 00:13:47.399 --> 00:13:49.120 To you it has been given 00:13:49.120 --> 00:13:51.639 to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:53.539 but to them it has not been given. 00:13:54.539 --> 00:13:55.699 For to the one who has, 00:13:55.819 --> 00:13:56.579 more will be given, 00:13:56.620 --> 00:13:57.919 and he will have an abundance. 00:13:58.360 --> 00:13:59.959 But from the one who has not, 00:14:00.039 --> 00:14:02.039 even what he has will be taken away. 00:14:02.399 --> 00:14:05.600 This is why I speak to them in parables, 00:14:05.699 --> 00:14:07.179 because seeing they do not see, 00:14:07.799 --> 00:14:09.220 and hearing they do not hear, 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:10.840 nor do they understand. 00:14:11.340 --> 00:14:12.480 Indeed, in their case, 00:14:12.480 --> 00:14:14.480 the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled 00:14:14.480 --> 00:14:15.000 that says, 00:14:15.360 --> 00:14:16.080 you will indeed hear, 00:14:16.180 --> 00:14:16.940 but never understand, 00:14:17.100 --> 00:14:17.980 and you will indeed see, 00:14:18.080 --> 00:14:18.980 but never perceive. 00:14:20.539 --> 00:14:22.080 Jesus is explaining to them 00:14:22.080 --> 00:14:26.279 why not everybody is bowing their knee to him 00:14:26.279 --> 00:14:27.019 as the king. 00:14:29.480 --> 00:14:32.759 Jesus is saying something 00:14:32.759 --> 00:14:34.379 very significant here. 00:14:36.980 --> 00:14:38.980 The parables serve a purpose, 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:42.300 but it reveals something 00:14:42.300 --> 00:14:44.620 about those who hear the parables. 00:14:46.399 --> 00:14:47.920 Would you just turn back 00:14:47.920 --> 00:14:49.920 in your Bible to Matthew 11, 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:52.500 verse 25? 00:14:55.460 --> 00:14:57.779 In verses 20 through 24, 00:14:58.180 --> 00:15:00.620 Jesus has just pronounced woe 00:15:00.620 --> 00:15:05.860 to Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum, 00:15:05.980 --> 00:15:08.600 these cities in the greater Galilee 00:15:08.600 --> 00:15:09.580 and Metroplex 00:15:09.580 --> 00:15:11.440 that Jesus has been doing 00:15:11.440 --> 00:15:14.980 all sorts of kind of miraculous works, 00:15:15.340 --> 00:15:17.120 and what Jesus says, 00:15:17.300 --> 00:15:18.120 woe to you, 00:15:19.100 --> 00:15:20.920 because you've seen the works, 00:15:21.159 --> 00:15:22.320 but you've not believed, 00:15:22.420 --> 00:15:23.460 you've not repented. 00:15:24.980 --> 00:15:27.259 And so they essentially rejected him 00:15:27.259 --> 00:15:28.379 for being the king. 00:15:29.659 --> 00:15:31.779 And so what we see in verses 25 00:15:31.779 --> 00:15:33.680 through 27 00:15:33.680 --> 00:15:35.399 is a little bit of an explanation. 00:15:36.860 --> 00:15:37.779 At that time, 00:15:37.779 --> 00:15:38.500 Jesus declared, 00:15:38.620 --> 00:15:39.559 I thank you, Father, 00:15:39.699 --> 00:15:40.659 Lord of heaven and earth, 00:15:41.199 --> 00:15:42.779 that you have hidden 00:15:42.779 --> 00:15:44.899 these things 00:15:44.899 --> 00:15:46.799 from the wise and understanding 00:15:46.799 --> 00:15:48.779 and revealed them 00:15:49.339 --> 00:15:50.819 to little children. 00:15:51.860 --> 00:15:52.439 Yes, Father, 00:15:52.519 --> 00:15:53.459 for such was your 00:15:53.459 --> 00:15:55.480 gracious will. 00:15:56.179 --> 00:15:57.539 All things have been handed over 00:15:57.539 --> 00:15:58.500 to me by my Father, 00:15:58.579 --> 00:15:59.539 and no one knows the Son 00:15:59.539 --> 00:16:00.279 except the Father, 00:16:00.620 --> 00:16:01.939 and no one knows the Father 00:16:01.939 --> 00:16:02.860 except the Son, 00:16:02.860 --> 00:16:05.759 and anyone to whom the Son 00:16:05.759 --> 00:16:09.039 chooses to reveal Him. 00:16:11.759 --> 00:16:13.139 We're starting to get the sense 00:16:13.139 --> 00:16:14.300 of the purpose of parables. 00:16:15.360 --> 00:16:17.360 The purpose of parables 00:16:17.360 --> 00:16:18.259 are twofold. 00:16:19.060 --> 00:16:20.060 They hide 00:16:20.060 --> 00:16:21.659 and they reveal. 00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:24.919 And so what Jesus is saying here is 00:16:24.919 --> 00:16:26.940 those who have eyes 00:16:26.940 --> 00:16:28.940 to see the parables 00:16:28.940 --> 00:16:29.940 and what they mean, 00:16:30.680 --> 00:16:31.820 that's been revealed 00:16:31.820 --> 00:16:32.900 to them by God. 00:16:34.340 --> 00:16:36.000 That's God's grace. 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:38.580 It's God's grace 00:16:38.580 --> 00:16:39.660 that you can see 00:16:39.660 --> 00:16:41.280 the meaning of a parable. 00:16:42.280 --> 00:16:43.820 It's His kindness to you. 00:16:44.280 --> 00:16:45.420 But what we also see here 00:16:45.420 --> 00:16:47.100 is that God holds us, 00:16:47.280 --> 00:16:48.040 everyone accountable 00:16:48.040 --> 00:16:48.960 for their hearts. 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:55.400 Jesus is very clear 00:16:55.400 --> 00:16:56.900 that saying He chooses 00:16:56.900 --> 00:16:59.040 whom He will reveal 00:16:59.040 --> 00:17:01.019 God's saving reign to. 00:17:01.920 --> 00:17:02.840 And what that goes to 00:17:02.840 --> 00:17:03.780 is it goes to the depth 00:17:03.780 --> 00:17:05.079 of our spiritual depravity. 00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:08.140 We are unable to see God 00:17:08.140 --> 00:17:10.420 unless God by His grace 00:17:10.420 --> 00:17:11.840 reveals Himself to us. 00:17:12.740 --> 00:17:13.960 That's the extent 00:17:13.960 --> 00:17:15.240 of our sinfulness. 00:17:16.440 --> 00:17:18.539 So Jesus speaks in parables 00:17:18.539 --> 00:17:19.420 to the crowds 00:17:19.420 --> 00:17:20.779 as a way of hiding 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:22.599 the kingdom from the proud 00:17:22.599 --> 00:17:24.279 and revealing the kingdom 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:25.159 to the humble. 00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:26.559 It's a dual purpose. 00:17:29.240 --> 00:17:31.519 You know what vertical blinds are? 00:17:32.500 --> 00:17:33.399 Come with me. 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:38.740 Let's say that this window right here 00:17:38.740 --> 00:17:41.680 has a set of vertical blinds. 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:42.960 You know, long, 00:17:43.119 --> 00:17:44.659 about three inches wide. 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:46.480 If I had a cord right here, 00:17:46.480 --> 00:17:48.759 I could make the vertical blinds 00:17:48.759 --> 00:17:49.900 dance back and forth. 00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:50.960 You know what I'm talking about? 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:52.720 Well, let's say 00:17:52.720 --> 00:17:55.079 that we have a vertical blind 00:17:55.079 --> 00:17:55.519 right here 00:17:55.519 --> 00:17:56.579 and I pull the cord 00:17:56.579 --> 00:17:57.579 and I set it 00:17:57.579 --> 00:17:58.799 at about 45 degrees. 00:17:59.240 --> 00:18:00.839 So if I'm standing here, 00:18:00.920 --> 00:18:01.720 what am I looking at? 00:18:02.039 --> 00:18:03.880 I'm looking at the broad side 00:18:03.880 --> 00:18:05.420 of the shade. 00:18:05.720 --> 00:18:06.440 Will I be able 00:18:06.440 --> 00:18:07.400 to see through the window? 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:09.539 I won't be. 00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:11.480 It's, the window's been 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:13.059 hidden to me. 00:18:13.059 --> 00:18:14.460 But for those of you 00:18:14.460 --> 00:18:15.519 who are sitting over there, 00:18:15.980 --> 00:18:17.879 if the blind was set 00:18:17.879 --> 00:18:19.039 at 45 degrees, 00:18:19.399 --> 00:18:20.039 would you be able 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:20.759 to see out the window? 00:18:21.460 --> 00:18:22.299 You would be able 00:18:22.299 --> 00:18:23.200 to see out the window. 00:18:23.940 --> 00:18:25.599 And so a parable functions 00:18:25.599 --> 00:18:26.940 like a vertical blind. 00:18:27.839 --> 00:18:29.259 For those who have hearts 00:18:29.259 --> 00:18:31.679 that are hard towards Jesus, 00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:34.319 the parable will keep them 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:36.139 from seeing the truth 00:18:36.139 --> 00:18:36.919 of the kingdom 00:18:36.919 --> 00:18:38.039 that the parable teaches. 00:18:38.039 --> 00:18:40.000 But for those people 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:42.180 who have tender hearts 00:18:42.180 --> 00:18:43.200 towards Jesus, 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:44.619 humble hearts 00:18:44.619 --> 00:18:45.599 towards Jesus, 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:49.079 the parable is open to them 00:18:49.079 --> 00:18:51.500 so that they can see 00:18:51.500 --> 00:18:52.940 the truth of the kingdom 00:18:52.940 --> 00:18:54.279 that it conveys. 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:58.319 A parable has a two, 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:00.879 has a double purpose. 00:19:01.299 --> 00:19:04.639 To hide the truth 00:19:04.639 --> 00:19:05.220 of the kingdom 00:19:05.220 --> 00:19:07.180 from those who have hard hearts 00:19:07.180 --> 00:19:09.299 Jesus is not going 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:10.360 to throw his pearl 00:19:10.360 --> 00:19:11.160 unto swine. 00:19:12.259 --> 00:19:13.620 But he is also, 00:19:13.860 --> 00:19:15.560 it serves to help 00:19:15.560 --> 00:19:16.940 those with tender hearts 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:18.759 to see the truth 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:19.519 of the kingdom 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:21.740 that Jesus intends. 00:19:23.340 --> 00:19:24.420 How do you respond 00:19:24.420 --> 00:19:25.500 to something like that? 00:19:26.799 --> 00:19:28.200 Well, for those of us 00:19:28.200 --> 00:19:29.840 who have been given eyes 00:19:29.840 --> 00:19:30.840 to see and ears 00:19:30.840 --> 00:19:32.580 to hear Jesus 00:19:32.580 --> 00:19:34.320 and what he means, 00:19:34.319 --> 00:19:36.679 look at chapter 13, 00:19:36.960 --> 00:19:38.099 verse 16. 00:19:38.439 --> 00:19:39.879 He says to his disciples, 00:19:40.379 --> 00:19:41.639 but blessed are your eyes 00:19:41.639 --> 00:19:42.279 for they see 00:19:42.279 --> 00:19:42.919 and your ears 00:19:42.919 --> 00:19:43.480 for they hear. 00:19:43.639 --> 00:19:45.099 Blessed are you, 00:19:45.319 --> 00:19:46.579 brother and sister in Christ, 00:19:47.039 --> 00:19:48.099 for God in his grace 00:19:48.099 --> 00:19:49.059 has given you eyes 00:19:49.059 --> 00:19:50.379 to see and ears to hear. 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:52.740 And it also gives us 00:19:52.740 --> 00:19:53.539 something to remember 00:19:53.539 --> 00:19:55.220 because when we're talking 00:19:55.220 --> 00:19:56.299 to others about Jesus, 00:19:56.899 --> 00:19:57.779 our confidence 00:19:57.779 --> 00:19:59.439 is not in our ability 00:19:59.439 --> 00:20:01.279 to make a compelling case 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:02.099 about Jesus, 00:20:02.819 --> 00:20:03.799 but our confidence 00:20:03.799 --> 00:20:05.639 is in God's grace 00:20:05.639 --> 00:20:07.200 to give people eyes 00:20:07.200 --> 00:20:09.460 to see and ears to hear 00:20:09.460 --> 00:20:10.559 so that they would 00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:12.139 eventually understand 00:20:12.139 --> 00:20:13.839 who Jesus is 00:20:13.839 --> 00:20:15.200 and what he's done. 00:20:15.680 --> 00:20:16.839 So this is primer two. 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:20.099 The parables have a dual purpose. 00:20:20.740 --> 00:20:21.539 You've got to be thinking 00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:23.039 vertical blinds. 00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:24.960 Primer three. 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:26.559 The parables share 00:20:26.559 --> 00:20:29.000 common interwoven themes. 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:31.279 I'm a fan of the antique roadshow. 00:20:31.720 --> 00:20:34.359 I could binge for far too long 00:20:34.359 --> 00:20:36.000 on antique roadshows. 00:20:36.960 --> 00:20:37.779 But there was this one 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:38.740 antique roadshow 00:20:38.740 --> 00:20:40.099 where someone brought in 00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:43.500 this ancient Native American tapestry. 00:20:43.960 --> 00:20:45.119 And they had it up 00:20:45.119 --> 00:20:46.680 somehow hanging on this 00:20:46.680 --> 00:20:48.200 kind of nice woodwork. 00:20:49.019 --> 00:20:50.019 And it was, 00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:54.240 the wovenness to it, 00:20:54.440 --> 00:20:57.099 the design was so intricate 00:20:57.099 --> 00:20:58.819 and lovely. 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.639 These parables 00:21:01.639 --> 00:21:06.559 have interwoven themes to them. 00:21:06.639 --> 00:21:07.819 And let me just identify 00:21:07.819 --> 00:21:09.099 some of them for you. 00:21:09.619 --> 00:21:10.759 There's a theme of 00:21:10.759 --> 00:21:13.000 the proclamation of the kingdom. 00:21:13.179 --> 00:21:14.159 We see that in the parable 00:21:14.159 --> 00:21:14.759 of the sower. 00:21:15.319 --> 00:21:18.799 The sower throws the seed. 00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:22.079 And at the very last parable, 00:21:22.259 --> 00:21:23.779 the parable of the master 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:24.420 of the house 00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:27.099 who brings out of his treasure 00:21:27.099 --> 00:21:28.259 both new and old. 00:21:28.379 --> 00:21:29.599 That's a reference to 00:21:29.599 --> 00:21:31.599 Jesus fulfilling the Old Testament. 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:35.579 It is making God's word known. 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:38.160 Proclamation of the kingdom. 00:21:39.319 --> 00:21:41.220 Another interwoven theme 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:42.960 is the different responses 00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:44.559 to the message of the kingdom. 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:46.039 The parable of the sower, 00:21:46.160 --> 00:21:47.420 you have four different responses. 00:21:47.859 --> 00:21:48.740 You have wheat 00:21:48.740 --> 00:21:50.559 and you have weeds. 00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:52.980 You have different kinds of fish 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:54.179 that are all caught together 00:21:54.179 --> 00:21:54.980 in one big net. 00:21:55.159 --> 00:21:56.159 Then they're sorted out 00:21:56.159 --> 00:21:57.079 good and bad. 00:21:58.599 --> 00:21:59.859 You have the hiddenness 00:21:59.859 --> 00:22:00.759 of the kingdom. 00:22:01.639 --> 00:22:03.440 The parable of the mustard seed. 00:22:03.559 --> 00:22:04.359 It is so small 00:22:04.359 --> 00:22:05.500 you can barely see it. 00:22:06.139 --> 00:22:07.440 Leaven goes unseen. 00:22:07.859 --> 00:22:08.799 The hidden treasure, 00:22:09.220 --> 00:22:10.139 the pearl of great price 00:22:10.139 --> 00:22:10.839 is rare. 00:22:10.960 --> 00:22:12.399 You just don't see those around. 00:22:13.679 --> 00:22:15.619 There's the interwoven theme 00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:16.899 of hiddenness of the kingdom, 00:22:16.899 --> 00:22:18.419 but it doesn't stay hidden. 00:22:18.539 --> 00:22:19.299 It grows. 00:22:20.559 --> 00:22:21.440 And so the theme 00:22:21.440 --> 00:22:23.299 of the parable of the mustard seed 00:22:23.299 --> 00:22:24.539 and the parable of the leaven 00:22:24.539 --> 00:22:26.279 is that it starts small 00:22:26.279 --> 00:22:27.099 and unseen 00:22:27.099 --> 00:22:27.859 and surprise, 00:22:28.179 --> 00:22:30.220 it grows into something impressive. 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:33.159 There's another theme 00:22:33.159 --> 00:22:36.000 of that those of the kingdom of God 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:37.440 are in close proximity 00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:38.419 to those who are 00:22:38.419 --> 00:22:40.019 in the kingdom of Satan 00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:41.799 in this world. 00:22:42.500 --> 00:22:43.299 We see it in the wheat 00:22:43.299 --> 00:22:43.819 and the tares 00:22:43.819 --> 00:22:44.879 growing up together, 00:22:45.419 --> 00:22:46.299 separated at harvest. 00:22:46.299 --> 00:22:47.480 We see it in the parable 00:22:47.480 --> 00:22:47.960 of the net 00:22:47.960 --> 00:22:49.980 when all these fish 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:50.960 are caught together 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:51.759 at the same time 00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:53.660 then are eventually separated. 00:22:55.600 --> 00:22:57.579 There's also the interwoven theme 00:22:57.579 --> 00:22:58.600 of final judgment. 00:22:59.579 --> 00:23:00.920 The parable of the weeds 00:23:00.920 --> 00:23:02.100 ends in judgment. 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:03.279 The parable of the net 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:05.000 ends in sorting. 00:23:05.539 --> 00:23:06.700 A reference to judgment. 00:23:08.019 --> 00:23:08.920 And then there's the theme 00:23:08.920 --> 00:23:10.259 of the incredible value 00:23:10.259 --> 00:23:10.920 of the kingdom. 00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:13.420 Of course, the hidden treasure 00:23:13.420 --> 00:23:14.340 should come to your mind. 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:16.579 The pearl of great price. 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:18.339 But even in the parable 00:23:18.339 --> 00:23:18.980 of the sower, 00:23:20.179 --> 00:23:21.859 the good soil yields 00:23:21.859 --> 00:23:25.439 a wonderful yield. 00:23:25.779 --> 00:23:27.519 A valuable yield. 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.919 All these themes 00:23:29.919 --> 00:23:31.079 are woven together 00:23:31.079 --> 00:23:33.779 in this rich tapestry 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:34.480 of parables 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:35.619 that make up 13. 00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:38.039 It's all connected. 00:23:38.319 --> 00:23:40.419 It's a detailed tapestry 00:23:40.419 --> 00:23:42.879 of themes related 00:23:42.879 --> 00:23:44.399 to the kingdom of heaven. 00:23:44.400 --> 00:23:46.780 The saving reign of God. 00:23:47.300 --> 00:23:49.400 That's primer three. 00:23:50.019 --> 00:23:51.440 Primer four. 00:23:52.060 --> 00:23:53.519 These parables share 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:54.560 a common, 00:23:55.300 --> 00:23:58.660 carefully crafted design. 00:23:59.220 --> 00:24:00.860 Now, notice, 00:24:01.019 --> 00:24:02.080 I'm not sure if you're aware 00:24:02.080 --> 00:24:02.580 of this, 00:24:03.040 --> 00:24:05.000 but the first four parables, 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:06.400 Jesus speaks 00:24:06.920 --> 00:24:08.280 to the crowds 00:24:08.280 --> 00:24:09.440 on a beach. 00:24:09.920 --> 00:24:10.740 Would you look at 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:12.880 verses one and two? 00:24:12.880 --> 00:24:13.940 That same day, 00:24:14.060 --> 00:24:14.820 Jesus went out 00:24:14.820 --> 00:24:15.880 of the house 00:24:15.880 --> 00:24:17.240 and sat beside the sea 00:24:17.240 --> 00:24:18.280 and great crowds 00:24:18.280 --> 00:24:20.080 gathered about him 00:24:20.080 --> 00:24:21.660 so that he got into a boat 00:24:21.660 --> 00:24:22.460 and sat down 00:24:22.460 --> 00:24:23.360 and the whole crowd 00:24:23.360 --> 00:24:24.120 stood on the beach. 00:24:24.260 --> 00:24:25.720 So the first four parables 00:24:25.720 --> 00:24:26.780 is Jesus preaching 00:24:26.780 --> 00:24:28.060 to crowds, 00:24:28.520 --> 00:24:30.500 those who aren't following him yet, 00:24:31.200 --> 00:24:31.840 on a beach. 00:24:32.420 --> 00:24:33.180 That's the first four. 00:24:33.600 --> 00:24:35.280 And then the last four, 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:37.600 Jesus moves from the beach 00:24:37.600 --> 00:24:38.760 to a house 00:24:38.760 --> 00:24:39.800 and moves from talking 00:24:39.800 --> 00:24:40.380 to a crowd 00:24:40.380 --> 00:24:42.760 to talking to his disciples. 00:24:42.900 --> 00:24:43.440 And you see that 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:44.580 in verse 36. 00:24:45.080 --> 00:24:46.220 Then he left the crowds 00:24:46.220 --> 00:24:47.240 and went into the house 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:48.260 and his disciples 00:24:48.260 --> 00:24:49.200 came to him saying, 00:24:49.540 --> 00:24:50.160 explain to us 00:24:50.160 --> 00:24:51.000 the parable of the weeds. 00:24:51.100 --> 00:24:51.700 And from there, 00:24:51.780 --> 00:24:53.160 he goes on to share 00:24:53.160 --> 00:24:54.220 four more parables. 00:24:54.360 --> 00:24:55.040 So, do you know 00:24:55.040 --> 00:24:55.640 what just happened? 00:24:56.980 --> 00:24:58.880 There's a very subtle division 00:24:58.880 --> 00:25:01.260 in Matthew chapter 13 00:25:01.260 --> 00:25:03.400 that divides 00:25:03.400 --> 00:25:04.520 these eight parables 00:25:04.520 --> 00:25:06.280 into two groups of four. 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:08.460 It's kind of like a butterfly. 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:10.259 You know, 00:25:10.319 --> 00:25:10.779 have you ever seen 00:25:10.779 --> 00:25:11.579 a butterfly flutter? 00:25:11.639 --> 00:25:12.579 We're going to be seeing him 00:25:12.579 --> 00:25:13.160 in a little bit. 00:25:13.720 --> 00:25:14.399 I can't wait. 00:25:16.359 --> 00:25:17.960 But when a butterfly flies, 00:25:18.059 --> 00:25:19.700 you see the symmetrical wings, right? 00:25:21.519 --> 00:25:22.639 Matthew is setting up 00:25:22.639 --> 00:25:23.240 a symmetry 00:25:23.240 --> 00:25:23.940 that we're going to, 00:25:24.379 --> 00:25:26.039 he's going to help us 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:26.859 to see in a little bit. 00:25:28.299 --> 00:25:29.779 But a butterfly's wings 00:25:29.779 --> 00:25:31.639 support its body. 00:25:32.680 --> 00:25:33.940 That's where all the action 00:25:33.940 --> 00:25:34.599 is going on. 00:25:34.599 --> 00:25:37.119 There's another aspect 00:25:37.119 --> 00:25:37.899 of design here 00:25:37.899 --> 00:25:39.000 that you may not have noticed. 00:25:39.939 --> 00:25:41.219 The first parable, 00:25:41.339 --> 00:25:42.699 the parable of the sower, 00:25:42.839 --> 00:25:43.839 and the last parable, 00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:45.379 the parable of the master 00:25:45.379 --> 00:25:46.000 of the house, 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:47.599 they have introductions 00:25:47.599 --> 00:25:48.559 to the parables 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:49.259 that are different 00:25:49.259 --> 00:25:50.240 than the middle six. 00:25:51.079 --> 00:25:53.000 The middle six parables 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:54.500 all start with something like 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:56.000 the kingdom of heaven 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:57.179 may be compared to, 00:25:57.299 --> 00:25:58.139 the kingdom of heaven 00:25:58.139 --> 00:25:58.759 is like, 00:25:59.119 --> 00:25:59.899 the kingdom of heaven, 00:25:59.959 --> 00:26:00.639 the kingdom of heaven, 00:26:00.719 --> 00:26:01.399 the kingdom of heaven, 00:26:01.459 --> 00:26:02.159 the kingdom of heaven. 00:26:03.099 --> 00:26:04.179 But the first parable 00:26:04.180 --> 00:26:04.980 and the last parable 00:26:04.980 --> 00:26:06.779 don't start that way. 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:07.980 But they're about 00:26:07.980 --> 00:26:08.840 the kingdom of heaven. 00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:11.000 So what Matthew does 00:26:11.000 --> 00:26:12.120 by doing that 00:26:12.120 --> 00:26:13.039 is helps you to say 00:26:13.039 --> 00:26:14.720 this parable is this beginning, 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:16.640 this parable is the end, 00:26:17.000 --> 00:26:17.840 all these parables 00:26:17.840 --> 00:26:19.160 are to be taken together 00:26:19.160 --> 00:26:20.740 even though 00:26:20.740 --> 00:26:23.180 four is on one side 00:26:23.180 --> 00:26:24.320 and four is on the other. 00:26:25.640 --> 00:26:25.920 Do you, 00:26:26.299 --> 00:26:27.100 you're starting to see 00:26:27.099 --> 00:26:29.000 that Matthew's actually 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:32.139 crafted this chapter 00:26:32.139 --> 00:26:32.939 very carefully? 00:26:35.039 --> 00:26:35.559 Now, 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:37.859 there's still another design 00:26:37.859 --> 00:26:38.519 to this passage. 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:40.439 And I'm guessing 00:26:40.439 --> 00:26:41.359 that when you walked 00:26:41.359 --> 00:26:42.519 into this room 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:43.199 this morning 00:26:43.199 --> 00:26:44.379 and if you've read 00:26:44.379 --> 00:26:46.039 Matthew chapter 13 before, 00:26:46.339 --> 00:26:48.240 I'm guessing you weren't aware 00:26:48.240 --> 00:26:50.039 of what is going on 00:26:50.039 --> 00:26:51.059 below the surface. 00:26:51.059 --> 00:26:51.339 this. 00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:54.000 And I want to show it to you 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:55.460 because it's striking 00:26:55.460 --> 00:26:57.039 when you see it 00:26:57.039 --> 00:26:59.299 because it is so elaborate. 00:27:00.240 --> 00:27:01.659 It's called a chiasm. 00:27:02.319 --> 00:27:05.599 And it's carefully crafted chiasm. 00:27:05.720 --> 00:27:06.419 Now, you might say, 00:27:06.519 --> 00:27:07.799 chiasm, what is that? 00:27:07.839 --> 00:27:09.079 It sounds like some condition. 00:27:10.779 --> 00:27:11.740 Chiasm is taken, 00:27:12.019 --> 00:27:13.519 is from a Greek letter 00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:14.679 X, 00:27:15.240 --> 00:27:15.579 chi. 00:27:16.119 --> 00:27:17.240 And what you need to note 00:27:17.240 --> 00:27:19.399 about the letter chi 00:27:19.399 --> 00:27:20.720 is its form. 00:27:21.399 --> 00:27:22.859 It has two strokes 00:27:22.859 --> 00:27:24.819 and there is an intersection 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:25.439 in the middle. 00:27:25.559 --> 00:27:26.079 Do you see it? 00:27:27.159 --> 00:27:28.099 Why don't you hold up 00:27:28.099 --> 00:27:29.000 your hands right now 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:30.000 and go like this, 00:27:30.119 --> 00:27:31.259 make an X with your fingers 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:32.199 and say, 00:27:32.379 --> 00:27:32.899 chiasm. 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:35.619 And just say parabolic 00:27:35.619 --> 00:27:37.839 because it's so fun to say. 00:27:39.259 --> 00:27:41.240 So, in Matthew 13, 00:27:41.339 --> 00:27:42.199 1 through 53, 00:27:42.799 --> 00:27:44.179 there is a chiasm 00:27:44.180 --> 00:27:45.560 and it's easier 00:27:45.560 --> 00:27:46.720 to show you it 00:27:46.720 --> 00:27:48.740 than to try to explain it. 00:27:48.820 --> 00:27:50.080 So, I've asked Andy 00:27:50.080 --> 00:27:51.740 to put it up on the screen. 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:52.600 You guys ready? 00:27:53.860 --> 00:27:54.720 Follow with me. 00:27:55.360 --> 00:27:56.539 I think you'll be encouraged. 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:58.960 This chiasm begins 00:27:58.960 --> 00:28:00.259 with Jesus' arrival 00:28:00.259 --> 00:28:02.500 in Matthew 13, 00:28:02.720 --> 00:28:03.400 1 through 2. 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:04.460 Why don't you throw it up there? 00:28:04.660 --> 00:28:05.200 Is it up there? 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:07.680 Sorry about the size. 00:28:08.720 --> 00:28:09.279 It's the only way 00:28:09.279 --> 00:28:09.980 to squish it all 00:28:09.980 --> 00:28:11.900 on one screen. 00:28:11.900 --> 00:28:14.280 One screen. 00:28:15.080 --> 00:28:16.100 Jesus arrives. 00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:17.120 He shows up. 00:28:17.840 --> 00:28:19.280 And the next part, 00:28:19.540 --> 00:28:21.740 progression of this chiasm 00:28:21.740 --> 00:28:24.180 is the parable of the sower. 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:25.400 So, that's number two. 00:28:26.380 --> 00:28:27.680 And the parable of the sower 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:28.940 is about the word 00:28:28.940 --> 00:28:29.460 of the kingdom 00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:30.420 being received. 00:28:30.540 --> 00:28:31.120 Remember the four 00:28:31.120 --> 00:28:31.740 different soils. 00:28:32.340 --> 00:28:33.800 The next progression 00:28:33.800 --> 00:28:34.740 of the chiasm 00:28:34.740 --> 00:28:36.480 is in chapter 13, 00:28:36.580 --> 00:28:37.840 verses 10 through 17. 00:28:38.280 --> 00:28:39.540 There's a Q&A. 00:28:39.539 --> 00:28:42.399 The disciples ask Jesus 00:28:42.399 --> 00:28:43.960 about parables. 00:28:44.680 --> 00:28:45.399 Why are you speaking 00:28:45.399 --> 00:28:46.039 in parables? 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:47.539 And then Jesus explains them 00:28:47.539 --> 00:28:48.899 by pointing to Isaiah 6. 00:28:49.740 --> 00:28:51.700 The chiasm progresses 00:28:51.700 --> 00:28:52.420 even more 00:28:52.420 --> 00:28:53.599 in chapter 13, 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:54.839 18 through 23. 00:28:55.339 --> 00:28:56.279 The explanation 00:28:56.279 --> 00:28:57.519 of the parable 00:28:57.519 --> 00:28:58.299 of the sower. 00:28:59.039 --> 00:28:59.899 Jesus explains 00:28:59.899 --> 00:29:01.180 what the soils represent. 00:29:02.220 --> 00:29:03.039 That's number four. 00:29:03.659 --> 00:29:05.279 And then the fifth point 00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:06.139 on the progression 00:29:06.139 --> 00:29:07.220 is the parable 00:29:07.220 --> 00:29:08.180 of the weeds. 00:29:08.460 --> 00:29:09.680 And that's chapter 13 00:29:09.680 --> 00:29:11.000 through 24 through 30. 00:29:11.940 --> 00:29:14.279 People are the wheat 00:29:14.279 --> 00:29:15.140 in the weeds. 00:29:15.380 --> 00:29:16.559 Judgment is the harvest. 00:29:17.100 --> 00:29:18.240 And then He moves 00:29:18.240 --> 00:29:19.960 into a pair 00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:21.240 of parables. 00:29:21.720 --> 00:29:22.799 They're like kissing cousins. 00:29:23.019 --> 00:29:23.940 This pair 00:29:23.940 --> 00:29:25.059 kind of runs together. 00:29:25.620 --> 00:29:26.720 The first parable 00:29:26.720 --> 00:29:27.480 is the parable 00:29:27.480 --> 00:29:28.579 of the mustard seed. 00:29:28.759 --> 00:29:30.360 It's a shorter parable 00:29:30.360 --> 00:29:31.319 and it's about 00:29:31.319 --> 00:29:32.039 the kingdom of God 00:29:32.039 --> 00:29:32.559 growing. 00:29:33.160 --> 00:29:34.440 That's 31 and 32. 00:29:34.440 --> 00:29:36.400 But its kissing cousin 00:29:36.400 --> 00:29:38.220 is chapter 13, 00:29:38.320 --> 00:29:39.039 verse 33. 00:29:39.259 --> 00:29:40.140 The parable 00:29:40.140 --> 00:29:40.880 of the leaven. 00:29:41.039 --> 00:29:41.700 And that too 00:29:41.700 --> 00:29:42.799 is about the kingdom 00:29:42.799 --> 00:29:44.240 of heaven spreading. 00:29:44.759 --> 00:29:45.500 And so they're different 00:29:45.500 --> 00:29:46.480 but they're to go together. 00:29:47.100 --> 00:29:48.259 And that brings us 00:29:48.259 --> 00:29:49.620 to the intersection 00:29:49.620 --> 00:29:50.960 of the chiasm. 00:29:51.539 --> 00:29:52.860 The very point. 00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:54.360 And the point of it, 00:29:54.380 --> 00:29:55.039 I'll come back to it 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:55.500 in a little bit, 00:29:55.700 --> 00:29:56.820 but it's Jesus 00:29:56.820 --> 00:29:57.860 is the fulfiller. 00:29:58.500 --> 00:29:59.420 And that we see that 00:29:59.420 --> 00:30:00.360 in chapter 13, 00:30:00.480 --> 00:30:02.059 34 through 43. 00:30:02.500 --> 00:30:03.700 So that's the intersection. 00:30:03.700 --> 00:30:04.660 But now we're going 00:30:04.660 --> 00:30:06.140 to reverse our direction. 00:30:07.319 --> 00:30:07.559 Okay? 00:30:07.720 --> 00:30:08.500 And here's where 00:30:08.500 --> 00:30:09.220 I want you to see 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:09.779 the balance 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:10.740 because it's beautiful. 00:30:11.799 --> 00:30:13.299 So from Jesus 00:30:13.299 --> 00:30:14.120 the fulfiller, 00:30:14.559 --> 00:30:15.340 there's the parable 00:30:15.340 --> 00:30:16.319 of the hidden treasure. 00:30:16.819 --> 00:30:19.140 Which is a one verse parable 00:30:19.140 --> 00:30:19.940 kind of like 00:30:19.940 --> 00:30:21.680 the parable of the leaven. 00:30:22.660 --> 00:30:23.640 And then with it 00:30:23.640 --> 00:30:24.420 comes the parable 00:30:24.420 --> 00:30:25.140 of the great 00:30:25.140 --> 00:30:26.580 pearl of great value. 00:30:27.180 --> 00:30:28.080 And the parable 00:30:28.080 --> 00:30:28.960 of the hidden treasure 00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:29.660 and the parable 00:30:29.660 --> 00:30:30.500 of the pearl 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:31.059 of great value, 00:30:31.200 --> 00:30:32.580 they're kissing cousins too. 00:30:32.579 --> 00:30:33.659 They're supposed 00:30:33.659 --> 00:30:34.439 to go together. 00:30:34.839 --> 00:30:35.179 And so, 00:30:35.379 --> 00:30:36.299 do you start seeing 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:36.980 the balance 00:30:36.980 --> 00:30:37.980 that's forming here? 00:30:38.699 --> 00:30:39.740 Well, let's go on. 00:30:40.299 --> 00:30:41.079 After the parable 00:30:41.079 --> 00:30:41.679 of the pearl 00:30:41.679 --> 00:30:42.559 of great value, 00:30:43.059 --> 00:30:44.119 there's the parable 00:30:44.119 --> 00:30:44.960 of the net. 00:30:45.519 --> 00:30:46.559 People are compared 00:30:46.559 --> 00:30:47.220 to fish. 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:49.500 The judgment 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:50.659 is the sorting 00:30:50.659 --> 00:30:52.079 that goes on. 00:30:52.359 --> 00:30:53.919 And it parallels 00:30:53.919 --> 00:30:55.339 the parable 00:30:55.339 --> 00:30:56.559 of the weeds. 00:30:56.559 --> 00:30:58.519 And then Jesus 00:30:58.519 --> 00:30:59.799 explains the parable 00:30:59.799 --> 00:31:00.679 of the net. 00:31:01.440 --> 00:31:02.720 Just like Jesus 00:31:02.720 --> 00:31:04.000 explained the parable 00:31:04.000 --> 00:31:04.720 of the sower. 00:31:06.259 --> 00:31:06.579 And then 00:31:06.579 --> 00:31:08.659 in number three 00:31:08.659 --> 00:31:09.480 coming back, 00:31:10.179 --> 00:31:11.539 there's this Q&A 00:31:11.539 --> 00:31:13.419 in verse 51. 00:31:13.940 --> 00:31:15.119 Instead of the disciples 00:31:15.119 --> 00:31:16.359 asking Jesus 00:31:16.359 --> 00:31:17.899 a question about parables, 00:31:18.379 --> 00:31:19.720 it's Jesus asking 00:31:19.720 --> 00:31:20.460 his disciples 00:31:20.460 --> 00:31:21.539 about parables. 00:31:21.799 --> 00:31:22.460 Do you understand 00:31:22.460 --> 00:31:23.139 what I'm saying? 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:23.980 And they say, 00:31:24.079 --> 00:31:24.480 yes! 00:31:25.680 --> 00:31:26.579 And from there, 00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:27.400 Jesus gives 00:31:27.400 --> 00:31:28.360 the parable 00:31:28.360 --> 00:31:29.200 of the master 00:31:29.200 --> 00:31:30.120 of the house 00:31:30.120 --> 00:31:31.019 in verse 52. 00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:32.700 And where the parable 00:31:32.700 --> 00:31:33.279 of the sower 00:31:33.279 --> 00:31:34.140 was about the word 00:31:34.140 --> 00:31:35.039 being received, 00:31:35.180 --> 00:31:35.599 the parable 00:31:35.599 --> 00:31:36.160 of the master 00:31:36.160 --> 00:31:36.620 of the house 00:31:36.620 --> 00:31:37.620 is about the word 00:31:37.620 --> 00:31:38.720 going out. 00:31:39.220 --> 00:31:40.099 He brought out 00:31:40.099 --> 00:31:41.339 from his treasure 00:31:41.339 --> 00:31:42.779 things new and old. 00:31:43.480 --> 00:31:44.180 And then, 00:31:44.900 --> 00:31:46.599 Jesus departs. 00:31:47.980 --> 00:31:48.620 1353. 00:31:49.900 --> 00:31:51.599 It is balancing 00:31:51.599 --> 00:31:52.920 Jesus' arrival 00:31:52.920 --> 00:31:55.080 and 131. 00:31:55.500 --> 00:31:56.460 Do you see 00:31:56.460 --> 00:31:57.080 the chiasm? 00:31:58.320 --> 00:31:59.259 Do you see 00:31:59.259 --> 00:32:01.720 the X? 00:32:01.860 --> 00:32:02.240 Do you see 00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:02.759 the point? 00:32:04.039 --> 00:32:04.360 Now, 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:05.779 there is beauty 00:32:05.779 --> 00:32:06.259 to this. 00:32:07.380 --> 00:32:07.600 Now, 00:32:07.700 --> 00:32:08.640 if you came 00:32:08.640 --> 00:32:09.680 into this building 00:32:09.680 --> 00:32:10.259 this morning 00:32:10.259 --> 00:32:10.759 and you're like, 00:32:11.340 --> 00:32:11.519 man, 00:32:11.580 --> 00:32:12.240 I hope I see 00:32:12.240 --> 00:32:12.920 a chiasm 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:13.920 in Matthew 13 00:32:13.920 --> 00:32:14.600 this morning, 00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:15.460 I would really 00:32:15.460 --> 00:32:16.120 be surprised 00:32:16.120 --> 00:32:16.660 by that. 00:32:16.840 --> 00:32:17.240 But you're going 00:32:17.240 --> 00:32:18.039 to leave this building 00:32:18.039 --> 00:32:19.039 and you might find, 00:32:19.440 --> 00:32:19.920 did you know 00:32:19.920 --> 00:32:20.360 that there was 00:32:20.360 --> 00:32:20.980 a chiasm 00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:21.880 in Matthew 13? 00:32:23.279 --> 00:32:24.339 And it's beautiful. 00:32:25.220 --> 00:32:26.140 What it gets at 00:32:26.140 --> 00:32:27.440 is Matthew, 00:32:28.059 --> 00:32:29.519 this former tax collector, 00:32:30.519 --> 00:32:32.339 he was very careful 00:32:32.339 --> 00:32:33.559 about crafting 00:32:33.559 --> 00:32:36.000 a structure here 00:32:36.000 --> 00:32:38.079 that makes a point. 00:32:38.079 --> 00:32:39.879 Now, 00:32:40.119 --> 00:32:41.000 if you're like me 00:32:41.000 --> 00:32:42.000 who love words 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:42.899 and love how words 00:32:42.899 --> 00:32:43.439 kind of relate 00:32:43.439 --> 00:32:44.000 to each other, 00:32:44.059 --> 00:32:44.460 you can just 00:32:44.460 --> 00:32:45.759 kind of get stuck 00:32:45.759 --> 00:32:47.299 on the structure 00:32:47.299 --> 00:32:48.179 of the literature. 00:32:50.059 --> 00:32:51.379 But we're not 00:32:51.379 --> 00:32:52.679 to stay there. 00:32:53.339 --> 00:32:54.240 We're not 00:32:54.240 --> 00:32:54.939 just to say, 00:32:55.019 --> 00:32:55.659 isn't this thing 00:32:55.659 --> 00:32:56.519 a beautiful thing? 00:32:57.240 --> 00:32:58.500 It serves 00:32:58.500 --> 00:32:59.319 a purpose. 00:33:00.079 --> 00:33:00.379 And so, 00:33:01.039 --> 00:33:02.519 the fourth primer 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:03.740 I wanted to make here, 00:33:03.839 --> 00:33:05.220 help you anticipate, 00:33:05.220 --> 00:33:08.120 was this passage, 00:33:08.319 --> 00:33:09.960 it's carefully crafted. 00:33:11.079 --> 00:33:12.600 But the fifth primer 00:33:12.600 --> 00:33:15.140 is this craftsmanship, 00:33:15.480 --> 00:33:17.480 it makes a point. 00:33:18.500 --> 00:33:18.720 Now, 00:33:18.779 --> 00:33:19.700 if you look up 00:33:19.700 --> 00:33:20.319 on the screen, 00:33:21.019 --> 00:33:21.839 did you notice 00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:23.140 how the shape 00:33:23.140 --> 00:33:24.079 of the structure 00:33:24.079 --> 00:33:26.039 is like the pointing 00:33:26.039 --> 00:33:26.700 of an arrow? 00:33:26.980 --> 00:33:27.600 Do you see it? 00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:31.460 Where is the arrow 00:33:31.460 --> 00:33:31.940 pointing? 00:33:31.940 --> 00:33:34.140 It's pointing 00:33:34.140 --> 00:33:34.759 at the center 00:33:34.759 --> 00:33:35.500 of the chiasm. 00:33:36.340 --> 00:33:36.600 And so, 00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:37.519 Matthew has, 00:33:37.880 --> 00:33:38.840 under the inspiration 00:33:38.840 --> 00:33:39.700 of the Holy Spirit, 00:33:39.860 --> 00:33:41.200 arranged it this way 00:33:41.200 --> 00:33:43.080 to call your attention 00:33:43.080 --> 00:33:43.920 to Jesus. 00:33:45.039 --> 00:33:45.980 These parables 00:33:45.980 --> 00:33:47.360 call your attention 00:33:47.360 --> 00:33:48.759 to Jesus. 00:33:49.740 --> 00:33:50.380 And so, 00:33:50.640 --> 00:33:51.519 these parables 00:33:51.519 --> 00:33:52.700 make a common point. 00:33:53.580 --> 00:33:54.900 It's all about Jesus. 00:33:56.019 --> 00:33:57.019 And in verse 34 00:33:57.019 --> 00:33:58.000 through 35, 00:33:58.440 --> 00:33:58.840 Matthew, 00:33:58.980 --> 00:33:59.460 the narrator, 00:34:00.080 --> 00:34:01.180 inserts himself, 00:34:01.180 --> 00:34:02.259 which is an indicator 00:34:02.259 --> 00:34:03.180 just from the start. 00:34:03.240 --> 00:34:03.340 Hey, 00:34:03.400 --> 00:34:04.340 something going on here. 00:34:05.060 --> 00:34:06.000 And he says that 00:34:06.000 --> 00:34:07.980 Jesus speaking parables 00:34:07.980 --> 00:34:09.159 is the fulfillment 00:34:09.159 --> 00:34:10.920 of Psalm 78 too. 00:34:11.260 --> 00:34:12.240 That doesn't happen 00:34:12.240 --> 00:34:12.940 every day. 00:34:13.880 --> 00:34:15.079 It's a big claim. 00:34:16.019 --> 00:34:17.260 But he doesn't stay there. 00:34:17.539 --> 00:34:18.539 He goes on to say 00:34:18.539 --> 00:34:20.539 in verses 36 00:34:20.539 --> 00:34:21.300 through 43 00:34:21.300 --> 00:34:23.360 is the explanation 00:34:23.360 --> 00:34:24.860 of the parable 00:34:24.860 --> 00:34:26.340 of the weeds. 00:34:27.579 --> 00:34:29.420 And in that explanation, 00:34:29.420 --> 00:34:30.740 Jesus references 00:34:30.740 --> 00:34:32.760 himself as 00:34:32.760 --> 00:34:35.380 the Son of Man 00:34:35.380 --> 00:34:36.599 twice. 00:34:38.119 --> 00:34:38.400 And so, 00:34:38.539 --> 00:34:39.139 what your attention 00:34:39.139 --> 00:34:39.980 is called to 00:34:39.980 --> 00:34:41.300 is nowhere else 00:34:41.300 --> 00:34:42.139 in Matthew 13 00:34:42.139 --> 00:34:43.000 does Jesus refer 00:34:43.000 --> 00:34:43.420 to himself 00:34:43.420 --> 00:34:44.380 as the Son of Man. 00:34:44.579 --> 00:34:45.760 Just here. 00:34:46.700 --> 00:34:47.220 And Matthew 00:34:47.220 --> 00:34:48.119 has it here 00:34:48.119 --> 00:34:49.940 to bring to your mind 00:34:49.940 --> 00:34:51.220 that Jesus 00:34:51.220 --> 00:34:52.420 is the focal point 00:34:52.420 --> 00:34:53.460 of all these parables. 00:34:53.960 --> 00:34:54.500 They're parables 00:34:54.500 --> 00:34:55.320 of the kingdom 00:34:55.320 --> 00:34:56.380 and the kingdom 00:34:56.380 --> 00:34:58.800 is all about Jesus. 00:34:58.800 --> 00:35:00.240 He is the great 00:35:00.240 --> 00:35:00.980 fulfiller. 00:35:02.120 --> 00:35:02.220 Now, 00:35:02.300 --> 00:35:02.840 coming back 00:35:02.840 --> 00:35:03.680 kind of around 00:35:03.680 --> 00:35:04.400 your ability 00:35:04.400 --> 00:35:05.440 to understand 00:35:05.440 --> 00:35:06.100 a parable 00:35:06.100 --> 00:35:07.400 has everything 00:35:07.400 --> 00:35:08.200 to do 00:35:08.200 --> 00:35:09.220 with your posture 00:35:09.220 --> 00:35:09.800 of heart 00:35:09.800 --> 00:35:10.760 towards Jesus. 00:35:12.160 --> 00:35:12.940 If you're 00:35:12.940 --> 00:35:13.640 hard-hearted 00:35:13.640 --> 00:35:14.360 towards Jesus, 00:35:14.519 --> 00:35:15.000 you're not going 00:35:15.000 --> 00:35:15.400 to understand 00:35:15.400 --> 00:35:15.960 His parables. 00:35:16.400 --> 00:35:17.460 It's the vertical blinds 00:35:17.460 --> 00:35:17.740 that are going to 00:35:17.740 --> 00:35:18.360 close out 00:35:18.360 --> 00:35:19.700 the truth of the kingdom 00:35:19.700 --> 00:35:20.200 to you. 00:35:20.620 --> 00:35:21.240 But if you're 00:35:21.240 --> 00:35:22.080 humble of heart, 00:35:22.220 --> 00:35:23.019 poor in spirit, 00:35:23.400 --> 00:35:24.160 His parables 00:35:24.160 --> 00:35:24.900 will reveal 00:35:24.900 --> 00:35:26.140 the spiritual truth 00:35:26.140 --> 00:35:26.660 they convey 00:35:26.660 --> 00:35:27.440 about the kingdom. 00:35:27.440 --> 00:35:28.980 And it's amazing. 00:35:29.980 --> 00:35:31.300 It's all about Jesus. 00:35:31.940 --> 00:35:33.800 It's all about His grace. 00:35:34.780 --> 00:35:35.820 So, in closing, 00:35:36.679 --> 00:35:38.179 I hope I have primed 00:35:38.179 --> 00:35:38.920 your pump 00:35:38.920 --> 00:35:39.780 for the parables. 00:35:40.940 --> 00:35:41.559 Remember, 00:35:41.720 --> 00:35:42.820 a parable is a tool. 00:35:43.960 --> 00:35:45.480 And it uses comparison 00:35:45.480 --> 00:35:48.300 to provoke a response. 00:35:48.800 --> 00:35:50.639 A parable has a dual purpose. 00:35:51.300 --> 00:35:52.400 Vertical blinds. 00:35:52.880 --> 00:35:55.280 Parables have interwoven themes 00:35:55.280 --> 00:35:56.400 that hold them all together. 00:35:56.540 --> 00:35:57.940 It's a rich tapestry 00:35:57.940 --> 00:35:59.780 in Matthew 13. 00:36:00.720 --> 00:36:02.200 And these parables 00:36:02.200 --> 00:36:03.519 have a careful design. 00:36:03.920 --> 00:36:05.000 It's called a chiasm. 00:36:06.200 --> 00:36:07.019 And of course, 00:36:07.100 --> 00:36:07.840 these parables 00:36:07.840 --> 00:36:10.060 make a common point. 00:36:10.760 --> 00:36:12.140 It's all about Jesus. 00:36:13.140 --> 00:36:14.440 I hope you've had 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:16.200 your pump primed 00:36:16.200 --> 00:36:17.700 because next week 00:36:17.700 --> 00:36:18.300 we're going to take 00:36:18.300 --> 00:36:19.260 a detailed look 00:36:19.260 --> 00:36:20.640 at the parable 00:36:20.640 --> 00:36:21.240 of the sower. 00:36:21.880 --> 00:36:22.500 Let's pray. 00:36:22.500 --> 00:36:25.699 God in heaven, 00:36:25.800 --> 00:36:26.679 we thank you so much 00:36:26.679 --> 00:36:27.199 for Jesus. 00:36:28.460 --> 00:36:29.179 We thank you 00:36:29.179 --> 00:36:30.480 for the Gospel of Matthew. 00:36:30.800 --> 00:36:31.559 We thank you 00:36:31.559 --> 00:36:32.380 for our Bibles 00:36:32.380 --> 00:36:33.400 and the beauty 00:36:33.400 --> 00:36:34.599 of the literature 00:36:34.599 --> 00:36:35.880 that is in our hands. 00:36:36.719 --> 00:36:37.460 Thank you, God, 00:36:37.500 --> 00:36:38.360 for this chiasm. 00:36:38.699 --> 00:36:39.099 Thank you 00:36:39.099 --> 00:36:41.179 for the loveliness of it. 00:36:41.320 --> 00:36:41.599 Thank you 00:36:41.599 --> 00:36:42.599 for these parables. 00:36:42.900 --> 00:36:43.619 Thank you, God, 00:36:43.679 --> 00:36:44.880 that you have given 00:36:44.880 --> 00:36:46.000 many of us in this room 00:36:46.000 --> 00:36:46.820 ears to hear 00:36:46.820 --> 00:36:47.920 and eyes to see. 00:36:48.340 --> 00:36:49.480 We are so thankful 00:36:49.480 --> 00:36:50.039 for that. 00:36:50.039 --> 00:36:51.800 But God, 00:36:51.860 --> 00:36:52.920 we're also aware 00:36:52.920 --> 00:36:54.139 that these parables 00:36:54.139 --> 00:36:55.460 are all about Jesus. 00:36:56.619 --> 00:36:57.000 And so, 00:36:57.119 --> 00:36:58.279 over the next few weeks 00:36:58.279 --> 00:36:58.860 as we're heading 00:36:58.860 --> 00:36:59.699 through these parables, 00:36:59.860 --> 00:37:00.019 God, 00:37:00.099 --> 00:37:02.559 would you make Jesus clear? 00:37:03.440 --> 00:37:04.460 Would you teach us 00:37:04.460 --> 00:37:06.179 about the kingdom of heaven, 00:37:06.300 --> 00:37:07.480 the saving reign of God? 00:37:08.000 --> 00:37:08.779 And God, 00:37:08.880 --> 00:37:09.980 you would have your way 00:37:09.980 --> 00:37:10.559 with us 00:37:10.559 --> 00:37:11.820 with the parables 00:37:11.820 --> 00:37:14.579 that you would reveal 00:37:14.579 --> 00:37:15.679 yourself to us, 00:37:16.380 --> 00:37:17.880 that you would change us, 00:37:17.880 --> 00:37:19.880 that you would make us 00:37:19.880 --> 00:37:20.880 a people who are 00:37:20.880 --> 00:37:22.420 faithful disciples 00:37:22.420 --> 00:37:23.220 on mission, 00:37:24.000 --> 00:37:25.260 following after our King, 00:37:25.420 --> 00:37:25.960 our Savior, 00:37:26.200 --> 00:37:26.480 Jesus. 00:37:27.559 --> 00:37:28.820 Thank you for this time 00:37:28.820 --> 00:37:29.180 together, 00:37:29.300 --> 00:37:29.820 and we pray 00:37:29.820 --> 00:37:30.780 in the name of Jesus. 00:37:31.559 --> 00:37:31.860 Amen. 00:37:31.860 --> 00:37:32.039 Amen. 00:37:32.039 --> 00:37:32.059 Amen. 00:37:32.059 --> 00:37:32.099 Amen. 00:37:32.099 --> 00:37:32.119 Amen. 00:37:32.119 --> 00:37:32.140 Amen. 00:37:32.140 --> 00:37:34.140 Amen. 00:37:34.140 --> 00:37:34.200 Amen. 00:37:34.200 --> 00:37:36.099 Amen. 00:37:36.099 --> 00:37:36.140 Amen. 00:37:36.140 --> 00:37:36.200 Amen. 00:37:36.200 --> 00:37:36.260 Amen. 00:37:36.260 --> 00:37:36.320 Amen. 00:37:36.320 --> 00:37:36.340 Amen. 00:37:36.340 --> 00:37:36.380 Amen. 00:37:36.380 --> 00:37:36.400 Amen. 00:37:36.400 --> 00:37:36.420 Amen. 00:37:36.420 --> 00:37:36.480 Amen. 00:37:36.480 --> 00:37:36.500 Amen.