The Prodigal Son…The Good Samaritan…A Mustard Seed…Even many non-Christians are familiar with some of Jesus’ most famous parables. In fact, approximately one-third of Jesus’ recorded teachings are delivered via parables. So what gives? Why does Jesus utilize this particular mode of teaching so frequently in the Gospels? Well, this very question comes directly from today’s Gospel reading. Jesus’ disciples approach him and inquire, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”1 (Mt 13:10). Here, it would be wise to take note of the disciples’ response to Jesus’ teaching. Their willingness to ask Jesus questions provides an important lesson for us today as followers of Jesus. When faced with uncertainty or confusion we are able, and encouraged, to bring those concerns to Jesus in prayer. Jesus not only answers his disciples, but he provides further explanation of the parable he had just shared. In the verses just prior to today’s reading, which also happens to be yesterday’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells the parable of the sower. In the verses immediately following the conversation in today’s reading, Jesus explains that parable.
The importance of understanding the context in which these types of conversations take place cannot be understated. This particular “discourse follows the narrative of Matthew 11-12, which highlighted the mounting division between those who follow Jesus and those who do not receive his teaching.”2 The disciples were, of course, followers of Jesus and familiar with his teaching style, yet they ask Jesus why he is speaking to them in parables. This signals to the reader that the disciples recognize a change in style or emphasis in Jesus’ approach. We know that they had heard parables before, but Matthew relates that Jesus “spoke to them at length in parables” in this particular scene (Mt 13:3). So why the shift in emphasis? As a master teacher, and God incarnate, Jesus knows his audience better than they know themselves. Perhaps Jesus saw in this particular crowd an opportunity to reach those who had yet to receive his word: “This is why I speak to them in parables, because ‘they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand’” (Mt 13:13). These parables may have been Jesus’ way of helping them to better understand, and accept, his invitation to faith. Or perhaps Jesus was being cryptic to avoid rousing his enemies while simultaneously offering his disciples, those open to his word, an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the mysteries of God’s kingdom.
Very likely, as we Catholics often quip, this was a BOTH/AND moment. Sacred Scripture is the living word of God and still has the power to convert the hearts of believers and unbelievers alike. Let us be encouraged to keep our eyes and ears open to God’s word and be humble enough to ask Jesus for wisdom and understanding. While we may not always receive the clarity in the fashion or timing we so often desire, as Saint Peter reminds us, “to whom else shall we go?” (Jn 6:68).
The Great Adventure Bible: Revised Standard Version - Second Catholic Edition (PA: Ascension, 2018).
Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri, “The Gospel of Matthew,” in Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2010), 174.
Parables, the art of storytelling, both convey and convince of depose truths than modern fact based empiricism. It’s something that modernity in many ways just doesn’t get anymore. Too concerned with the linear actions of the past with sourced material, they miss that fact that both archetype and myth are mediums of universal wisdom--what the ancient Israelite wisdom understood to be bread from God personified in the everlasting man--the Logos, Jesus Christ. And this is why CS Lewis finally concluded that Christ is the true myth under the proper definition of it.
The Parables are kind of like a "peasant gospel"--they are the teachings Christ reserved for the Masses, and the deeper secrets Christ shared with his disciples. I write about this phenomenon here: https://timesdispatch.substack.com/p/june-edition-parables-for-peasants
If you only read the Parables, you get the essence of Christ's teachings, the things we can take action on right away, and the things we can relate to immediately. The deeper theological truths are reserved for the theologians, the Shepherds, the people with spiritual responsibility for souls. If you try to forget everything you know about your faith, and put yourself in the position of a peasant camp-follower of Christ, what things would you hear? These parables are the answer.
Great post, thank you for this reflection.