Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 13:10

"And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?" — Matthew 13:10 (ASV)

The disciples came and said to him—It would seem they were with our Lord in the boat. The parable was ended, and then a pause followed. During this pause, unheard by the multitude on the shore, came their question and our Lord’s answer.

Why do you speak to them in parables?—The disciples’ wonder probably included many elements of surprise. Why speak in parables instead of, as before, directly announcing the kingdom of heaven and calling people to prepare for it by repentance? And why to them, when they were not students with intellects sharpened in Rabbinic schools, but plain peasants and fishermen, slow and dull of heart?