Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 13

Matthew links the discourse on parables to the preceding controversies (either 12:38–50 or 12:22–37) and ends it with a formulaic conclusion (13:53), which implies that all these parables were given on this occasion. Jesus “sat by the lake,” taking the normal position of a teacher . During his ministry his chosen role was that of a teacher who taught others about the kingdom so that they might teach others (see comments on vv.51–52).

This is the only one of the five major discourses in Matthew that is addressed to the crowds in general. Therefore Matthew includes in it two major digressions (vv.10–23, 36–43) to explain to his disciples the significance of parables and to interpret two of them. While these digressions doubtless took place after the public discourse, Matthew moves them back as parentheses so that the significance of the parables will not be lost to the reader.

(3a) Jesus told the crowd “many things in parables.” For a brief description of “parable,” see introductory comment on Mk 4.

Regarding this chapter, if v.52 is seen as a parable, then the discourse can be broken down into two parts of four parables each (vv.3–33, 44–52). The first four are addressed to the crowds, the last four to the disciples. Of the first four parables, the first stands apart from the other three with a different introduction, separated by discussion about the purpose of the parables (vv.10–17) and the interpretation of the parable (vv.18–23). The other three have similar beginnings. The second half begins with three parables with the same opening and is separated from the fourth, which has a different beginning and an explanation, followed by the question and answer about the disciples’ understanding of parables. Between these two sets of four are vv.34–43, which explore the function of parables and expound one of them. This structure is called “chiastic.”

(3b–7) The focus of this parable is not the sower but the soils. The farmer scatters the seed, which falls in various places. Paths run through and around the unfenced fields, which are too hard to receive the seed; it is eaten by birds. “Rocky places” are those in which the limestone bedrock lies close to the surface; there is little depth of soil. As the rainy season ends and the sun’s heat increases, the shallow soil heats up quickly. The seeds sprout and promise to be the best of the crop. But the unrelenting summer heat demands that plants send deep roots down for water, and the bedrock prevents this, so they wither. Like grass on rooftops, the young plants wither before they can grow (Psalms 129:6). Other seed falls into hedges of thorns that deprive the plants of needed sun and nourishment.

But some seed falls on good soil and produces crops of various yields, which are well within ordinary expectations. The same seed produces no crop, some crop, or much crop—all according to the soil’s character. The final exhortation (cf. 11:15) warns Jesus’ hearers and Matthew’s readers that the parable needs careful interpretation.

But some seed falls on good soil and produces crops of various yields, which are well within ordinary expectations. The same seed produces no crop, some crop, or much crop—all according to the soil’s character. The final exhortation (cf. 11:15) warns Jesus’ hearers and Matthew’s readers that the parable needs careful interpretation.