John Calvin 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, approaching, said to Him.

From the words of Matthew, it is evident that the disciples did not merely look to themselves but also wished to consider the benefit of others.

Being unable to comprehend the parable, they concluded that it would be understood just as little by the people; and therefore, they complained that Christ used language from which His hearers could derive no profit.

Now, although parables are generally found to illustrate the subject they address, the uninterrupted course of a metaphor may lead to obscurity.¹⁷⁵ So then, Christ, in delivering this parable, intended to wrap up in an allegory what He might have said more plainly and fully, without figurative language.¹⁷⁶

But now that the exposition is added, the figurative discourse has greater energy and force than if it had been simple; this means that it is not only suited to produce a more powerful impression on the mind, but is also clearer. So highly important is the manner in which anything is said.¹⁷⁷

¹⁷⁵ “Si est-ce toutesfois qu’elles sont obscures et enveloppees, quand on continue tousiours la metaphore sans rien y entremesler;” — “yet they are obscure and involved, when the metaphor is constantly pursued, without any thing being intermingled with it.”;” — “yet they are obscure and involved, when the metaphor is constantly pursued, without any thing being intermingled with it.”

¹⁷⁶ “En usant de termes communs;” — “by using ordinary terms.”;” — “by using ordinary terms.”

¹⁷⁷ “Voyla comme il y a bien a regarder comment on couche ou on deduit un propos;” — “this shows us the great attention that is due to the manner in which a discourse is expressed or conveyed.”;” — “this shows us the great attention that is due to the manner in which a discourse is expressed or conveyed.”