He Spake Many Things unto Them in Parables

Purpose

To help class members develop “ears to hear” so they can understand how Jesus’ parables apply to them (Matthew 13:9).

Object Lesson
Invite class members to imagine they are riding on Trax from Layton to Salt Lake City. As the journey progresses, they look through the windows of the train and observe the scenery.

After traveling together in the same bus, will you have observed the same things as the other passengers?

Why or why not?

What did those of you on the right hand side see?

What did those of you on the left hand side see?

People in the same situation do not always observe the same things the same way (Have you ever been to a basketball game - and watched the refs?). Likewise, not all the people who heard Jesus teach in parables understood how the parables applied to them. This lesson will discuss how we can understand and apply Jesus’ parables.

Setting Matthew 13:1-2

1 THE same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. [near the shores of the Sea of Galilee]

On the shores of the sea of Gallea .

Matthew 13 Jesus presents the parable of the sower and explains his use of parables.

When the multitudes gathered on the seashore, Jesus “spake many things unto them in parables” (Matthew 13:3).

What is a parable? (A symbolic story that teaches gospel truths by comparing them to earthly things.)

READ Matthew 13:10; Mark 4:10;

10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? [ verses 10 & 11 most likely happened at some other time as was included here. It does not make a lot of sense for Jesus to be addressing the entire multitude and then start another dialoge with the disciples of to the side - that would be rude. So this discussion most likely happened at another time, and were just commented in. ]

Mark 4:10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

so what is the explaination that the Savior gives to the disciples for talking in parables? What did Jesus say was his purpose in teaching with parables? (To simultaneously teach his message to his disciples and conceal it from unbelievers. See Matthew 13:10–13; note the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 13:12 in footnote 12a.)

READ Matthew 13:12-15

12 For whosoever hath, [ Hath what? What do we need to posess in order to understand? They willfully and deliberately continue to receive, to listen with spirit as their guide] to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, [ Which would be? those who willfully and deliberately refuse to listen see IV:"But whosoever continueth not to receive" ] from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, [ What does it mean to see but see not and to hear but hear not? The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “The multitude … received not His saying … because they were not willing to see with their eyes, and hear with their ears; not because they could not, and were not privileged to see and hear, but because their hearts were full of iniquity and abominations. … The very reason why the multitude … did not receive an explanation upon His parables, was because of unbelief” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 96–97).] neither do they understand.

14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, [ Meaning what? They don't want to listen] and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. [ How does an understanding herat help to heal us? ]

Ask a class member to read aloud the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3–8). Invite the other class members to read along, remembering that the objects and actions in the parable represent gospel truths.

Parable of the sower	Representation	Lehi' s Dream
Seeds on Way Side eaten by birds	Those who hear but make no effort to nuture the seed	some went directly to the great and spacious building
Seeds in stony places—have no root	people who hear and receive the word of God but do not allow it to take root in them	some partook of the fruit then fell away
Seeds among thorns—choked by thorns	people who hear the word of God but are distracted by the cares of the world	some started on the path and then wandered off
Seeds in good soil—bring forth fruit	people who hear the word of God, understand it, and do works of righteousness	Partook of the fruit and held fast to the rod
Seeds	Word of god

Read Matthew 13:3–9

3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, [ Why use parables? Everyone does not receive the same from a parable - those that are in tune receive more, those that do not understand are not condemmed, It is a way to ask them are you willing to participate and learn. ] saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; [ What are the processes for sowing seeds? Broadcast the seeds, planting or exact placement of the seeds]

4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, [ What would the way side be? In ancient times path ways were provided for travelers these paths sometimes would wander through a field to which the farmer would plough to the edges of the path, and would leave the path for future travelers. What process is being used here? Broadcast How do we know that? Because some seeds fall by the way side. Is the sower careless in his technique? No with this kind of sowing it is a natural by product. ] and the fowls came and devoured them up: [ What keeps the seeds that fall on the wayside from sprouting? (Write on the chalkboard Seeds on wayside—eaten by birds.) ]

5 some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: [ What do we know about the soil where these seeds fell? Why is it important to have soil with some depth? What happens to a seed that sprouts in places with not much earth? ] and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. [ Why do the seeds in the stony soil wither away? (Write on the chalkboard Seeds in stony places—have no root.) ]

7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: [ Are we dealing with a lazy farmer her? Why does the farmer allow the thorns to be there in the first place? The thorn bushes are most likely perennials - in those days the farmer would use the thorn bushes for his fires to cook on so he was not inclined to destroy all of the them but leave some for cooking - hence it would be impossible for some seeds that were scattered not to fall amoung the thorns. What happens to the seeds that fall among thorns? ( Write on the chalkboard Seeds among thorns—choked by thorns.) ]

8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. [ What can we learn of the yield? They were above average yields as we know that they compared to the yields that the Lord provided when the Lord propsered Isaac - Genesis 26:12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him. so does does this imply for the seeds that fall in the good soil? ( Write on the chalkboard Seeds in good soil—bring forth fruit.)]

How might people react when they hear this parable without any explanation of its meaning? (some people might become frustrated because they do not understand it. Others might understand it but think it does not apply to them. Others might ponder it and ask questions until they understand it and know how to apply it in their lives.)

What invitation did Jesus extend after he presented the parable of the sower? (See Matthew 13:9.)

9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. [ What do you think the word hear means in this invitation? The challenge is to everyone - we all have ears, but do we use them to listen? Listening involves participation including hearing, interupting what you heard, storing it away...It is not selective listening. He uses the words "Hear ye..." when he expounds the meaning of the parable. v18. Also gospel light does not just all of the sudden expound itself in full measure - it is like the sun is rises in the morning softly awaking the spirit, then proceeds to full power at noon day - line upon line effect.]

Leave the words you have written on the chalkboard, and explain that in a few minutes you will discuss the truths they represent.

READ Matthew 13:18-23 Jesus explains the parable of the sower.

18 ¶ Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. [I will expand further that you may understand]

19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, [the gospel] and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed [ What does the seed represent? Write on the chalkboard Seed = word of God.] by the way side. [ What does the wayside represent? Write on the chalkboard Wayside = people who hear the word of God but do not understand it .What are some things we might do that prevent us from understanding God’s word? (See Mosiah 26:1–3 for one possible answer.) What must we do to be able to understand the word of God? (See Alma 32:27.) How does lack of understanding make it easier for Satan to take away the word from our hearts? (See Matthew 13:19.) some would argue that this is not fair; if they did not understand what chance would they have - It's not their fault!- how would you respond? Belief is a prerequisite to being able to understand see Mosiah 26:3 "And now because of their aunbelief they could not bunderstand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened.". See also Alma the younger who after his conversion says this in Alma 12: "13 Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned." What should we note about the presence of birds in this parable? What do they represent? How do the birds effect the testimony or germination of the seeds? see D&C 10:33 "Thus Satan thinketh to overpower your testimony in this generation, that the work may not come forth in this generation."] ]

20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon [at once : immediately; soon, presently] with joy receiveth it;

21 Yet hath he not root in himself, [ What does this imply? We must make a personal effort to set our own roots deep in the soil (truth). Our roots must depend on a testimony of the gospel and not on others testimony. ] but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.[ What do the stony places represent? ( vs 20-21; Write on the chalkboard Stony places = people who hear and receive the word of God but do not allow it to take root in them Why do some people not allow the word of God to take root in them? ( Mark 4:5.) How can we allow the word to establish deep roots in us? (See Alma 32:41–43.) How will this help us endure the heat of tribulation, persecution, and offense?]

22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. [ What do the thorny places represent? (See Mark 4:19; Luke 8:14.) Write on the chalkboard Thorny places = people who hear the word of God but are distracted by the cares of the world What does it mean for a person to be unfruitful? What “thorns” cause people to be unfruitful? (See Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19; Luke 8:14.) How are these thorns evident in the world today? What can we do to prevent these thorns from choking the word of God in us? ]

23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it;[IV: "and endureth" - So this person is different from the person in v21 who endures until the adversary arrives] which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [ What does the good ground represent? Write on the chalkboard Good ground = people who hear the word of God, understand it, and do works of righteousness What makes the soil good in this case? It harbors the seed and yields forth fruit - lot's of it!].

so what is this parable about?

How do we identify what the parable is about? Find the main focus of the story!

Is it about A sower? Is it about The Seeds? No it is about the 4 kinds of soil. Elder James E. Talmage and others have referred to this parable as the parable "Of the 4 Kinds of soil" since the sower and the seed are the main issue but "the ground upon which the seed is cast". see Jesus the Christ pg 264-265

so what then is this parable trying teach us? It is about soil; each of us has spiritual soil - the place for the seed to grow.

Why do you think the parable of the sower focuses more on the ground than on the sower or the seed?

What kind of soil are you?

What could be done to help the unproductive areas produce fruit? (The wayside could be plowed and fertilized, the stones could be removed, and the thorns could be uprooted.)

How can we apply what we have learned here to be more receptive to God’s word?

What principle is taught in the explaination of the parable about what we should do if we do not understand? We need to ask as the disciples did. "ask and ye shal receive" but some in the multitude did not care to ask.

In the parable what warning do the birds provide? Satan is always looking for the opportunity to spoil the fruit by taking the seeds as early on as he can

some would suggest that it is not fair that the birds came and ate the seeds - that they did not have a chance - how would you respond? Mosiah 26:3 And now because of their unbelief they could not bunderstand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened.

What other parables do we have that talk about seeds and planting? How about Almas great parable on planting seeds! Alma 32:28; 33:22-23; 32:40.

Alma 32:40 And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.

How do the tree of life and the parable of the sower share commonailties?

(See Chart)

Read Matthew 13:24–30. Jesus uses parables to teach about the kingdom of heaven on earth (the Church of Jesus Christ).

24 ¶ Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven [ refers to the Church of Jesus Christ, which is the kingdom of heaven on earth (Bible Dictionary, “Kingdom of Heaven or Kingdom of God,” 721] is likened unto a man which sowed good seed [ We know the seed which was planted was good seed ] in his field:

25 But while men slept, [ What does this imply that it happened while they slept? While men did not stay diligent to the task at hand, while they took their eye of the mark, while their eye did not remain single to the glory of God! ] his enemy [the devil] came and sowed ^atares ["bastard wheat" or darnel; a weed that resembles wheat in the early stages of growth. it is a species of rye grass. as a matter of fact you cannot really tell it apart from wheat until the heads become developed.] among the wheat, and went his way. [ Did the damage; left so as not to be caught - no one would even know it had been done ]

26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. [ the tares were there all along only thing is they were not recognizable - you could not tell them apart when they were young blades of grass - it was not until you could begin to see their fruits.]

27 so the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? [ Every year seeds are separated to make sure that the seed that is to be planted is indeed the seed that you want the bad seeds must be removed as they can be sorted before planting - the seeds themselves are different.] from whence then hath it tares? [ We know he only planted good seed so they are asking where did the bad seed come from?]

28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. [ Why does the sower refuse to let his servants immediately gather the tares, or weeds? What has to happen in order to fix the problem? Time needs to pass before they can proceed. ]

30 Let both grow together until the harvest:[ the Day of the Lord is commonly referred to as the harvest cp Isa33-34, Joel 3:13, Rev. 14:14-20, Rev 19:13, D&C 133:49-51 ] and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

[ Notice that the Savior continues on with two more short parables - but the parable of the Wheat and the tares must have stuck in the minds of the disciples as they follow up with questions as soon as they got a chance see verse 36. ]

Read and discuss selected verses from Matthew 13:34–42.

34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us [ After Jesus gave the parable of the Tares he went on to give 2 more shorter parables The Parable of the Mustard Seed and the parable of the un-leaven bread; but the parable of the tares was still on the mind of the disciples so they asked "explain" - we did not understand it's meaning - please clarify it for us. ] the parable of the tares of the field. [ The parable of the wheat and tares has been bothering them - they want to know more about what the Savior was trying to teach with the parable. ]

37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed [ not the gospel or word of God, as is the case in the Parable of the sower, but the children of the kingdom, those in whose hearts the gospel seed has grown to a ripe maturity. Doc NT Commentary pg 296 ] is the son of man; [ title for Christ - The "son of God" and the "son of Man" are synonymous... In the pure Adamic language, the name Elohim means "the Gods" it is (plural) in hebrew, the Father, is "Man of Holiness" (signifying that God is a Holy Man), and the name of Christ, the son, is short for "son of Man of Holiness" (Mormon Doctine p671; Moses 6:57 ]

38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; [ IV:"Children of the wicked" so what does this suggest? a contrast between the "Children of the kingdom" referenced earlier in the verse. So we have the good ones compared to the bad ones. ]

39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; [ IV adds the phrase "or the destruction of the wicked" - What do we as Latter day saints know that the end of the world really means ? 10th Article of faith - it means the destruction of the wicked. ] and the reapers are the angels.

40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

41 The son of man [IV: "for in that day, before the son of Man shall come"] shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; [ so what do we llearn about judging from yjos parable? Note a couple of things here: 1: All judgment is left to the end 2: If we were to judge too early then we may make grave mistakes, we might kill some or much of the good in the process 3: All judgement is left to God ]

42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: [hell] there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. [IV states those who are in the kingdomn of heaven but do iniquity will first be cast out amoung the wicked, and then all the world will be burned. Compared to the KJV which has those in the kingdom who do iniquity being cast straight into a furnace of fire. For additional commentary by the Lord on the parable of the tares see D&C 86:1-7]

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven are about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 98–100)

READ Matt 13:31-32

[What can we learn about the restored Church from the Savior’s comparing it to a mustard seed?]

31 ¶ Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, [ What do we know about mustard seeds? Very small ] which a man took, and sowed in his field: [ it was a deliberate act ]

32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: [ the kingdom of heaven is the smallest kingdom of them all when it starts ] but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, [While most hers grow to a few feet at most; mustard bushes or trees can reach up to 10 feet] so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. [cp Exek 31:6 Quoting from Exek about how large Assyria it was at the time - So big that all the birds of the earth rest in her trees. So what is meant here is that 1st the Lord will deal with all the nations of the earth (Including Egypt) just as he dealt with Assyria. He will overthrow them according to his will. 2nd when the time is right the Lord will replace all other kingdoms of the earth with the Kingdom of Heaven, and will be like Assyria - the one ruling nation. This is portrayed in the internet clip - "Worldwide Stakes"]

READ Matt 13:33

What can we learn about the restored Church from the Savior’s comparing it to leaven?

33 ¶ Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, [the property of leaven is to change, to expand. leaven is an ingredient, such as yeast or baking powder, that causes bread to rise. A small portion effects the entire mixture causing the entire mixture to rise.] which a woman took, and hid in [placed inside, once inside the leven was lost or could not be separated or seen] three [ 3 symbolizes what? The Godhead] measures of meal, [ meal or "Bread" - Christ is the bread of life ] till the whole [ everything, or everyone ] was leavened. [ was effected. So to summarize, a small group of people can have a hugh impact on an entire population. Joseph Smith said in Teachings pg 100 "It may be understood that the Church Otf the Latter-day Saints has taken its rise from a little leavenl that was put into 3 witnesses. Behold, how much is this like the parable! It is fast leavening the lump, and will soon leaven the whole."]

How have you seen the work of God increase as illustrated by these parables?

READ Matt 13: 44-46

44 ¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. [IV: clarifys this verse in the fact that when a peson finds a treasure they go and do whatever they need to in order to obtain the property right so it can be theirs. So it will be with those who discover the treasures of the gospel. They will abandon all of their worldly things to obtain the kingdom of heaven. Starting point to law of Consecration]

45 ¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. [When one who is earnestly seeking the best when they find it they trade everything else they have for it. Here we have a person that once they have found the gospel they are fully committed to that one thing.]

What can we learn from the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price?

What sacrifices should we be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the gospel?

What sacrifices have you or those you know made for the gospel?

What blessings have resulted from those sacrifices?

Read Matt 13: 47-50

47 ¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, [ What does the net represent? ] that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: [ What does it mean to be gathered into the net? ]

48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. [ What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? ]

49 so shall it be at the end of the world: [ What do we as Latter day Saints know about the end of the world from Article of Faith 10? It means the destruction of the wicked.] the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe ^bwhich is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. [IV:Then said he unto them, Every scribe well instructed in the things of the kingdom of heaven, is like unto a housholder; a man, therefore which bringeth forth out of his treasure that which is new and old.

One question that was often floated during the time of Jesus was John Lightfoot "What wine, what corn or fruits were to be used in the Holy things - or the rite offerings?" in some rites, new or old; namely of the present year, or the years past. But now a thrifty man, provident of his own affairs, was stored both with the one and the other, prepared for either, which should be required.. So it becomes a scribe of the gospel to have all things in readiness, to bring forth according to the condition and nature of the thing, of the place, and of the hearers.

Comparing this verse to the sacrifical offerings discussed by Lightfoot - we can see that different offering were more acceptable under differen t condition. The diligent househoder had both old and new and was perpared for either, and therfore brought out the appropriate one depending on the circumstances. Thus those scrbes that accept the gospel will bring their knowledge of the Law and the Prophets in a like manner. ]

53 ¶ And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.