Nazarene Commentary 2000©
21st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures©
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21st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures©
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THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
CHAPTER THIRTEEN:
PARABLES ON KINGDOM MYSTERIES
Matthew 13:1-9 – Parable: the Soil and the Seed
|| Mark 4:1-9; Luke 8:4-8
MT13:1 After leaving the house that day Jesus was sitting by the sea.
MT13:2 A large crowd approached Jesus so he moved into a boat and sat down. The large crowd was standing upon the beach.
MT13:3 Jesus began to speak to them about many things in parables,
saying:
“Look! A sower went out to sow [seed].
| 753 | Parables: Or, GDSP: figures; BAS: in the form of a story; AMP: illustration. The Greek is PARABOLAIS. The word occurs in Matthew 17 times, Mark 13 times, Luke 18 times, but not in John. Many of the Nazarene’s teachings are in the form of parables. |
| 754 | Sower: Farmers and herdsmen are familiar object lessons by the Nazarene. The Greek is SPEIRON (from SPERMA). |
MT13:4 In the process of sowing, some [seeds] fell beside the roadway, and the birds came and swallowed them.
| 755 | Fell beside the roadway: Or, KJV: fell by the way side; TCNT: along the path. |
| 756 | Swallowed them: Or, KJV: devoured them; PME: swooped down and gobbled them up. |
MT13:5 Other seeds fell upon roadside gravel where there was little dirt. Right
away the seed sprouted though the dirt was so meager.
| 757 | Roadside gravel where there was little dirt: Or, KJV: stony places; TCNT: rocky places; KJV: no deepness of earth; PME:
shallow soil; KNX: because they had not sunk deep in the ground. |
MT13:6 But, when the sun rose the sprouts were scorched, and since there was no root, they shriveled
up.
MT13:7 Other seeds fell upon thorn-weeds
and they sprouted and choked out the sprouts.
| 758 | Thorn-weeds: Or, NEB: thistles. |
MT13:8 And
yet still other seeds fell upon good dirt and fruitage was produced – some a hundred times,
another sixty times, and another thirty times.
| 759 | Good dirt: Or, KJV: good ground; WMS: rich soil. |
MT13:9 Let the one with ears, hear.” | 760 | Let the one with ears, hear: Compare the notes on Matthew 11:15; 13:43. |
Matthew 13:10-15 – Why Speak in Parables?
|| Mark 4:10-12, 25; Luke 8:9-10, 18
MT13:10 And the disciples approached and asked Jesus: “Why do you speak by means of parables?”
MT13:11 Jesus responded by saying,
“You [disciples] have been permitted to know the mysteries of the Realm of Heaven, but to those [people] it has not been granted.
| 761 | You [disciples] have been permitted: Or, KJV: it is given unto you; PME: you have been given the chance. By means of their
discipleship to the Nazarene they have been granted a favored position to hear and understand. |
| 762 | Know
the mysteries: The Greek is GNONAI TA MYSTERIA. Or, TCNT: the knowledge of the hidden truths; PME: to understand he secrets of. This is the only context where Jesus’ translators use “mystery.” (Luke 8:10) Paul uses the word 1 Corinthians
4:1; 13:2; 14:2; Ephesians 3:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:7. The word also appears in Revelation 10:7; 17:5, 7. |
| 763 |
Realm of Heaven: Or, Kingdom of the Heavens. In Luke this is “kingdom of God.” Some would apply this term to the celestial realm where God resides. It is strongly possible, however, that the phrase refers to the realm, domain, or territory
over which Messiah reigns. Some have called this “the realm of profession.” Jesus is talking about that “congregation” (church) he will build and the opportunities of gaining membership with all its rights and privileges (Matthew 16:18).
Jesus is about to give several parables that explain truths about the development and evolution of his Church and those members within it. |
| 764 |
To those [people] it has not been granted: Did Jesus gesture toward the beach crowd? Perhaps the disciples were so arranged only they heard this statement. Likely the crowd included the enemies of the Lord and what follows applies to them. |
MT13:12 For whoever possesses
will be made to abound even more; and whoever possesses nothing, even that will be removed.
| 765 | Whoever possesses: Or, KJV: whoever hath; MON: whoever holds; NOR: if a man has possessions. |
| 766 | Made to abound even more: Or, KJV: have more abundance; MON: more shall be given; NOR: he will get more until he has more than
enough. The Nazarene’s disciples possess a privilege and responsibility within the group of his disciples. This is only the beginning, for according to their proper use of what they have, they will receive even more. |
MT13:13 For this reason I speak to them in parables: because though looking they do not see; and, though hearing, they do not comprehend.
| 767 | They do not comprehend: The crowd has no taken the step of following the Lord as one of his disciples. They will hear the parables but not understand without an explanation by Jesus. Or, KJV: neither do they understand; BAS: the sense is not clear. |
MT13:14 Thus is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which says,
‘Hearing you will hear but not comprehend; and observing you will look but not see.
| 768 | The prophecy of Isaiah: This is a quotation of Isaiah 6:9, 10. This portion of Isaiah is also quoted at Acts 28:26, 27
and John 12:40. Some scholars believe Matthew and John are quoting from different original texts. Matthew adhering to the Greek text and John to the consonantal Hebrew text. |
MT13:15 The heart of this people is become thick, and with their ears heard with
irritation. They closed their eyes, so they would never [really] see; and their ears would never hear, and their hearts never comprehend – and they turn around and I heal them.’
[Isaiah 6:9, 10]| 769 | Heart of this people is become thick: Or, KJV: heart is waxed gross; WEY: this people’s mind is stupefied; GDSP: this nations mind has grown dull. Jesus has already laid a heavy burden on his generation, calling it adulterous (apostate) and destined for a difficult judgment (Matthew 12:39). The Jewish hierarchy is particularly close-minded and their conscience (or, heart) will surely harden more and more until that fateful day when they scream, “Crucify him!” |
| 770 | Heard with irritation: Or, KJV: dull of hearing; GDSP: hear faintly. |
| 771 | They turn around: Or, KJV: be converted. |
| 772 | I heal them: The Nazarene does not mean himself. The “I” is Yehowah in Isaiah 6. “Them” is the nation of Israel. This is a judgment on the generation or the entire nation, not individuals. |
Matthew 13:16-17 – Happy Eyes and Ears
|| Luke 10:23, 24
MT13:16 “But, blessed
are the eyes of you [disciples] because they saw; and your ears because they listened.
| 773 | Blessed: Or, PME: how fortunate; RIEU: your eyes are privileged; KIT: happy. |
| 774 | They saw: Spiritual discernment and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. Compare John 1:29, 36, 39, 46 and the word “see.” |
MT13:17 I tell you this truth: Many prophets and righteous persons longed to see what you behold but did not see; and to listen to what you hear but did not hear.| 775 | Prophets: Compare what Peter says about this at 1 Peter 1:10-12 (Ephesians 3:4, 5). |
| 776 | Righteous persons: Or, KJV: righteous men; GDSP: upright men. Compare John 8:58; Hebrews 11:13, 16, 39. |
Matthew 13:18-23 – Parable of the Seed and Soil
|| Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15
MT13:18 “So, you [disciples], listen [to the meaning] of the parable of the Sower.
| 777 | Listen [to the meaning] of the parable: Or, WEY: I will explain the parable. Evidently only directed to his disciples. |
MT13:19 Anyone hearing the kingdom message
and failing to understand, the Evil One comes and steals
those things sown in the heart – this is the seed sown beside the road.
| 778 | Kingdom message: TCNT: the Message of the Kingdom; KNX: the word by which the kingdom is preached. This is the “word”
(LOGOS) about the Realm of Heaven: the opportunity for membership within the realm of profession. |
| 779 | Failing
to understand: Or, NJB: without understanding; KIT: not comprehending; NWT: does not get the sense of. It is difficult to accept that the literal words carry the exact meaning. It is possible the Nazarene’s intent is: ‘hearing the message without
attempting to understand it.’ Mark 4:15 omits the part about failing to understand. Luke 8:12 merely has “heard.” |
| 780 |
Evil One: The Greek is PONEROS. Or, KJV: wicked one. |
| 781 | Steals: The Greek is HARPAZEI which
means to “snatch” or “grab.” Or, GDSP: robs him; KJV: catcheth away; ASV: snatcheth away. The word is related to that one in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and the Rapture. Compare also Philippians 2:6. |
| 782 | Things sown in the heart: GDSP: sown in his mind. Something has germinated but likely this person only shows a cursory interest without the
inner person being moved to further effort. There is an initial interest but for a variety of self-rationalizations the kingdom theme does not strike a cord in the heart. |
MT13:20 Now,
the seed sown on the gravel – this is a person who at first hearing accepts [the message] with joy.
| 783 | At first hearing accepts [the message] with joy: Or, KJV: and anon with joy receiveth it; TCNT: at once accepts it joyfully;
MOF: with enthusiasm. There is some follow through by this person who hears and “receives” the kingdom message – but without conviction. Luke 8:12, “they may not believe and be saved.” There may be a degree of interest resulting
in joyful gladness. How far this disciple matures is not explained (Luke says there is no belief) but it appears this is a neophyte about to face realities. |
MT13:21 But,
because of having no inner roots nothing lasts, for as soon as oppression or persecution occurs because of the message the person stumbles.
| 784 | Having no inner roots nothing lasts: Literally, this may read: “but he has no root in himself but is transitory.”
(UBSInt) Or, KJV: hath not root in himself; GDSP: takes no real root; NEB: strikes no root. Whatever initial joy the person had in the kingdom message no serious effort was forthcoming to cause the “word” to take hold. Some take up Christian discipleship
but within a short time run out of enthusiasm. “Nothing lasts” may also be rendered: KJV: dureth for a while; TCNT: stands for only a short time; RIEU: he cannot hold out long. Mark 4:15 has it, “they continue for a time.” And, Luke
8:12, “they believe for a season.” The Christian walk is not a sprint but a marathon. It has been observed that many Christians “last” only three years before slowing down with some grinding to a halt. Consider word studies on endurance. |
| 785 | Oppression or persecution: The Greek for “oppression” is THLIPSEOS (Matthew 24:20, 21) and here related to “persecution.”
Or, WEY: when suffering comes. Luke 8:13 has this, “a season of testing.” From the very beginning Christianity knew only persecution and oppression. Despite the joy of accepting the kingdom message the high cost of discipleship takes its toll. |
| 786 | Because of the message: The reason for the oppression or tribulation is not that caused by Life itself. The difficulties are
related to the kingdom message. |
| 787 | The person stumbles: Or, KJV: is offended; WEY: turns against it; MOF: at once repelled; RIEU: promptly recants; NOR: at once gives it up. The Greek is SCANDALIZETAI. Luke 8:13 has it, “they fall away (or, stand off).” A word study, stumble or stumblingblock. |
MT13:22 Now, the one sown among thorns – this is the person who hears the message but the anxieties of that Period and deceptive riches choke the message and the person is unproductive.
| 788 | Hears the message: This disciple listens but will come against other problems. |
| 789 | The anxieties of that Period: The Greek may also mean “overly concerned.” The word “period” is rendered from the Greek AIONOS which is also rendered: KJV: world; RHM: age; TCNT: life. Each age or period of human history and existence has its own particularly anxieties or concerns. Those of Jesus’ period may not be the same as in the modern period. On the matter of anxiety or being overly concerned see notes on Matthew 6:20-33. GDSP: the worries of the time. Luke 8:14 has it, “by being carried away by anxieties.” |
| 790 | Deceptive riches: Or, KJV: the deceitfulness of riches; TCNT: the glamour of wealth; LAM: the deception caused by riches; MOF: the delight of being rich; RIEU: the lure of riches. The word “rich” describes that person with a surplus and the leisure time that goes with it. Jesus uses the words often and it is worthy of a word study on rich, riches, or, money. The word “rich” is also an interesting one to explore in an unabridged dictionary. Compare 1Timothy 6:17-19. Luke 8:15 adds, “pleasures of this life.” And, Mark 4:18 includes, “the desires for the rest of the things.” (Compare 1 John 2:15-17) |
| 791 | Choke the message: Or, strangle, smother; BAS: put a stop to. |
| 792 | The person is unproductive: Or, KJV: unfruitful; TCNT: it gives no return. Compare John 15:1-10; 2 Peter 1:5-8. What fruit or produce is Jesus expecting? Surely the main emphasis is on what a person does with the kingdom message regarding others. It would seem likely that it would also involve “fruitage of the spirit” and its manifestations (Galatians 5:22, 23). |
MT13:23 However, the seed sown in good soil – this is the person who hears the message and understands and actually is productive: one person a hundred times, another person sixty times, and another thirty times.”| 793 | Hears the message and understands and actually is productive: There are three parts here: listening to the kingdom message, achieving some understanding or comprehension, and then bearing fruitage or evidence the message has taken root. Or, TCNT: really yields a return; BECK: goes on producing good things. Note, however, that this production or fruitage is not the same for all genuine Friends of the Nazarene (John 15:14). Like the “widow’s mite” it depends on individuality and circumstances, as well as a heart driven by faith. Perhaps one of the most outstanding examples of producing a hundred-fold is the apostle Paul (Romans 1:13). Paul defines Christian fruitage: Sharing (Romans 15:27, 28; Philippians 1:22); holiness (Romans 6:21); goodness, righteousness, truth (Ephesians 5:9); good work ad knowledge (Colossians 1:10); praise and charity (Hebrews 13:15). |
Matthew 13:24-30 – Parable of the Field and the Harvest
MT13:24 Another parable Jesus put before them, saying,
“The Realm of Heaven may be compared to a man sowing good seed in his field.
| 794 | Realm of Heaven: Not the seat of government, but the realm or domain over which the King reigns: the realm of profession
– the Church. See notes on Matthew 10:9 and Matthew 13:11. Research the word group kingdom. |
| 795 |
May be compared to: Or, KJV: is likened unto. Jesus is to use several parables to illustrate truths or mysteries about the Congregation (or, Church) he is to build (Matthew 16:18). Compare Ephesians 1:19-22 and Colossians 1:13. The Nazarene is to explain
this parable a bit later. So see details in Matthew 13:36-43. |
MT13:25 But, while men were sleeping his enemy arrived and over-seeded zizania among the wheat and then left.
| 796 | Zizania: Generally this plant (Lolium temulentum) is called either tares or the “bearded darnel.” (KJV)
Or, MOF: weeds. When young it resembles wheat but with maturity it turns black and stands up straight, while wheat is golden and bows its head (See Bible dictionaries). William Barclay observes: “The tares and the wheat are so like each other that the
Jews called the tares bastard wheat. The Hebrew for tares is zunim, whence comes the Greek ZIZANION; zunim is said to be connected with the word zanah, which means to commit fornication.” |
MT13:26 Now when the [wheat] sprouted and produced fruitage there also appeared the zizania.
MT13:27 So, the slaves approached the landlord and asked him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field?’
| 797 | Landlord: Or, KJV: householder; TCNT: owner’s; WEY: farmer’s. The Greek is OIKO(=house)DESPOTOU(=lord). |
MT13:28 The landlord answered them, ‘An enemy did this.’ The slaves asked, ‘Do you want us to go and cull-out the zizania?’
| 798 | Cull-out: Or, KJV: gather them up; UBSInt: collect. |
MT13:29 But, the landlord told them, ‘No, for by accident while culling the zizania you uproot the wheat also.
| 799 | For by accident while culling the zizania you uproot the wheat also: KJV: lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up
also the wheat with them. |
MT13:30 Go and let both of them grow together until the harvest. Then in the harvest season I will tell the harvesters, “Gather first the zizania and bind them into bundles to be burned. But, the wheat gather into my storehouse.”’” | 800 | Harvesters:
Or, KJV: reapers. |
| 801 | Storehouse: Or, KJV: barn; MOF: granary. |
Matthew 13:31-32 – Parable of the Mustard Seed
|| Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19
MT13:31 Jesus put before them another parable, saying,
“The Realm of Heaven may be compared to a grain of mustard which a man took and planted in his field.
| 802 | May be compared to: Something about the Church – the realm of profession (see notes elsewhere) – is like a
tiny seed which grows into a great tree where birds roost. |
| 803 | Mustard: The Greek is SINAPEOS. Possibly
Brassica nigra with a seed the size of a pinhead growing to as much as five meters. Wild mustard may have been right before them in yellow bloom along the lake. The Jews used the phrase “mustard seed” to refer to the slightest breach
of ceremonial law. Compare Matthew 17:20. |
| 804 | Planted in his field: Thus probably Brassica nigra.
There is an echo here of the previous parable. May the man and the field be the same? Luke 13:18 has it, “a man took and put in his garden.” |
MT13:32 The
mustard grain is smaller than all the seeds but when grown is greater than all vegetation as
it becomes a tree. Birds of the sky find lodging in its branches.”| 805 | Smaller than all the seeds: ASV: less than all seeds. The Greek is MICROTERON and could infer the “least of all seeds.” There
are smaller seeds (orchid) but most feel Jesus is speaking only of the land of Israel. Mark 4:31 reads: “the tiniest of all the seeds that are on the earth (or, in the land).” Also, Jesus has in mind a domestic seed that is planted in a field or
garden within the experience of the disciples. |
| 806 | It becomes a tree: What is the meaning of the parable?
In what manner is the Church (the realm of profession) like a tiny seed that grows into a great tree? Had Jesus told Pilate that within three centuries Christianity would be the state religion and the Caesar would be a Christian, how would Pilate responded?
Approaching the year 2,000 the Christian Church is the largest of the religions on earth with Christian America the most powerful nation on earth. William Barclay writes: “Sometimes his disciples must have despaired. Their little band was so small and
the world was s wide. How could they ever win and change it?” |
Matthew 13:33 – Parable of the Fermented Whole
|| Luke 13:20, 21
MT13:33 Jesus related to them another parable:
“The Realm of Heaven may be compared to leaven, which a woman takes and kneads into three seah measures of flour until the whole is leavened.” | 807 | May be compared to: There is something about the development of Christ’s Church (the realm of profession) which is like
leaven. |
| 808 | Leaven: The Greek is ZUME. Or, TCNT: yeast. What do we know of “leaven” in
the Christian Bible? The word occurs 8 times in the Gospels. Leaven is used of the three sects or groups and their doctrine or ideas: Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians (Matthew 16:6, 11, 12; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1). Note it is “three measures” the woman mixes and perhaps these may be: conservative, liberal, and political. Paul uses leaven as a metaphor for wickedness and badness (1Corinthians 5:6-8; Galatians 5:9). This agrees with Plutarch, the Greek historian, who wrote: “(Leaven) itself also the product of corruption, and produces corruption in the dough with which it is mixed.” (Moralia, IV, “The Roman Questions,” 109) In view of the above it does not seem twisting matters to view this parable as a prediction about the fermentation of the Christian Church. It began in the purity of the Nazarene’s teachings and example and within three centuries was bastardized and mongrelized until it was virtually unrecognizable from the original. Virtually every inspired Christian writer foretells an apostasy or falling away (Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 4:3, 4; 2 Peter 2:1ff; 1 John 2:18, 19). Interestingly, nowhere in these parables does Jesus foretell some kind of restoration of “true religion.” There are, of course, a variety of opinions on this parable. Barclay prefers the theme of the transformation of the individual by Christ. |
| 809 | A woman: Some would try to make every single element of a parable important and worthy of some application. This need not necessarily be the case. Note the woman “hid” (ENE-CRYPSEN) the leaven. This may only mean knead. On the other hand it may be ominous: the process of fermentation is so subtle as to be unseen. Though Paul notes certain doctrines running amiss, as does John, it is likely the average Christian did not observe what was happening. For example, the process which finally created the Trinity was likely only elevating Christ beyond what the Scriptures require, until the Father and the Son became obscured. |
| 810 | Until the whole is leavened: The whole of the realm of profession. After two thousand years of fermentation Christendom (the Church of Christ) has under gone a metamorphoses. This is likely to continue until “that day.” Are their individuals within this realm which will find the Lord’s approval? Jesus once asked: “When the Son o Man arrives will he find The Faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8) The explanation of the parable of the Sower reveals the answer. |
Matthew 13:34-35 – A Manner of Teaching Foretold
|| Mark 4:33, 34
MT13:34 All these matters Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke nothing to them without a parable.
MT13:35 This was so that what was spoken by the prophet
might be fulfilled:
“I shall open my mouth in parables. I shall utter things hidden
from [the] founding.”
[Psalm 78:2]| 811 | Spoken by the prophet: The quotation is from Psalm 78:2. This was a psalm by Asaph and speaks of the lessons
of Israelite history. Here Matthew uses the word “prophet” in its wider meaning. Probably unknown to himself this verse by Asaph turned out to be prophetic. |
| 812 | Things hidden: The Greek is KE-KRYMMENA. Or, KJV: kept secret; RHM: things hidden; WMS: truths concealed. Compare Ephesians 3:9; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 2:7. |
| 813 | Founding: The Greek is KATA(=down)-BOLES(=seed) and refers to casting down seed or sperm. Others render this: RHM: the foundation; KNX: beginning of the world; WMS: since creation. The reference could be limited to the beginning of Israel’s history to be consistent with the psalm’s subject. The word is consistently rendered “foundation” in the KJV. Jesus’ translators uses it again at Matthew 25:34; Luke 11:50; John 17:24. Paul uses it at Ephesians 1:4; Hebrews 4:8; 9:26; 11:11. Peter at 1 Peter 1:20. It occurs twice in Revelation (Revelation 13:8; 17:8). |
Matthew 13:36-43 – Parable of the Zizania in the Field Explained
MT13:36 Then Jesus released the crowds
and came into the house. His disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the zizania of the field.”
| 814 | Released the crowds: Or, KJV: sent the multitude away; NWT: dismissed. One wonders how he did this. |
| 815 | The parable of the zizania of the field: The disciples give us their title for the parable. We see also the critical point they
wondered about. |
MT13:37 Jesus responded by saying,
“The One sowing the good seed is the Son of Humankind.
MT13:38 The field is the world.
The good seed are the sons of the Realm; but the zizania are the sons of the Evil One.
| 816 | Field is the world: The Greek for “world” is KOSMOS and means something arranged in a certain order to characterize
it. The whole world of humankind is the field of the Lord. |
| 817 | Good seed are the sons of the Realm:
Jesus has used the phrase “sons of the kingdom” earlier. In Matthew 8:12 these are children of Israel. The Nazarene tells that Jewish generation that the kingdom will be removed and given to another nation (Matthew 21:43). That nation proved to
be a spiritual one identical to the Christian Church (1 Peter 2:5-9; Galatians 6:16). The “sons of the Realm” are the children of God within the realm of profession. Compare 2 Timothy 2:19. |
| 818 | The sons of the Evil One: That is, children of the Devil. This distinction is made by Jesus in the writings of John (John 8:44; 1 John 3:10). According to
the apostle John what primarily identifies the children of the Devil is hatred and lack of love (charity). On this matter compare Matthew 25:31-46. |
MT13:39 The enemy sowing them is the Devil. The harvest is the consummation of a period. The reapers are angels.
| 819 | Enemy sowing them is the Devil: Like the fermenting leaven, the Devil is at work even within the Realm of the Son (2 Corinthians
11:3, 4, 14, 15). |
| 820 | The harvest is: Is the harvest a generational period covering over a hundred
years? Or, is it the end of a period that brings judgment? |
| 821 | The consummation of a period: The whole
phrase in Greek is TE SYNTELEIA TOU AIONOS. It is nearly identical to Matthew 24:3 (see notes) and Hebrews 9:26. The phrase is also rendered: KJV: the end of the world; TCNT: the close of the age; NWT: conclusion of the system of things. It seems the disciples
draw their use in Matthew 24:3 from Daniel 9:26 where SYNTELEIAS occurs in the Jewish Greek Bible (LXX). Jerome translates SYNTELEIA by consumatis. |
| 822 | Angels: Compare Matthew 24:30, 31 and Matthew 25:31 where angels attend the King when he arrives to judge his realm. This is the parousia-judgment. The Nazarene’s parables in Matthew chapters 24
and 25 also deal with this judgment of his own household of faith. |
MT13:40 So, even as the zizania are gathered and burned in fire, thus it will be at the consummation of the Period.
| 823 | The zizania are gathered: Note from the initial statement of the parable that the zizania were bound and burned “first.”
That is, their judgment occurs before the “sons of the Realm” are seen within the Father’s Kingdom. The parousia-judgment is a time of judging the Church upon its resurrection. For, Paul says, “we must ALL stand before the judgment-seat
of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) These are those “of Christ at his Parousia.” (1 Corinthians 15:23) Within the Household of Faith all professing Christians are resurrected to their judgment day upon the Return of Christ (Daniel 12:1, 2; John
5:28, 29). Those thus raised to judgment will have two outcomes: life or shame (Daniel 12:2; 1 John 2:28; 4:17). This is the truth taught by Jesus’ Parousia parables (Matthew 24, 25). Consider the word study on judgment day. |
| 824 | Burned in fire: Compare Matthew 25:46. Consider word study on Gehenna. |
| 825 | The consummation of the Period: Similar to the previous phrase but now with the article in Greek. This is the end of the Age or Period prior to the Return
of Christ when the Harvest begins. It may also be the end of the Gospel Age or Age of the Church. |
MT13:41 The Son of Humankind will send forth his angels and they will cull out of his Realm everything that causes scandal and those doing lawlessness.
| 826 | Send forth his angels: Compare Matthew 24:31 and Matthew 25:31. |
| 827 | Cull out of his Realm: Or, gather, collect out. There are certain undesirables within the Son’s Realm. Are they not the lawless of Matthew 7:21? Compare
2 Thessalonians 2:7-9. |
| 828 | Causes scandal: The Greek is SCANDALA and is usually rendered: KJV: things
that offend; ASV: cause stumbling; MOF: all who are hindrances; PME: spoiling; BECK: who lead others to do wrong. The history of the Church has been scandalous. These will meet their King with shame (1 John 2:28). |
| 829 | Lawlessness: Compare Matthew 7:21. These break the two commandments of 1 John 3:23. |
MT13:42 The angels will cast out [the sons of the Evil One] into the furnace of
fire. There will be lamentation and grinding of teeth.
| 830 | Cast out: The Greek is related to the same word for exorcising demons. |
| 831 | There will be lamentation: This will occur before the judgment-seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 John 2:28). |
MT13:43 Then the righteous will
shine forth like the sun
[Daniel 12:3]
in the Realm of their Father. Let the one with ears, hear.” | 832 | The righteous: Compare the “righteous” at Matthew 25:37. The “righteous” are contrasted to the “lawless” for righteousness
is the same as being law-abiding. The key law is that of love expressed by charity and hospitality as the parable of Matthew 25:31-46 shows. |
| 833 |
Shine forth like the sun: The strong allusion is from Daniel 12:3. The “sons of the kingdom” have now become part of the Father’s Kingdom in heaven. Note this verse in Daniel follows upon the foretold “oppression” associated
with the appearing of Michael (Daniel 12:1, 2 JBS; compare Matthew 24:30). |
| 834 | Let the one with ears, hear: Compare notes on Matthew 13:9. |
Matthew 13:44 – Parable of the Treasure
MT13:44 “The Realm of Heaven may be compared to a treasure hidden in a field. When a person found that hidden treasure
out of sheer joy he went and sold everything he possessed and bought the field. | 835 | May be compared to: Something about the Church of Christ is so precious it is worth selling every thing to obtain. |
| 836 | Field: We are back to a field again. This is the third time. |
| 837 | Sold everything he possessed: This is a command Jesus gave to some persons, including his personal apostles (Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 12:32, 33; 18:22). The early Christians actually did this (Acts 4:34, 36). Paul also made such sacrifices (Philippians 3:7). |
| 838 | Bought the field: The lesson may be: sometimes it is worth getting rid of everything to obtain something far more wonderful. The treasure is likely the opportunity of membership in the Christian Church, the realm of profession under the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a Proverb which says: “Buy truth itself and do not sell it-wisdom and discipline and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23 NWT) To attain these Christine privileges and their promises it is worth loosing everything to obtain it. Jesus taught: “The one who sacrifices his being for me will gain it.” |
Matthew 13:45-46 – Parable of the Valuable Pearl
MT13:45 “Again the Realm of Heaven may be compared to a traveling merchant seeking excellent pearls.
| 839 | May be compared to: As if two witnesses were necessary to teach the Nazarene’s point of self-sacrifice to obtain
royal promises and privileges. There is something about the Christian Church which is worth leaving all behind to obtain. |
| 840 |
Traveling merchant: The Greek is EMPORO from which the English gets “emporium.” |
| 841 | Seeking
excellent pearls: The literal Greek is fine or good pearls. The English “pearl” is from the Greek MARGARITAS from which comes the name Margaret. Or, KJV: seeking goodly pearls; RHM: beautiful pearls; TCNT: choice pearls; KNX: rare pearls. |
MT13:46 Upon discovering a very valuable pearl he leaves to sell everything he possesses and bought the pearl.| 842 | A very valuable pearl: Or, KJV: pearl of great price; BER: exceptional value. The word “pearl” occurs 11 times in
the Bible but note particularly Revelation 21:21. |
| 843 | Sell everything he possesses: See the notes on Matthew 13:44. Or, BAS: gave all that he had in exchange for it. |
Matthew 13:47-50 – Parable of the Dragnet
MT13:47 “Again the Realm of Heaven may be compared to a dragnet thrown into the sea and gathering together every kind of [fish].
| 844 | May be compared to: There is something about the Christian Church which resembles a fisherman’s dragnet lowered into the world to “catch men alive.” |
| 845 | Dragnet thrown into the sea: Or, RHM: a large drag-net; WEY: let down into the sea. Some calls this the Gospel Net. Jesus called his first disciples and told them they would “become fishers of men.” He commissioned his apostles to “Go and make disciples of people of all nations.” (Matthew 28:18, 19) Beginning with Jesus the gospel preaching “dragnet” – the great evangelical effort of all time – the Gospel Net has been fishing earth’s waters. |
MT13:48 When the net is filled it is hauled onto the beach. Then the [fishermen] sit down and collect the good fish into vessels; but, the rotten [fish] they throw away.
| 846 | When the net is filled: At the Return (or, Parousia; see notes on Matthew 24:3) of Christ and the beginning of the parousia-judgment.
This is parallel to the parable of the Zizania in the Field (go to Matthew 13:37) as well as those within Matthew 24:45-25:46. At the judgment the dragnet will be filled with all those who professed Jesus as Lord as Christians throughout the Gospel or Church
Age (Period). |
| 847 | Collect the good fish into vessels: Or, TCNT: sorted the good fish into baskets. |
| 848 | The rotten [fish]: Or, KJV: the bad; RHM: worthless. The Greek SAPROS is rendered rotten or corrupt and often applied to bad
fruit of a tree (Matthew 7:17, 18; Luke 6:43). These are the same as the “workers of lawlessness” of Matthew 7:21, 22, the zizania of Matthew 13:38, and the “goats” of Matthew 25:40-46. |
MT13:49 Just so it will be in the consummation of the Period:
the angels will go forth to separate the wicked from among the righteous.
| 849 | The consummation of the Period: See notes on Matthew 13:40 and Matthew 24:3. Or, KJV: end of the world; TCNT: close of
the age; NWT: conclusion of the system of things. The Age or Period may be the Gospel Age or that time period of the generation that witnesses the Revelation of Christ (Matthew 24:34). |
| 850 | Angels will go forth to separate: As in the parable of the Zizania in the Field. See notes on Matthew 13:39 and Matthew 25:31. |
| 851 | Wicked from among the righteous: There are only two classes of Christians: the good and the bad. On the word wicked (search this word) see the notes
on Matthew 12:35 and elsewhere. Note “the righteous” in Matthew 25:40-46. Search righteous for notes elsewhere. The difference between the wicked and the righteous is that the former are hurtful or unloving, and the later law-abiding and
charitable. |
MT13:50 The angels will hurl the wicked into the furnace of fire. There will be lamentation and the grinding
of teeth.”| 852 | Into the furnace of fire: On this phrase search under Gehenna and fire for notes elsewhere (Revelation 20:13-15). |
| 853 | Lamentation: The grief is before the throne of Christ and in their shame and reproach prior to being hurled into everlasting extinction (1 John 2:28; Matthew 7:21). |
Matthew 13:51-52 – Teacher Uses New and Old
MT13:51 “Did you [disciples] understand everything?”
[The Disciples] answered, “Yes.”
| 854 | Understand everything: Or, KNX: have you grasped all this; NWT: comprehend. |
MT13:52 So Jesus told them,
“Therefore, every teacher who has become a student of the Realm of Heaven can be compared to a person, like a householder, who throws out of his treasure-chest new things and old things.” | 855 | Teacher: The Greek is GRAMMATEUS
and is generally rendered “scribe” though some rendered it: TCNT: Teacher; PME: every one who knows the Law. The scribe was considered a teacher as well as a student sometimes. Search the word scribe or scribes. |
| 856 | Become a student: The Greek is MATHETEUTHEIS. Or, TCNT: received instruction; PME: becomes a disciple; NEB: a learner. The perfect
teacher is one who is also a life-long student. |
| 857 | Householder: Or, KNX: rich man; NOR: master of
a house. See notes on Matthew 13:27. |
| 858 | Throws out: The Greek is BALOUSIN and is also rendered: NJB:
brings out. But, there seems more enthusiasm in the word. |
| 859 | His treasure-chest: The treasure are
his own goods, the things he has saved. Jesus has used the word “treasure” in relation to the heart. See the notes on treasure at Matthew 6:21 and Matthew 12:35. As a student or learner (a disciple of Christ) each of these apostles has had
truths stored up from the Jewish religion – laws, principles, doctrines, prophecies. Now each ones has new truths and news ways of expressing these from the Master teacher, Jesus. |
| 860 | New things and old things: The New Jerusalem Bible footnote here reads: “The Jewish teacher who becomes a disciple of Christ has at his disposal all the wealth of the
Old Testament as well as its completion in the New.” William Barclay writes: “There is something suggestive here. For it means that Jesus never desired or intended that any man [or, woman - editor] should forget all he knew when he came to him;
but that he should see his knowledge in a new light and use it in a new service.” (Page 90) No person embarking on discipleship to the Nazarene can refuse to “throw out” in personal witnessing to others truths old and new. |
Matthew 13:53-58 – Where Did He Get Such Wisdom?
|| Mark 6:1-6
MT13:53 Now when Jesus concluded these parables he traveled elsewhere.
MT13:54 Upon arriving in his fatherland
he began teaching the people in their synagogue.
They were astounded and said, “From where did this person receive this wisdom and dynamic works?
| 861 | In his fatherland: The Greek is PATRIDA from which comes the English “patriot.” Or, KJV: own country; WMS:
home town; RHM: own city. Likely Nazareth, possibly a parallel with Luke 4:14-30. |
| 862 | Synagogue: For
information search the word synagogue. “Synagogue” occurs 67 times, most often in Acts. The Greek word, or a form of it, SYNAGOGE, does occur else where it is rendered “gathering” or “meeting.” It is virtually the
same as ECCLESIA. |
| 863 | Dynamic works: The Greek is DYNAMEIS. Or, GDSP: power to do these wonders; KJV:
mighty works; NWT: powerful works. |
MT13:55 Is this not
the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary – as well and his brothers, James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
| 864 | Is this not: Compare Mark 6:3; Luke 3:23; 4:22; John 6:42. |
MT13:56 And
his sisters
– are they not all among us? So, from where
did this person receive all this?”
| 865 | His sisters: They are never named nor is the number given anywhere. See Mark 6:3. |
| 866 | From where: This is possibly the hometown of Jesus, Nazareth, and likely these people saw Jesus grow up. Some are not aware of the experience
when he was twelve and questioned the teachers in Jerusalem (Luke 2). However, there was nothing in Jesus upbringing so unusual that others would have suspected this would become the greatest man whoever lived. This may have been deliberate to protect the Nazarene’s anonymity. |
MT13:57 As a result they were stumbled and scandalized
because of him. But, Jesus told them,
“A prophet is not honored in his own father-land, nor in his
own house.”
| 867 | Stumbled and scandalized: The Greek is ESCANDALIZONTO and is used elsewhere. Or, KJV: offended; RHM: began to find
cause of stumbling; TCNT: proved a hindrance; MOF: repelled by him. See the notes at Matthew 13:41. |
| 868 | A
prophet is not honored: Compare John 4:44. |
| 869 | In his own house: Likely referring to the home he grew up in. Despite the angelic words to Joseph and Mary Jesus had remained so unspectacular that nothing betrayed his destiny. The prophet suggested this: “To the extent that many have stared at him in amazement-so much was the disfigurement as respects his appearance more than that of any other man and as respects his stately form more than that of the sons of mankind.… No stately form does he have, nor any splendor; and when we shall see him, there is not the appearance so that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 52:14; 53:3 NWT) |
MT13:58 As a result he performed no dynamic works there because of their lack of faith. | 870 | Their lack of faith: Compare Matthew 8:10. |
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Nazarene Commentary 2000©
Mark Heber Miller
©2000 All Rights Reserved
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