Mat 13:1-9 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Matt 13:1-53: 13:1-53 In the third major discourse recorded by Matthew (see study note on Matt 5:1–7:29), Jesus here recognized the separation of his followers from others (13:14 , 16 ) and began to reveal the secrets of the Kingdom privately to them through parables.

a13:1-53►

d13:3-9►

e13:18-23►

‏ Matthew 13:1-9

Summary for Matt 13:1-53: 13:1-53 ^a In the third major discourse recorded by Matthew (see study note on Matt 5:1–7:29), Jesus here recognized the separation of his followers from others (13:14 ^b, 16 ^c) and began to reveal the secrets of the Kingdom privately to them through parables.
Summary for Matt 13:3-9: 13:3-9 ^d This parable (interpreted in 13:18-23 ^e) addresses the mostly negative responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus and his message.

• Parables (Greek parabolē) are stories that usually express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text; then the central message can be understood. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended should not be found in every element of a parable.