I. What is a parable and why did Jesus use them?
A. A parable is a physical picture used to illustrate a spiritual truth. For example,
the word of God is likened to a seed (Mt 13:19) sown on many soils.
B. When we understand the physical picture, it gives us insight into spiritual
truth. Parables were intended to make clear difficult concepts.
C. The most common concept parables discuss is what the kingdom of heaven is
like (Mt 13:24, 31, 44). To rid people of the idea of a physical kingdom
(see Jn 18:36), Jesus used everyday examples to explain that the kingdom
was spiritual in nature.
D. Jesus' followers asked Him why He used parables (Mt 13:10). His
explanation is that others were not willing to hear the wonderful truths
contained there (Mt 13:11-17). However, if we are willing to hear and try
to understand Jesus, we can receive the blessing of more knowledge from
His parables (v. 16-17).

II. The parable of the sower
A. Mark 4:1-9, 13-20. This is the most important parable because Jesus says if
we do not understand this one, we will have trouble with all the rest (v.
13).
B. Jesus likens preaching the gospel to sowing seed (v. 14). The seed falls on a
variety of grounds with different results. Some bear no fruit (v. 15), some
bear fruit for just a short while (v. 16-17), and some bear fruit, then are choked out (v. 18-19). However, some ground produces good fruit (v. 20).
C. This parable is about how we hear (v. 9). If we are not ready to receive God's
word, we won't receive it! We must prepare our hearts.
D. Specifically, we must keep Satan out of our hearts, being ready to hear what
God wants to tell us (v. 15). We must develop roots for the gospel, so that
our enthusiasm and faithfulness are not temporary (v. 17). We must get
rid of the things competing for our attention-cares of this world,
deceitfulness of riches, desires for other things (v. 19).
E. Do you see why this is the most important parable? It affects how we hear all
the rest of the parables! If we are not right in this area, it won't matter
what we hear because we won't hear it!
F. This also emphasizes a common theme in Scripture: that our heart is indicated
by our actions, or fruit. (Mt 7:15-20). Corrupt lives come from corrupt
hearts.

III. The parable of the tares
A. Matt 13:24-30, 36-43. This is a parable that tells us what the kingdom of
heaven is like (v. 24). What will things be like as we are citizens of God's
kingdom in the midst of a wicked world?
B. Jesus tells us that there is a time in which we will have to be among wicked
people! (v. 30, 38). Just because we are trying to serve God doesn't mean
we can go out of the world! (1 Cor 5:9-11).
C. However, the fact that God is not dispensing judgment now doesn't mean He
doesn't notice who is wicked and who is righteous! He is simply patient,
waiting for the time when He will judge us all (v. 29, 41).
D. This parable urges patience in waiting on God and not being contaminated by
the world. We must remember the solemn promise of v. 41: all things
that offend and all those who practice lawlessness will be cast into the
furnace of fire.
E. Rom 12:2. We must learn to be in the world, but not of the world. We must
never be conformed to it or become like the people of the world.

IV. The parable of the vinedressers
A. Mark 12:1-12. Jesus tells this parable because the Jews refused to hear His
words (v. 12).
B. He likens God and His dealings with the Jews as an owner of a vineyard with
His vinedressers. God continually sends servants (the prophets), yet the
vinedressers (the Jews) continually reject them, stoning and killing some
(v. 3-5).
C. Since the Jews had rejected God's every attempt to speak to them, He decided
to send Him His Son, last of all (v. 6). They rejected the Son as well, and
killed Him (v. 7-8). God, then, would take the vineyard away from them,
destroy them, and give the vineyard to others (v. 9).
D. This parable tells us that the Jews had lost their place in God's favor because
they continually rejected God. Even His Son they killed.
E. Why is this parable important? v. 6. This is God's last attempt to speak to
man. If we reject the Son, we have no hope! He won't speak again
through someone else when He's already spoken through His Son!
F. Jesus was God's "beloved"(v. 6). How will He respond if we reject Him?
G. It is a parable about how we receive Jesus-His words and call to us. If we
reject Him, we are not worthy to be right with Him!

These parables are God speaking to us today! Let us never forget that we can be guilty of the very same things the Jews were! Even today God watches!___Jacob Hudgins