Let Me Tell You a Secret

Living Hope Presbyterian Church

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Matthew 13

Matthew 13: 10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “‘“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Matthew 13: 34 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. 35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”

ESV: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ©2011 Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Sermon Summary: The sermon delves into the significance of parables, particularly focusing on why Jesus chose to speak in parables and the impact they have on different audiences. It emphasizes the idea that the gospel divides, serving as both a message of salvation and judgment. Through various stories and analogies, the sermon highlights the importance of understanding the hidden truths of the kingdom of God and the privilege of being able to comprehend and embrace these revelations.

Key Points:

• The power of parables in conveying hidden truths about the kingdom of God.
• The division caused by the gospel, serving as a message of salvation for some and judgment for others.
• The privilege and joy of being able to understand and embrace the teachings of Jesus.

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Matthew 13:10-17, 34-35
• Psalm 78

Humor and Anecdotes:

• No specific humor or anecdotes were shared in the sermon.

Key Quotes:

• “Blessed are your eyes for they see and your ears for they hear.”
• “What a privilege it is to be a Christian.”

Themes:

• The use of parables as a tool for revealing hidden truths about the kingdom of God.
• The concept of the gospel dividing individuals into those who accept and understand it and those who reject it.
• The joy and privilege of being able to comprehend and embrace the teachings of Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do parables serve as effective tools for conveying spiritual truths compared to direct teachings?
2. In what ways do you see the gospel dividing people today, as mentioned in the sermon?
3. Reflect on the concept of being blessed to understand the kingdom of God. How does this impact your perspective on your faith journey?

Metaphors and Stories:

• The analogy of looking out a window to observe and understand the truths of God’s kingdom.
• The comparison between those who have eyes to see and ears to hear the gospel versus those who remain blind and deaf to its message.

This sermon emphasizes the depth of understanding hidden within parables, the transformative power of embracing the gospel, and the profound privilege of being able to comprehend and rejoice in the truths revealed by Jesus.