Introduction

• Matthew 13:9-17

• Q: What are parables? 

• A: short stories from everyday life illustrating spiritual truths.  "Earthly stories with heavenly meaning",  making complex ideas accessible  and encouraging listeners to reflect and discover deeper significance.  

• Matthew 12:24

Parables will...

Show us our camp (belief or unbelief)

• Matthew 13:10-12

• Kingdom of Heaven is a...

  • Spiritual Kingdom

  • Present and future hope

  • Inclusive and exclusive

    • Matthew 7:21-23

Show us fulfillment of prophecy

• Matthew 13:13-15

• Psalm 78:2

• Matthew 7:13-14

Show us the blessing of following Jesus

• Matthew 13:16-17

• 1 Corinthians 2:14

• Matthew 13:24

• Matthew 13:31

• Matthew 13:1-2

Application

1.  Make a Decision about Jesus?  Belief or Unbelief 

2.  If Belief?  Then Follow Him.  Where is the Fruit?   

• Galatians 5:22-24

Warmup

Have you ever heard a story, movie, or illustration that made you realize something about yourself later—not immediately? What was that like?

Sermon Questions

Read Matthew 13:9–10

What are Parables?

Insight:

• Parables are short stories drawn from everyday life that communicate spiritual truth. They are not riddles meant to confuse but revelatory stories that require humility and spiritual openness. Jesus quoted Psalm 78:2 to show this teaching method fulfills prophecy—God revealing truth to those willing to listen.

Based on Jesus’ words, why do you think He ends many parables with, “Let anyone who has ears listen”?

How does this challenge the idea that everyone automatically understands spiritual truth?

In what ways do parables invite participation rather than passive listening?

Parables Reveal Our “Camp” (Belief or Unbelief)

Read Matthew 13:10–12; Matthew 13:13–15

Insights: Parables don’t create unbelief—they expose it.

• Those who believe are given greater understanding.

• Those who resist truth become increasingly hardened.

• This echoes earlier rejection in Matthew 12:24, where religious leaders attribute God’s work to Satan.

According to Jesus, what determines whether someone understands His teaching?

How do verses 13–15 describe spiritual resistance? What words stand out to you?

Why might God choose a teaching method that both reveals and conceals?

Read Matthew 7:13–14.

Why does Jesus consistently teach that the way of life is narrow?

Parables show us the blessings of following Jesus

Read Matthew 13:16–17

Insights:

• Jesus tells His disciples they are blessed, not because they are smarter—but because they follow Him. They are witnessing what prophets longed to see.

• Paul echoes this truth in 1 Corinthians 2:14—spiritual truth requires spiritual openness.

Why does Jesus call His disciples “blessed” in verses 16–17?

What’s the difference between hearing Jesus’ words and truly receiving them?

How does this challenge cultural Christianity or surface-level faith?

Application

Read Matthew 7:21–23

Why does Jesus warn that not everyone who claims Him actually belongs to Him?

Read Galatians 5:22–24

Which fruit of the Spirit do you see most clearly in your life right now?

Which one reveals areas where you still resist Jesus’ reign?

How do parables help expose where fruit is growing—or where it is missing?

What is one way this week we can practice listening to Jesus—not just hearing Him?

Closing Prayer Prompt:Ask God for ears to hear, hearts to receive, and lives that bear fruit.