"Then the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?""
Introduction
This single verse (Matthew 13:10) records the disciples asking Jesus why he teaches the people in parables. It is a moment of curiosity and pastoral concern that opens a theological explanation about the nature of Jesus' teaching, the reception of the kingdom message, and the relationship between public proclamation and private instruction.
Historical-Cultural Context and Authorship
Matthew is one of the four canonical Gospels and is traditionally attributed to Matthew (Greek: Ματθαῖος), a tax collector and one of the twelve apostles. Modern scholarship tends to describe the Gospel as the product of a Matthean community writing in Greek for a primarily Jewish-Christian audience in the late first century (often dated ca. 80–90 CE), drawing on earlier sources such as Mark and a sayings collection commonly called Q. Chapter 13 belongs to a large block of teaching material where Jesus explains the kingdom of heaven through parables. The Gospel writer deliberately frames these sayings to show Jesus as the authoritative prophet and teacher in continuity with Israel’s Scriptures.
Linguistically, key terms illuminate the scene: the Greek word translated "parable" is παραβολή (parabolē), literally a "placing alongside," a simple metaphor or comparison that invites the hearer to think. The word for "disciples" is μαθηταί (mathetai), indicating learners or committed followers distinct from the general crowds (ὄχλοι, ochloi). Matthew’s use of Old Testament fulfillment themes (cf. Isaiah 6:9–10) also colors his account: Jesus’ method of speaking both reveals and conceals in ways that fulfill prophetic patterns of response and hardening recorded in Israel’s Scriptures. Parable-telling itself was familiar in Jewish and Greco-Roman teaching practices as a way to invite reflection and test the hearer’s receptivity.
Characters and Places
The Disciples: The immediate question comes from Jesus’ close followers—students who travel with him, listen privately, and seek fuller explanation. Their role is both representative (as learners) and interpretive (they receive inner teaching).
Jesus ("him" in the verse): The teacher and storyteller whose public parables stir the crowds and whose private explanations form part of the formation of his followers. In Matthew, Jesus functions as prophet, interpreter of Scripture, and founder of a teaching community.
The Crowds ("them"): The larger public audience to whom Jesus speaks in parables. They are not unnamed extras; their varied responses (interest, misunderstanding, rejection) form the social context that makes the disciples’ question urgent.
Explanation and Meaning of the Text
This short exchange is a key to understanding Matthew’s theology of revelation. Parables (parabolai) are not merely cute stories or allegories for everyone; they are pedagogical devices that both reveal and hide. Jesus speaks to the crowds in parables to make the truth approachable for those whose hearts are open and, simultaneously, to obscure that truth from those who are unreceptive—thus distinguishing between mere curiosity and true discipleship. The disciples’ question shows their pastoral sensitivity: if the crowds are confused, why not teach plainly? Jesus’ later response (in the surrounding verses) shows that parables serve a divine purpose: they fulfill prophetic expectation, provoke decision, and create a contrast between those who understand and follow and those whose hardened hearts keep them from grasping the kingdom-message.
On the literary level, Matthew places this question immediately before Jesus’ explanation about why he uses parables (Matt 13:11–17). This movement from public parable to private explanation models the inner life of the church: some truths are given openly, but fuller understanding grows within the community of disciples. Historically, parables also functioned to avoid direct confrontation with hostile authorities while allowing the message to spread among those who would ponder and pass it on. Theologically, the verse underscores human responsibility: parables provoke a choice. Hearing is not the same as understanding; the Spirit, faith, and humility shape whether a hearer becomes a disciple or merely a spectator.
Devotional
When you read Jesus’ parables, notice that they are invitations, not puzzles to be hoarded. The disciples’ question models faithful curiosity: they cared that the crowd might miss the heart of Jesus’ message. Let that same concern shape your hearing—pray for ears that want to understand and a heart willing to be formed by the kingdom truths that come in story.
If you find a parable confusing, follow the disciples’ example and ask. Growth in faith often comes from honest questions and from staying near the Teacher. Trust that Jesus both speaks plainly to those who seek and gently leads deeper into the mystery of God’s reign as you walk with him.