All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. 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.”
In this section of Matthew we read a number of parables. A parable is a spiritual truth told in practical story form. In the above passage we read one reason why Jesus’ communication method was parables. Parables are a great communication tool because the story captures the mind of the hearer. But some often miss the moral implications in stories. A good set of examples of this are all the movies on television. Especially movies designed for children. They carry an exciting story line but also carry a moral and/or spiritual meaning. But most miss the entire point just because they simply like the story and the songs in the story. Yet, much of the morality taught in our society revolves around these stories via media. Jesus told stories to convey meaning. But He also did so because it was prophesied that He would. In His life, death and resurrection, Jesus is said to have fulfilled over 300 prophecies from the Old Testament. This is just one. But what makes this one so special (and perhaps why Matthew added it to the list) was that prophecy often pointed to who Jesus was (the Son of God) and what He would accomplish (give His life for our sins), but this one points to how He would communicate. As a speaker I am often asked to come to speak at conferences. I am often asked to speak on a particular topic. I am often told by those asking me to speak what they want the audience to learn, or take away from the talk. But I am never told how to communicate it. Jesus was told why He was coming. It was prophesied what He would accomplish. But it was also prophesied exactly how He would teach. He fulfilled every last one of the prophecies about Him. Matthew wanted us to know that. It allows us to hear Jesus’ message with even more power and awe.
