The Kingdom Parables Of Matthew Thirteen -- By: Jeffrey R. Benson
Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 22:1 (Spring 1979)
Article: The Kingdom Parables Of Matthew Thirteen
Author: Jeffrey R. Benson
CenQ 22:1 (Spring 1979) p. 2
The Kingdom Parables Of Matthew Thirteen
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Introduction
One of the great hallmarks of dispensational thought has been the preservation of Biblical distinctions. Law is distinguished from grace. The church is distinguished from Israel. The kingdom is distinguished from the church. An allegorical approach to Scripture which refuses to make these distinctions will meet few interpretational difficulties due to the fluidity of the method. It remains for those who accept a normal interpretation of Scripture to carefully handle seeming inconsistencies, propose detailed harmonizations, and unlock the exegetical treasures of God’s Word.
The kingdom parables of our Lord recorded in Matthew thirteen provide one such area for study—an area in which a dispensational approach should unfold a wealth of Biblical data and reveal the truth the King intended to present.
These parables have been a source of controversy among commentators for generations. The intent of this study is to provide an interpretation which maintains the Biblical distinction between the kingdom and the church while at the same time maintaining a consistency with the whole of Biblical revelation.
In pursuit of this goal, Scripture shall be taken normally. Paul Lee Tan describes the method,
To interpret “literally” means to explain the original sense of the speaker or writer according to the normal, customary, and proper usages of
CenQ 22:1 (Spring 1979) p. 3
words and language. Literal interpretation of the Bible means to explain the original sense of the Bible according to the normal and customary usages of its language.1
Such interpretation recognizes the use of figures of speech, allegory, poetry, and parables. It is also recognized that such figures are used to convey definite concrete truth according to the intent of the author. This paper shall attempt to put forth the teaching that Christ intended be conveyed through these kingdom parables.
The Setting Of The Kingdom Parables
The setting of the parables is of paramount importance in the understanding of their message. These parables are given at a climactic point in the ministry of Jesus. They mark a pivotal point in Matthew’s gospel.
The Occasion For The Parables
Jesus commenced His earthly ministry with a message that the Messianic kingdom of prophecy was now at hand. Matthew 4:17 records, “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’.” As Ch...
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