What is the meaning of Matthew 13:3?

And He told them many things in parables

• Jesus adopts parables as His chief teaching tool, fulfilling Psalm 78:2, “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.”

• The method both reveals and conceals truth (Matthew 13:13: “Though seeing, they do not see…”), sifting hearts that genuinely seek Him (Mark 4:33–34).

• By telling “many things,” He unfolds a rich, varied picture of the kingdom, not a single lesson but a tapestry of insights (Matthew 13:34).

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saying

• This single word signals that what follows carries direct, authoritative revelation (John 12:49: “I have not spoken on My own…”).

• The simplicity of the introduction underscores that divine wisdom often arrives in everyday language (Luke 4:32).

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A farmer went out

• Listeners in Galilee instantly connect with the scene; Jesus meets people in familiar experiences (Matthew 7:24–27).

• “Went out” hints at intentional mission—echoing the Father sending the Son (John 3:17) and later the Son sending His disciples (Matthew 28:19).

• The farmer image recalls God’s patient labor with Israel (Isaiah 5:1–2) and His ongoing work in the church (James 5:7).

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to sow his seed

• The seed belongs to the farmer; the Word originates with God, not humanity (Luke 8:11: “The seed is the word of God.”).

• Sowing pictures generous, widespread proclamation (2 Corinthians 9:10; Ecclesiastes 11:6).

• The act expects fruitfulness; just as rain causes crops to sprout, the Word accomplishes God’s purpose (Isaiah 55:10–11).

• New life springs from incorruptible seed (1 Peter 1:23), grounding assurance that faithful gospel sowing will bear eternal results.

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summary

Matthew 13:3 introduces the Parable of the Sower by spotlighting Jesus’ purposeful use of parables, His authoritative voice, and the Father’s missionary heart. The farmer going out to sow pictures God generously scattering His life-giving Word, anticipating varied responses yet confident of a harvest. The verse invites every believer to listen attentively and join the ongoing work of sowing that same seed into a waiting world.