Monday 10 October 2016

Psalm: Psalm 24

Background

We pick up the teaching of Jesus to his disciples who (Matthew 13:10) have been wrestling with theobscurity of the parables. Jesus' response is to interpret theparable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9).

Both the parable and its interpretation are familiar. The imageof the sower broadcasting seed becomes a metaphor for the missionof Jesus or the Church in proclaiming the gospel. In the detail ofthe interpretation it is not always clear whether the seed is theword that has been preached or the hearer who does or does notrespond, but the main idea is clear. Whenever and wherever thegospel is proclaimed some, despite an initial enthusiasm, will beeffectively untouched by what they have heard whereas others willbe completely transformed.

Many commentators argue that this interpretation is unlikely tohave originated with Jesus; it was not usual for a parable to beexplained by a rabbi in this way. What the explanation does is toturn the parable into an allegory; that is to say, each element inthe story takes on a representative function to create a picture ofthe variety of responses to the proclamation of the good news. Whatthat causes us to ask is why the Gospel writers felt it importantto include this interpretation, and the answer may be in thecontext. The question of the disciples (Matthew 13:10) had been 'why parables?' andJesus' answer (Matthew 13:11-17) implied that there willalways be those who are impervious to what they are witnessing.Even among those who do respond there is huge variety (verse 23) inthe yield; we are left with the mystery with which the explanationbegan and with which it is clear the Church has wrestled from itsearliest days: why do some joyously hear the gospel and allow it tochange them whilst others don't?

To Ponder

• This is a very familiar parable. Does knowing theinterpretation increase or lessen its impact? Why?

• If the parable is about preaching, when have you heard the goodnews and it has made a tremendous difference? Or when the impactwas short-lived?

• Many churches seem to struggle to 'get their message across'.To what extent does it help to be reminded that it has alwaysseemed a mystery why some but not all respond to the goodnews?