Reading Matthew 13 as a prophetic discourse: The four parables presented in private

The task of Jesus’ disciples may be to juxtapose ‘new and old’ unconditional prophecies of the kingdom of heaven. After describing its setting, the four parables in Matthew 13 presented in private are considered from a pre-millennial perspective. The parable of the hidden treasure may indicate how Jesus Christ authenticates and then hides his authority and power to rule as King in terms of the Davidic Covenant over the literal Davidic kingdom — before He then goes to the cross. Having been to the cross, the parable of the pearl merchant may show how the new, spiritual, phase of the kingdom commences when Christ Jesus starts his pearl ministry as High Priest in terms of the New Covenant. The parable of the dragnet has in view the transition from the spiritual phase of the kingdom into its future phase. An overview of the four privately given parables of Matthew 13 is then provided, a summary of the new and old prophecies contained in the eight parables of Matthew 13 is presented followed by a theological conclusion.

www.indieskriflig.org.za/index.php/skriflig/article/view/1887/3023