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A Reflection written by the Rev’d Dr Daniel Dries 26th Sunday after Pentecost 13 November 2016 – Solemn Evensong

And he told them many things in parables… Matthew Chapter 13 contains The Parable of the Sower. This simple parable about extravagant and wasteful farming techniques can be interpreted in many different ways. This is obviously the whole point of parables. Luke’s Gospel contains the greatest number of parables, although Matthew’s Gospel comes a close second with 23 parables, of which 11 are unique. The interpretation of parables will always be ambiguous, perhaps even dangerous. Traditionally speaking, wise teachers presented their students with facts to remember. As Jesus taught in parables, he enabled and encouraged his students to interpret and even draw their own conclusions. This method of teaching, which is not unlike the student-centred learning that now dominates modern classrooms, challenges the student to think, rather than simply retain facts. It is also a very good argument against the rigid and literal interpretation of Scripture, particularly as Christ so often chose metaphors that related to first century Palestine. This is highlighted in The Parable of the Sower. The Parable of the Sower is found in slightly different versions in Luke and Matthew. The New Testament Lesson set for this evening contains Matthew 13.1-9 and 18-23. In the first section, Christ conveys the parable to the crowds. In the second segment (vv. 18-34) he explains the parable, but only to the disciples. Sadly, a middle section of 7 verses is omitted. This missing section records the disciples coming to Christ and asking, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ (Matt 13.10). In rather a harsh tone Christ goes on to say, ‘The reason I speak to them in parables is that seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.’ (Matt 13.13). Christ seems to be very aware of the limitations of the crowd in terms of their ability to grasp complex theological teaching. It could even be said that he does not seem to have a very high opinion of the crowd (perhaps this is why the compilers of the Lectionary omitted these verses!). However, the disciples demonstrate again and again that they also fail to grasp his teaching. Despite all of this, Christ goes on teach in other complex parables which enable his audience to draw their conclusions, or at least nuances, for each story. The nature of parables requires the reader or listener to reflect on their own experiences and situation in life. This will always be confronting; it certainly is at the present time.

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