In Matthew 13, Jesus begins to teach with parables because he wants all to understand how to his disciples and that there is a clear division between his disciples and others, the sacrifice of the whole self, and that the disciples will have a universal influence (Mitch and Sri 174). Matthew 13:1 begins with "On that day" to note that Jesus spoke of these parables the same day he came in contact with the Pharisees in chapter 12 (Mitch and Sri 176). Then, Jesus left Peter 's house in Capernaum and "sat down" in front of the crowds near the Sea of Galilee (Mitch and Sri 176). The "sitting down" of Christ is repeated symbolizing the teaching position of a rabbi (Mitch and Sri 176). Astonishingly, Jesus had to go into a boat because the crowds were enormous, and Jesus wanted all to hear and see him (Mitch and Sri 176). Jesus is explicitly described …show more content…
Likewise, in Matthew 13, Jesus ' parables talk about the division of disciples in Israel and the Pharisees who explicitly refuted Christ (Mitch and Sri 176). Jesus tells his disciples that the purpose of the parables is to have people hear, see, and understand him in order to follow him so that they may be given "knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" (Mitch and Sri 176). Christ names the division as ones who are open to his teachings and will be given some knowledge of the kingdom and those who have "closed hearts" will not receive any knowledge of the kingdom (Mitch and Sri 176). Jesus says he teaches because those in Israel reject his word, and he points to himself as the prophet "sent by God to call the people to repentance" but knows many will not acknowledge it (Mitch and Sri 176-7). It is important to note that one is not a disciple if they see and hear Jesus but do not follow him and give his whole self to Christ (Mitch and Sri