Matthew 13:35 quotes Psalm 78:2 to explain Jesus's frequent use of parables. Let's break down what this verse, in its Matthew context, means:
"That it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet...": This is a formula Matthew often uses to show how Jesus's life and ministry fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. Matthew sees Jesus as the promised Messiah, and therefore looks for connections between Jesus's actions and the predictions of the prophets.
"...saying, 'I will open my mouth in parables...'": This is the core of the prophecy being cited. It indicates that speaking in parables is not a new, unexpected tactic, but a pre-ordained method connected with God's plan. In Psalm 78, the speaker (likely Asaph) uses poetic, figurative language to teach the history and lessons of Israel. Matthew suggests that Jesus, like the Psalmist, is using parables as a teaching tool.
"...I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.' Psalm 78:2": This is the most significant part.
"Things hidden": This refers to truths, mysteries, or insights that were not readily apparent or understood before. These could include the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, God's grace, or the path to salvation.
"From the foundation of the world": This phrase emphasizes that these truths were part of God's plan from the very beginning, even though they were not fully revealed or understood until now. In other words, these are not new ideas, but rather deeply rooted realities that are now being unveiled.
In the context of Matthew 13, the verse is telling us the following:
1. Jesus is fulfilling prophecy: His use of parables is not accidental, but a deliberate act in accordance with God's plan as prophesied in the Psalms.
2. Parables reveal hidden truths: The parables are a way of unlocking and making known truths that were previously obscured or difficult to grasp.
3. These truths are fundamental: The truths revealed by the parables are not superficial or temporary; they are essential to understanding God's kingdom and have been part of His plan from the beginning.
In essence, the verse highlights that Jesus is using parables to unveil profound spiritual truths, which were always part of God's eternal plan but are now being made accessible through his teachings. The verse reinforces the idea that Jesus is not just a teacher, but the revealer of God's hidden wisdom and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
Therefore, the meaning to summarize is: Jesus' use of parables to teach reveals long-held spiritual truths about God's kingdom.
Matthew 13:35 quotes Psalm 78:2 to explain Jesus's frequent use of parables. Let's break down what this verse, in its Matthew context, means:
"That it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet...": This is a formula Matthew often uses to show how Jesus's life and ministry fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. Matthew sees Jesus as the promised Messiah, and therefore looks for connections between Jesus's actions and the predictions of the prophets.
"...saying, 'I will open my mouth in parables...'": This is the core of the prophecy being cited. It indicates that speaking in parables is not a new, unexpected tactic, but a pre-ordained method connected with God's plan. In Psalm 78, the speaker (likely Asaph) uses poetic, figurative language to teach the history and lessons of Israel. Matthew suggests that Jesus, like the Psalmist, is using parables as a teaching tool.
"...I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.' Psalm 78:2": This is the most significant part.
"Things hidden": This refers to truths, mysteries, or insights that were not readily apparent or understood before. These could include the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, God's grace, or the path to salvation.
"From the foundation of the world": This phrase emphasizes that these truths were part of God's plan from the very beginning, even though they were not fully revealed or understood until now. In other words, these are not new ideas, but rather deeply rooted realities that are now being unveiled.
In the context of Matthew 13, the verse is telling us the following:
1. Jesus is fulfilling prophecy: His use of parables is not accidental, but a deliberate act in accordance with God's plan as prophesied in the Psalms.
2. Parables reveal hidden truths: The parables are a way of unlocking and making known truths that were previously obscured or difficult to grasp.
3. These truths are fundamental: The truths revealed by the parables are not superficial or temporary; they are essential to understanding God's kingdom and have been part of His plan from the beginning.
In essence, the verse highlights that Jesus is using parables to unveil profound spiritual truths, which were always part of God's eternal plan but are now being made accessible through his teachings. The verse reinforces the idea that Jesus is not just a teacher, but the revealer of God's hidden wisdom and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
Therefore, the meaning to summarize is: Jesus' use of parables to teach reveals long-held spiritual truths about God's kingdom.
