Jesus makes a troubling statement in Matthew 13:12, “For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Jesus says this as a part of his response to the disciples’ question in v. 10, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”
The disciples’ question touches on several important themes that appear in this section of Matthew’s Gospel account. Beginning in ch. 10, Matthew progressively reveals the Jewish opposition to Jesus, Jesus’ awareness of this opposition, and His preparation of the disciples for it to continue throughout their ministries. The “them” in the disciples’ question are those not in Jesus’ inner circle, but probably especially antagonistic Jews.
The question also suggests something about parables. Some preachers point to parables as justification for using sermon illustrations. Well-meaning Christians have sometimes used parables as though they were stories for children. The dialogue between Jesus and the disciples indicates a much different purpose for parables.
Jesus utilizes parables for several reasons: their structure allows Him to challenge His enemies in a stealthy, surprising way. In parables, Jesus presents the truth in a way that requires a discernment His opposition does not possess. This also allows Jesus to further instruct His closest followers in private, explaining the parables in greater detail.
Now, back to the troublesome statement in v. 12. It falls on the heels of Jesus telling the disciples, “To you is has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given” (v. 11). So, what is it in v. 12 that will be taken away from the unbelieving Jews? Simon Kistemaker writes in his book, The Parables, “Those Jews… who reject the words of Jesus have to give up their understanding of the Old Testament teachings on the kingdom of God” (36).
As the people of God, the Jews had access to the Word of God in a way that no others did. But, when they rejected the Word become flesh (cf. John 1:14), they lost what they had, because they gave up the interpretive key to the Old Testament. The apostle Paul alludes to this very same problem in 2 Corinthians 3:12–16, “Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts” and “only through Christ is it taken away” (vv. 14, 15).
All faithful people are striving to understand God’s Word. Some passages are clearer than others. Remember this: eternal hope begins and ends with faith in Jesus Christ. Not coincidentally, such faith often resolves interpretive difficulties.
Clay Leonard