Up to this point in Matthew’s gospel there has been a consistent and clear proclamation of the nearness of the kingdom of heaven (see 3:2; 4:17; 10:7). Jesus’s ministry had been  one characterized by urgency and excitement, rebuke and invitation. However, opposition had been brewing and, in chapters 11 and 12, it came to a head as Israel’s leadership looked Jesus in the eyes and declared on behalf of the nation, “We don’t believe you and we don’t want you” (see 12:24)! This rejection was labelled by the Lord as unforgivable (12:32) and irreversible (12:37).

A thoughtful reader of Matthew’s gospel has to ask at this point, what now? Israel, having waited centuries for their messianic King, shunned him when he finally arrived! What’s this rejected Christ going to do now? Matthew 13 records Jesus’s reaction and the necessary but calculated shift that takes place in his ministry going forward.

Key Passage: Matthew 13:1–23

Series: Matthew: Of King and Kingdom

Speaker: Josiah Boyd