Matthew devotes all of chapter 13 to a compilation of Jesus' parables. Furthermore, he divides Jesus' parables into two separate formats public presentations of unadorned free-standing parables, and private 'explanations' of these parables.

To explain this arrangement, Matthew's text includes a rather lengthy 'aside' in verses 10-17 that offers the rationale for this two-tiered, teaching technique. Scholars tend to view this whole construction as an answer to a felt need within Matthew's faith community. The parables Jesus preaches openly are all concerned with the kingdom of God both its actual presence and its anticipated fulfillment.

The 'explanations' offered within Jesus' private discussions focus on the horizon on what may be expected as the kingdom of God comes to its fulfillment at…