Matthew takes obvious delight in retelling Jesus' numerous parables in great detail and with studied finesse. Yet, while Matthew records Jesus' "reasons" for speaking in parables - Jesus says their use fulfills prophecy and creates a specially informed group of disciples (3:10-16) - these tales take on new significance in the life of the Matthean community.

The larger focus of the parables in Matthew 13 appears to be an examination of the relationship between Jewish Christians and Jews who have heard Jesus' words about the kingdom but have rejected it and him. Matthew's community continued to see itself as part of Israel - indeed, now the best part - but that conviction put it in conflict with the rest of the Jewish community.

The parables Jesus tells in chapter 13 suggest why his kingdom …