Original Research
Reading Matthew 13 as a prophetic discourse: The four parables presented in private
Submitted: 30 September 2014 | Published: 20 April 2015
About the author(s)
Jacob J. Scholtz, Department of Old and New Testament, Stellenbosch University, South AfricaAbstract
The task of Jesus’ disciples might be to juxtapose ‘new and old’ unconditional prophecies of the kingdom of heaven. After describing its setting, the four parables in Matthew 13, presented in private, are considered from a pre-millennial perspective. The parable of the hidden treasure may indicate how Jesus Christ first authenticates and then hides his authority and power to rule as King in terms of the Davidic Covenant over the literal Davidic kingdom – before he then goes to the cross. Having been to the cross, the parable of the pearl merchant may show how the first, spiritual phase of the kingdom commences when Christ Jesus starts his pearl ministry as High Priest in terms of the New Covenant. The parable of the dragnet has in view the transition from the spiritual phase of the kingdom into its future phase. An overview of the four privately given parables of Matthew 13 is then provided. After this a summary of the new and old prophecies contained in the eight parables of Matthew 13 is presented, followed by the conclusion.
’n Ondersoek na Matteus 13 as ’n profetiese diskoers: Die vier gelykenisse wat privaat aangebied is. Die taak van Jesus se dissipels sou kon wees om ‘nuwe en ou’ onvoorwaardelike profesieë van die koninkryk van die hemele met mekaar te vergelyk. Nadat die konteks beskryf is, word die vier gelykenisse in Matteus 13 wat privaat aangebied is vanuit ’n pre-millenniale perspektief oorweeg. Die gelykenis van die verborge skat sou kon aantoon hoe Jesus Christus sy gesag en mag om as Koning in terme van die Dawidiese Verbond oor die letterlike Dawidiese koninkryk te regeer, eers bevestig en dan verberg – waarna Hy kruis toe gaan. Nadat Hy gekruisig is, sou die gelykenis van die pêrelkoper kon aantoon hoe die eerste, geestelike fase van die koninkryk ’n aanvang neem as Christus Jesus sy pêrelbediening as Hoëpriester in terme van die Nuwe Verbond begin. Die gelykenis van die net toon die oorgang van die geestelike fase van die koninkryk van die hemele na die toekomstige letterlike fase. ’n Oorsig oor die vier gelykenisse van Matteus 13 wat privaat aangebied is, word dan verskaf. Daarna word ’n opsomming van die nuwe en ou profesieë wat die agt gelykenisse van Matteus 13 bevat gegee, gevolg deur die slot.
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