Single lesson
Why Jesus Uses Parables
Matthew 13:34–35
Jesus speaks to the multitudes in parables in these two verses. This lesson helps children notice what Jesus did, how Matthew describes it, and how Matthew connects it to words spoken through a prophet.
Before you teach
Matthew says Jesus spoke "all these things" to the multitudes in parables. He also says Jesus did not speak to them without a parable. Then Matthew connects this pattern to words spoken through a prophet about speaking in parables and uttering hidden things.
Students will be able to say that Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables and explain that Matthew 13:35 links this to the prophet’s words about uttering things hidden from the foundation of the world.
Welcome: Notice the wording in the passage
5 minTell the group that these verses say Jesus spoke to the multitudes "in parables". Explain that today they will listen for the passage’s own wording. Ask them to notice two things as you read: how Jesus spoke to the crowds, and what Matthew says this fulfilled.
Matthew 13:34, Matthew 13:35
Read and explain: Jesus spoke to the multitudes in parables
7 minRead both verses aloud slowly. Point out that Matthew says Jesus spoke "all these things in parables to the multitudes". Also notice the strong wording: "without a parable, he didn’t speak to them". This shows that parables were the way Jesus spoke to these crowds here.
Matthew 13:34
Discuss: Matthew connects this with the prophet’s words
6 minNow look closely at verse 35. Matthew says this happened so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled. Read the quotation together: "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world." Help children see that Matthew connects Jesus speaking in parables with these words.
Matthew 13:35
Make and respond: Reminder card for listening to Jesus’ parables
8 minChildren choose a short phrase from the passage, such as "in parables" or "things hidden". They make a small reminder card and add one realistic example of listening carefully when hearing Jesus’ teaching in parables. Explain clearly that this example is our response, while the verses tell us what Jesus did.
Matthew 13:34, Matthew 13:35
Closing: Say the passage in your own words
4 minFinish by asking each child to say one sentence: either "Jesus spoke in parables" or "Matthew says this fulfilled the prophet’s words". Summarise that Matthew connects Jesus speaking in parables with the prophet’s words about uttering things hidden from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 13:34, Matthew 13:35
Questions to explore
Who did Jesus speak to in these verses, and how did he speak to them?
Look for the words "the multitudes" and "in parables" in Matthew 13:34, then answer using the verse’s own wording.
Matthew 13:34
What strong phrase shows how often Jesus used parables with the multitudes?
Notice the line "without a parable, he didn’t speak to them" and explain what that tells you about his teaching pattern here.
Matthew 13:34
According to Matthew 13:35, what did the prophet say would be spoken in parables?
Read the quotation carefully and focus on the phrase "things hidden from the foundation of the world".
Matthew 13:35
Make, think or respond
Parable Reminder Card
What you’ll need
- paper or card
- pencils or pens
- crayons or markers
- scissors
Try it together
- Read Matthew 13:34 and Matthew 13:35 again and let each child choose a short phrase from the verses.
- Fold or cut paper into a small card and write the chosen phrase clearly on the front.
- Inside the card, write or draw one realistic way to listen carefully when hearing Jesus’ teaching in parables.
- Invite children to show their card and read their phrase aloud to the group.
The card keeps the lesson focused on the passage’s own words about Jesus speaking in parables and gives children a simple way to practise a response of careful listening to Jesus’ teaching in parables.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, offer two phrase choices to copy, such as "in parables" or "things hidden", and let them respond mainly with a drawing.
- For older children, ask them to explain in one extra sentence how Matthew 13:35 connects Jesus’ teaching with words spoken through the prophet.
An optional closing prayer
You may pray: "Lord Jesus, thank you for speaking in parables. Please help us listen carefully to your teaching. Amen."
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Matthew 13
34 Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, he didn’t speak to them,
35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.”
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.