13:3 parables. Although the term “parable” can have a broad range of meanings, Jesus’ “parables” are His distinctive teaching through brief comparisons or narratives. They usually have one central point or idea. Most of Jesus’ parables are clear, but they also contain a depth of meaning that only one with a right relationship to Jesus can comprehend. It is only to the disciples that Jesus gives the interpretation of the parable of the sower (vv. 18–23) and the parable of the weeds (vv. 36–43). The ungodly miss this deeper meaning because their lack of a proper relationship with God has darkened their thoughts and hearts (Rom. 1:21).