Hey there, truth seekers. In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent tension between the Gospels: Matthew (and Mark) claim Jesus always taught the crowds in parables, while John records extended theological dialogues instead of short parables. The episode compares context, literary style, and scholarly arguments to show how both accounts can be complementary—Matthew highlights Jesus’ public parabolic teaching, while John emphasizes intimate, identity-focused discourse. Listeners are encouraged to study carefully and see how different Gospel perspectives deepen, rather than contradict, our understanding of Jesus’ teaching.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html
2. “Are there Parables in John? It is Time to Revisit the Question” by Ruben Zimmermann, Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus 9 (2011) 243–276: https://brill.com/view/journals/jshj/9/3/article-p243_3.xml (Note: Excerpts provided in conversation attachment)
3. Why did Jesus teach in parables?: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html
4. Enduring Word Bible Commentary on Matthew 13: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-13/
5. Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables? (Their Purpose Explained): https://bibleproject.com/articles/are-the-parables-of-jesus-confusing-on-purpose/
6. Major Differences Between John and the Synoptic Gospels: https://bible.org/seriespage/2-major-differences-between-john-and-synoptic-gospels/
7. Three Ways John is Different from the Synoptic Gospels (and three ways it’s similar): https://www.ntwrightonline.org/three-ways-john-is-different-from-the-synoptic-gospels-and-three-ways-its-similar/
8. Why Aren't There Any Parables in the Gospel of John?: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-arent-there-any-parables-in-the-gospel-of-john.html
9. Why does Jesus not use Parables in John?: http://blog.charleshedrick.com/2017/01/why-does-jesus-not-use-parables-in-john.html
10. Parables in the Gospels (Baylor University PDF): https://ifl.web.baylor.edu/sites/g/files/ecbvkj771/files/2023-02/parables.pdf

Host Lance Smith examines why the Bible records the exact same census total—603,550—twice in Exodus and Numbers. He explains that the Exodus count was for atonement and tabernacle contributions, while the Numbers count, taken one month later, was a military census for organizing Israel to move.

The episode addresses objections about the large population figure and concludes the matching totals reflect two distinct, closely timed counts of the same population rather than a contradiction.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI
2. Brown, Randy. “Large Numbers in the Old Testament.” Bible Study with Randy, 2016. https://www.biblestudywithrandy.com/2016/06/large-numbers-old-testament/
3. Hoffmeier, James K. “The Number of Israelites in the Exodus.” Bible Archaeology Society. https://biblearchaeology.org/research/chronological-categories/exodus-era/3943-the-number-of-israelites-in-the-exodus
4. Guzik, David. “Numbers 1 Commentary.” Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-1/
5. Guzik, David. “Numbers 26 Commentary.” Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-26/
6. GotQuestions.org. “What was the census in the book of Numbers?” https://www.gotquestions.org/Numbers-census.html
7. Baden, Joel et al. “Recounting the Census: A Military Force of 5,500?” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/recounting-the-census-a-military-force-of-5500
8. Agape Bible Study. “Numbers Lesson 1.” https://www.agapebiblestudy.com/Numbers/Numbers_Lesson_1.htm
9. BibleHub. “Why do Numbers 1:46 and 26:51 differ?” https://biblehub.com/q/why_do_numbers_1_46_and_26_51_differ.htm
10. Harrelson, Walter J., ed. The New Interpreter’s Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha. Abingdon Press, 2003.
11. MacArthur, John F., ed. The MacArthur Study Bible. New International Version (NIV). Thomas Nelson, 1997.

In this episode Lance Smith examines the apparent tension between Jesus saying some understand the "secrets of the kingdom" (Matthew 13:10–11) and his claim at his trial that he "said nothing in secret" (John 18). Using clear translation, historical context, and scholarship, Lance shows parables function as a public filter—revealing truth to the receptive and concealing it from the hardened—while private explanations and timing explain commands for silence. The result: no hidden gospel, but layered reception and careful timing of revelation.

Listeners are guided through key passages, major scholarly insights, and a practical framework that resolves the contradiction and highlights Jesus' wisdom, mercy, and timing in his teaching ministry.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/secret.html
2. "Why did Jesus teach in parables?" – GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html
3. "What are the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 13:11?" – GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/mysteries-of-the-kingdom-of-heaven.html
4. "What is the Messianic Secret?" – GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/Messianic-secret.html
5. "Some Stories Read Us: Why Jesus Spoke in Parables" by Gerrit Scott Dawson – DesiringGod.org: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/some-stories-read-us
6. "Are the Parables of Jesus Confusing on Purpose?" by Josh Porter – BibleProject.com: https://bibleproject.com/articles/are-the-parables-of-jesus-confusing-on-purpose/
7. "Messianic Secret: The Mystery Behind Jesus' Concealed Identity" – BartEhrman.com: https://www.bartehrman.com/messianic-secret/
8. "John 18: I Have Said Nothing in Secret" – readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/2024/01/08/john-18-i-have-said-nothing-in-secret/
9. "Matthew 13 and the Function of the Parables in the First Gospel" by Jonathan T. Pennington – Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, Vol. 13, No. 3 (PDF): https://cf.sbts.edu/equip/uploads/2015/10/SBJT-V13-N.3-Pennington.pdf
10. "The Messianic Secret in Mark’s Gospel as Fulfillment of the Revelations of God" by Markus Piennisch – Stuttgarter Theologische Themen (PDF): https://www.sttonline.org/wp-content/uploads/files/STT7_2012_MPiennisch_EN.pdf
11. "The Parables of Jesus" by Peter Krol – Logos.com: https://www.logos.com/grow/nook-parables-of-jesus/