In Matthew 13:3, Jesus begins speaking in parables — the immediate context for the disciples' question.

In Mark 4:10, the disciples ask about parables in a parallel account of this same scene.

In Mark 4:34, Jesus explains everything privately to his disciples — directly addressing why he speaks in parables.

Mark 4:2 gives the parallel account of Jesus teaching in parables, providing the same setting as the disciples' question in Matthew 13:10.

Luke 8:9 is the parallel account of the disciples asking about the parable of the sower—the same event as Matthew 13:10.

In Mark 4:33, a summary explains Jesus taught many parables according to the hearers' ability — expanding on why he used parables.

John 16:25 explains that Jesus spoke in figures (parables) but will later speak plainly—addressing the same topic as Matthew 13:10.

Mark 7:17 shows the same pattern of disciples asking Jesus privately about a parable—similar to the question in Matthew 13:10.