The reference to “the house” in Matthew 13:1 suggests that a specific home is meant. Possibly it was the home of Peter and Andrew in Capernaum. After leaving the home, Jesus set out for the Sea of Galilee. Seeing him, many people began to gather around him. He then boarded a boat, seated himself, and began to speak to the crowd standing on the beach. (Matthew 13:2; Mark 4:1; )

Unlike the limited use he had made of parables or likenesses in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus now began to teach exclusively with parables. These parables portrayed scenes from daily life and served to convey spiritual truths. (Matthew 13:3; Mark 4:2; Luke 8:4)

Notes:

See http://bibleplaces.com/capernaum.htm for pictures of and comments about Capernaum.

See http://bibleplaces.com/seagalilee.htm for pictures of and comments about the Sea of Galilee.