Matthew 13:10-17, The Purpose of the Parables

10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

‘“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 15 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

Comments

While Jesus told the Parable of the Sower in public, he starts its explanation in private. His disciples want to know why he speaks in parables rather than more straightforwardly. There is a division of people into two groups: those who understand the revelation of God and those who do not.The secrets of the kingdom can only be grasped by those who have the spiritual capacity to receive them, those whose eyes have been opened by the Spirit, who have spiritual understanding.

In quoting Isaiah 6:9-10, Jesus re-enacts and fulfills the role of the Old Testament prophet, delivering God’s message to his people. The more Jesus says, however, the worse the situation becomes for those without spiritual understanding. Jesus claims that the hopes of Israel are now fulfilled in him and his ministry.

Prayer

Lord, give me spiritual understanding that I may eyes that see, a heart that loves you, and ears that listen to your divine wisdom that I may turn and be healed in all areas of my life.